This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
The Farmington New Mexico Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under construction in Farmington, New Mexico. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 4, 2021, by church president Russell M. Nelson, during the church's general conference.[3] The temple is the second in the state of New Mexico, following the one in Albuquerque.[4] The temple district is anticipated to encompass the Four Corners region, which includes church members in parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation.[5]
| Farmington New Mexico Temple | |
|---|---|
| Under construction | |
 | |
| Number | 220 |
| Site | 6.62 acres (2.68 ha) |
| Floor area | 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) |
| Official website • News & images | |
| Additional information | |
| Announced | April 4, 2021, by Russell M. Nelson[1] |
| Groundbreaking | 30 April 2022, by Anthony D. Perkins[2] |
| Location | Farmington, New Mexico, United States |
| Geographic coordinates | 36°46′11″N 108°09′54″W / 36.7698°N 108.1649°W |
| Baptistries | 1 |
| Ordinance rooms | 2 |
| Sealing rooms | 2 |
| () | |
The temple has a single central spire.[4] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on April 30, 2022, conducted by Anthony D. Perkins of the seventy[4] and was attended by approximately 500 local church members and community leaders.[6]
History
editThe temple was announced by Russell M. Nelson on April 4, 2021,[4] and is the first announced for the state in the 21st century.[5] The site was selected near the commercial hub of the Four Corners area, the site is close to the confluence of the Animas, San Juan, and La Plata rivers.[7]
On June 23, 2021, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on a 6.62-acre property located at the intersection of College Boulevard and Windsor Drive in Farmington, New Mexico. A meetinghouse will also be built on the site.[4] The preliminary plans called for a single-story structure of 25,000 square feet.[8]
During construction, the temple has faced various challenges, including delays in receiving building materials.[9] The temple is estimated to be completed in early 2025.[10]
Design and architecture
editThe building has a contemporary design for the church's temples. Its architecture reflects the cultural heritage of the Four Corners region and the spiritual significance to the church.
Exterior
editIt is being built to stand one story tall, constructed with granite.[8][9] The exterior is characterized by a multilevel tower topped with a spire, elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions.[5] Exterior details include carvings of linked pine needles and pinon roses.[11]
Interior
editThe interior will feature art-glass windows, designed to reflect the church's beliefs and the unique flora and fauna of the region. The windows will depict stairways leading to heaven and will include local plants such as prickly pear cactus, corn, yucca, and scarlet globe mallow. Some of the windows will feature landscapes of the surrounding areas.[9]
The temple will include two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry, each designed for ceremonial use.[4] Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.
Symbols
editThe design is using symbolic elements representing Latter-day Saint beliefs, providing spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. The linked pine needle design on its exterior symbolizes the role of temple ordinances in Latter-day Saint doctrine to link families together for eternity. Additionally, the interior art-glass windows portray pinon roses in circles, representing eternity with a design that has no beginning and no end.[9]
Cultural and community impact
editThough not yet completed, construction of the temple has had a role in creating a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds in the area. Leaders of other local faiths expressed that while they had initially had reservations about the size of the construction, they were impressed by the church’s respect for and willingness to work with the local community.[11]
Additionally, the temple's presence has contributed to the local economy, as construction has created new jobs. Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett noted that there are “more than a dozen local subcontractors working on the build.”[11]
Admittance
editUpon completion, it is anticipated that a public open house will be held.[11] The open house is projected to be at least two weeks, but may be extended to eight or ten weeks.[12]
Like all the church's temples, it will not be used for Sunday worship services.[13] To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[14]
See also
edit
- Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by geographic region
- Temple architecture (Latter-day Saints)
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico
References
edit- ^ "Prophet Announces Twenty New Temples at April 2021 General Conference", Newsroom, LDS Church, 4 April 2021
- ^ https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ground-broken-farmington-new-mexico-temple
- ^ Saints, President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. "COVID-19 and Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ a b c d e f "Farmington New Mexico Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ a b c "Church News". Church News. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ "Ground Broken on Farmington New Mexico Temple". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2022-04-30. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ "Ground broken in Four Corners area for Farmington New Mexico temple". Church News. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ a b "Where will new Latter-day Saint temples in Idaho, New Mexico and Colorado be located?". Deseret News. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Albright, David Edward. "LDS temple officials provide project update". The Journal. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ "A complete list of all Latter-day Saint temples under construction". Deseret News. 2024-01-31. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Begay, Mesha (2023-07-27). "Mayor, church leader react to new temple in Farmington". KOB.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ Albright, David Edward. "LDS temple officials provide project update". The Journal. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ Begay, Mesha (2023-07-26). "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to open temple in Farmington". KOB.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
- ^ "Inside Temples". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.