Full Breakdown
New Temple Announced for Portland, Maine
12/15/2025, 4:06:54 AM
Announcement Details
On December 14, 2025, during a Christmas devotional for the Portland Maine Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Allen D. Haynie, the United States Northeast Area President, announced the construction of a new temple in Portland, Maine. This temple will be the first in the state and will increase the total number of temples worldwide to 383. Elder Haynie expressed that this development is a significant blessing, allowing members greater access to the ordinances and covenants unique to the house of the Lord. The specific location and timeline for the temple's construction will be disclosed at a later date.
Historical Context
The establishment of the Portland Maine Stake earlier in 2025 marked a significant milestone for Latter-day Saints in the region, which is home to over 11,000 members across 27 congregations. Prior to this announcement, church members in Maine were part of the Boston Massachusetts Temple district. The history of the Church in Maine dates back to 1832, when missionaries first arrived, establishing branches in various locations over the years.
Significance of the Announcement
Elder Haynie noted that this announcement deviates from the recent trend of temple announcements being made primarily during the Church's semiannual general conferences. Historically, under President Russell M. Nelson's leadership, only one temple was announced outside of a general conference session. The announcement of the Portland temple represents a shift in how the Church communicates such developments, with Elder Haynie highlighting that this is the first time a member of an Area Presidency has made such an announcement.
Official Statements & Responses
The First Presidency's statement emphasized the importance of the new temple, stating, “This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and thank God for such a significant blessing.” Elder Haynie reiterated that while there will be no further announcements of new temples at the upcoming conference, the timing and location of future announcements will be determined later.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm from many members, some critics may question the timing and the decision to announce a new temple outside the traditional conference setting. However, no specific dissenting voices were noted in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later. This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and thank God for such a significant blessing — one that will allow more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants, and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.” — Elder Allen D. Haynie, United States Northeast Area President
- “such an announcement by a member of an Area Presidency has never occurred before. Tonight, will be the first.” — Elder Allen D. Haynie
The announcement of the Portland Maine Temple marks a pivotal moment for Latter-day Saints in the region, promising to enhance their spiritual resources and community presence.
