Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Ephraim Utah Temple on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. The dedication follows a public open house and marks the completion of the 41,680-square-foot structure located in the Sanpete Valley.
Architectural Design and Heritage
The temple, which features golden yellows and various shades of blue, was designed to honor the cultural roots of Ephraim's early settlers. Artistic motifs including wheat, oxeye daisy, and forget-me-not blossoms reflect the Scandinavian heritage of the area's pioneers. The building includes four instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
Groundbreaking and Site History
The site for the temple is a 9.16-acre parcel located at the intersection of 200 North and 400 East in Ephraim. The project follows a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President Russell M. Nelson on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. During that ceremony, Nelson noted his family's deep historical ties to the area, stating his mother was born in Ephraim and three of his four grandparents were also born in the community.
Community and Regional Impact
The Ephraim Utah Temple serves more than 31,000 members in Sanpete, Carbon, and Emery counties. The facility is expected to provide significant opportunities for Snow College students to participate in temple service. This development makes the Ephraim temple the 27th temple built in Utah and the second in Sanpete County, following the Manti Utah Temple, which is currently undergoing renovation.
Temple Announcement and Context
The construction of the temple was first announced by President Nelson on May 1, 2021. At the time of the announcement, Nelson indicated that the decision to build in Ephraim followed instruction to preserve the pioneer craftsmanship of the Manti Utah Temple during its renovation. The new temple stands less than 10 miles north of the historic Manti Utah Temple.
Dedication Ceremony Details
The dedication ceremony was held at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 11, 2026. During the dedication, Elder Rasband stated that the community of Ephraim and the surrounding temple district would be changed by the presence of the holy house.
