Exciting news for Latter-day Saints and community members in Iowa! The Des Moines Iowa Temple is set to become a beautiful cornerstone of faith and heritage on a 19.5-acre site, nestled at an elevation of 914 feet in Johnston. With its captivating architectural design featuring a striking single attached spire, this temple promises to be a sight to behold.

Inside, the Des Moines Iowa Temple will offer one instruction room, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, creating sacred spaces for reflection and connection. It will spread across approximately 18,850 square feet, all on a single floor, making it welcoming and accessible to all visitors.

The journey towards this remarkable Des Moines Iowa Temple began when President Russell M. Nelson unveiled plans for the temple at the 194th Annual General Conference on April 7, 2024. This will mark a historic moment as it stands as the first temple in Iowa, a state that proudly hosts over 29,000 Latter-day Saints among around 70 congregations.

Looking back, it’s fascinating to note that in the 1840s, nearly 200 Latter-day Saint pioneers laid the groundwork for this community by establishing Garden Grove, where they planted crops and built cabins to support those heading west toward Utah. Other early settlements like Mount Pisgah and Council Bluffs also played pivotal roles in shaping the journey of faith for many.

As we await the completion of the Des Moines Iowa Temple, there’s a sense of joy and anticipation, knowing it will serve as a beacon of hope and a gathering place for many generations to come!