In his closing remarks during the Sunday Afternoon Session of the October 2021 General Conference, Prophet Russell M. Nelson announced that the Provo Utah Temple will undergo demolition and reconstruction after the dedication of the Orem Utah Temple. The existing temple will officially close on Saturday, February 24, 2024, ending its ordinance work. Members in the district are encouraged to use nearby temples during this time and make appointments for personal ordinances.
The new temple, named Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple, will be located on Provo’s east bench at the mouth of Rock Canyon, featuring a stunning backdrop of mountains. The expansive 17-acre grounds will include a cascading water feature surrounded by various flowers, shrubs, and trees. The Provo Missionary Training Center is nearby, adding to the spirit of dedication in the area.
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will be approximately 163,000 square feet and will include six instruction rooms, ten sealing rooms, and two baptistries. It will be renamed on February 20, 2024, and the original structure will close and be demolished on February 24, 2024. Reconstruction is underway, with completion expected by late 2027. The new design will feature long, elegant arched windows and a multi-level tower with a golden spire, differing from the original mid-century modern style.
The temple will comply with current seismic codes and incorporate energy-efficient systems. Its main entrance will feature three grand white arches, welcoming visitors. The exterior will be constructed with modern materials, and the iconic Angel Moroni statue will not be included this time.
The 17-acre grounds will combine hardscaping, including concrete curbing and sidewalks. Landscaping will use native, drought-tolerant plants to promote sustainability and create an inviting atmosphere with diverse trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers. Picturesque water features will enhance the serene ambiance, alongside manicured garden terraces and symmetrical walkways.
As the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple develops, it aims to be a welcoming sanctuary reflecting the beauty of its surroundings and the values of its visitors, making it a cherished landmark and a beacon of peace.
Endowment changes:
While there haven’t been major new endowment changes announced specifically for 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has been implementing significant streamlining and refocusing changes since 2023, emphasizing Jesus Christ, shortening the ritual by about 15-30 minutes, and removing “redundant phrases,” leading to a more concise, Christ-centered experience that many members now attend more regularly. Recent updates also include streamlined temple recommend processes and curriculum adjustments, with continued focus on Christ and accessibility.
Key Changes (Ongoing Since ~2023-2024)
- More Jesus: More visuals and spoken references to Jesus Christ are incorporated, linking covenants directly to Him.
- Streamlined Script & Length: About 15-30 minutes have been cut by removing redundant language, making the ceremony closer to one hour.
- Covenant Focus: A stronger emphasis on making and keeping covenants to build a relationship with Christ.
- Ritual Adjustments: Some physical aspects and roles, like the witness couple’s, have been adjusted.