First Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple Amid Renovations

On December 12, 2025, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President Dallin H. Oaks, President Henry B. Eyring, and President D. Todd Christofferson, toured the Salt Lake Temple, which has been undergoing extensive renovations since December 30, 2019. The renovation aims to enhance the temple's seismic safety, preserve its historic craftsmanship, and double its capacity. The temple is scheduled to reopen for public tours from April to October 2027, marking a significant milestone for the church and its followers.

See photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake TempleFirst Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple

The tour included not only the First Presidency but also the members of the Presiding Bishopric: Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, Bishop L. Todd Budge, and Bishop Sean Douglas. These leaders manage the temporal affairs of the Church and have been actively involved in the renovation process. Accompanying them were Sister Kristen Oaks and Sister Kathy Christofferson, further emphasizing the familial and community aspects of the church's leadership.

See photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake Temple

The Salt Lake Temple is a pivotal structure for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a sacred space for worship and family-oriented ordinances. President Oaks highlighted the temple's importance during the October 2025 general conference, stating, “Essential to our doctrine on the family is the temple. The ordinances received there enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father.” This sentiment underscores the temple's role in the church's teachings about family and eternity.

First Presidency Tours Salt Lake TempleSee photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake Temple

In a recent address, U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, encouraged his congressional colleagues to visit the Salt Lake Temple during its open house in 2027, anticipating it to be one of the largest public events in the church's history. He projected that the open house could attract between 3 million to 5 million visitors, highlighting the temple's significance as a landmark in Utah's capital city.

Deseret NewsFirst Presidency Tours Salt Lake TempleSee photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake Temple

The First Presidency has expressed their commitment to the renovation project, emphasizing its importance for the church community. President Oaks noted, “The sealing powers of the priesthood... bring families together for eternity,” reinforcing the temple's role in the church's mission.

First Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple

While the renovation project has been largely welcomed, some community members have raised concerns about the impact of large public events on local infrastructure and resources. However, specific dissenting voices were not prominently featured in the sources.

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As the renovation progresses, the church plans to provide more details regarding the open house and related events. The anticipation surrounding the reopening of the Salt Lake Temple reflects its central role in the faith and community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple

• “We warmly invite our friends to come and learn about God’s plan for His children and rejoice in the love of Jesus Christ.” — President Russell M. Nelson

See photos of the First Presidency touring the Salt Lake Temple

• “The ordinances received [in temples] enable us to return as eternal families to the presence of our Heavenly Father.” — President Dallin H. Oaks

First Presidency Tours Salt Lake Temple