Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, August 29, 2026, to mark the commencement of construction for the Coeur d'Alene Idaho Temple. The event, which took place at the corner of Coeur Terre and Hanley Avenue, celebrated the future site of what will be the first temple in North Idaho.
Ceremonial Rites and Prayers
The ceremony was presided over by Elder Hutch U. Fale of the United States West Area Presidency. During the program, Elder Fale offered a dedicatory prayer for the site, asking that the temple serve as a symbol and source of peace for the community and surrounding areas. He noted that the commencement of the work, including the softening of the soil, could lead to the softening of hearts in anticipation of receiving priesthood ordinances and celestial blessings.
Spiritual Significance of the Site
Elder Fale also emphasized the spiritual significance of the house of the Lord, stating that each meetinghouse and temple serves as a reminder that all people are children of God. He expressed excitement for the future, remarking that the beauty of Northern Idaho is reflected in the faith, diligence, and good hearts of its people. To conclude the ceremony, members of the Church used golden shovels to turn the soil in a symbolic groundbreaking.
Serving North Idaho Residents
The new temple is expected to be completed in two to three years, according to Elder Fale. Once finished, the facility will serve approximately 15,000 Latter-day Saints in North Idaho. Currently, members in the region must travel to the Spokane Washington Temple for temple worship. The Coeur d'Alene Temple is intended to remove the obstacles of additional time and distance required to reach Spokane, allowing members to attend services more regularly.
Temple Development and Plans
The project was first announced by then-Church President Russell M. Nelson on Oct. 6, 2024, during the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The development plans call for a single-story temple spanning approximately 29,630 square feet. The 10.91-acre site will also include a meetinghouse and an ancillary building.
Community Testimonies
Several community members shared personal testimonies during the ceremony. Edyn Amarise Beesley, 17, of the Post Falls Idaho Stake, spoke about her conversion and her first temple experience, which occurred months after her baptism at age 16. Beesley, a resident of Rathdrum, expressed her excitement about the new location, noting that she had previously only visited temples in Moses Lake and Spokane.
Faith and Family Doctrine
Other speakers included Nile Shirley of the Hayden Lake Idaho Stake, who spoke on the daily blessings received through temple covenants. Isaac Jordan of the Sandpoint Idaho Stake testified on how keeping covenants has strengthened his relationship with Jesus Christ. Additionally, Sulet Hiatt of the Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake spoke about the importance of the temple in relation to the doctrine of family, as taught by President Dallin H. Oaks.
Temple Presence in Idaho
The Coeur d'Alene Temple is one of 11 temples currently announced, under construction, or in operation in Idaho. Other locations in the state include Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Montpelier, Pocatello, Teton River, and Twin Falls. Idaho is home to over 480,000 Latter-day Saints who meet in approximately 1,300 congregations.
