Great news for Latter-day Saints and the community in Iowa! The Des Moines Iowa Temple is on the way and is set to be a stunning cornerstone of faith and heritage. Nestled on a picturesque 19.5-acre site at an elevation of 914 feet in Johnston, this temple features an eye-catching architectural design with a striking single spire that will certainly capture the imagination.

Inside, the temple will be a Temple of peace, offering one instruction room, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, creating sacred spaces for personal reflection and connection. Spanning about 18,850 square feet on one accessible floor, it’s designed to be welcoming for all patrons visit.

This exciting journey began when President Russell M. Nelson announced the plans for the temple during the 194th Annual General Conference on April 7, 2024. This milestone will be historic, as it marks the first temple in Iowa—a state that boasts over 29,000 Latter-day Saints across around 70 congregations!

Reflecting on the past, it’s remarkable to think that in the 1840s, nearly 200 Latter-day Saint pioneers laid the foundation for this vibrant community by establishing Garden Grove. They cultivated crops and built cabins, supporting those patrons were journeying west toward Utah. Other early settlements, like Mount Pisgah and Council Bluffs, also played crucial roles in shaping the faith journey for so many.

As we eagerly await the start of the Des Moines Iowa Temple, there’s a palpable sense of joy and anticipation. This beautiful temple will stand as a beacon of hope and a gathering place for generations to come, bringing people together in faith and community. What a wonderful time to be a part of this remarkable story!