Full Breakdown
San Diego Temple Rededicated After Major Renovation
8/24/2026, 11:46:11 AM
Core Event: Rededication Ceremony
On August 23, 2026, President D. Todd Christofferson, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rededicated the San Diego California Temple. The 11 a.m. session was held inside the renovated building and broadcast to the 16 stakes in Southern California and southwest Arizona that comprise the temple district.
Background & Context
The San Diego temple, originally dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on April 25, 1993, stands on a ridge above Interstate 5 in La Jolla. Its history is linked to the Mormon Battalion, which arrived in San Diego in January 1847. Today the temple is one of nine operating LDS temples in California.
Key Figures & Groups
- President D. Todd Christofferson – led the rededication.
- Elder Steven R. Bangerter – Executive Director, Temple Department.
- Elder Taylor G. Godoy – Assistant Executive Director, Temple Department.
- Elder Hugo E. Martínez – Member of the United States West Area Presidency.
- Presiding Bishop W. Christopher Waddell – long-time San Diego resident.
Timeline
- April 7, 1984 – Temple announced.
- April 25, 1993 – Original dedication.
- July 2023 – Closed for renovations, including accessibility upgrades and HVAC replacement.
- June 18 – July 11, 2026 – Public open house.
- August 23, 2026 – Rededication ceremony.
Data & Statistics
- The LDS Church operates 385 temples worldwide.
- The San Diego temple sits on 7.2 acres, with a building area of 58,005 sq ft and a spire height of 169 ft.
- The open house attracted more than 250,000 visitors (church) or close to 300,000 (news reports).
- 550 Latter-day Saints gathered for the rededication.
Official Statements & Responses
President Christofferson linked the temple’s purpose to the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, noting that without the resurrection “none of this makes sense.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This temple and all latter-day temples constitute our visible, tangible testimony of the living reality of the Redeemer since without His Atonement and Resurrection, the temple would serve no purpose,” — President Christofferson
- “On behalf of all of us, I wish to congratulate and thank all those who have worked to renovate this temple and to finish it so carefully in every detail,” — President Christofferson
- “If He was not resurrected, none of this makes sense.” — President Christofferson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of open-house visitors: church releases state “more than 250,000,” while a news outlet reports “close to 300,000.” No additional verification is provided.
What’s Next
Latter-day Saints are preparing for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, scheduled from April 5 through October 1, 2027, featuring events honoring the historic Salt Lake Temple.