Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Cody Wyoming Temple on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, marking the first temple dedication presided over by Gilbert since his appointment as an Apostle in February 2026. The ceremony, held in the Big Horn Basin, provides local members with a place for sacred ordinances that previously required travel to Billings or Idaho Falls.
Dedication Ceremony Details
The dedication ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the Lovell Stake Center, with a rebroadcast scheduled for 2 p.m. Because seating inside the temple is limited, attendance at the physical structure was by invitation only, while other eligible members participated through broadcasts at designated meeting houses throughout the Big Horn Basin, according to a report from the Lovell Chronicle.
Exploring Spiritual Frontiers
During the service, Elder Gilbert addressed the congregation regarding the concept of spiritual frontiers. He noted that while modern members are not called to settle physical wilderness frontiers like the early pioneers, they face personal, spiritual frontiers such as conversion, returning to the Church, or fulfilling callings.
"May we mark this temple dedication as an invitation to go to the spiritual frontiers in our own lives," Elder Gilbert said. "As we do, I promise that we will become who the Lord needs us to become. I add my witness that He lives and He is beckoning us to the frontier."
The Role of the Frontier
Elder Gilbert reflected on the history of the Big Horn Basin, describing the land as once being isolated and acrid, with cold winters and scarce water. He noted that building a community under such conditions required vision, commitment, and a willingness to sacrifice.
He referenced the former BYU–Idaho president and emeritus General Authority Seventy, Elder Kim B. Clark, stating that if one wants to know the Savior, one should go to the frontier because that is where the greatest growth and development happens. Elder Gilbert identified four characteristics of these spiritual frontiers: they are revealed by the Lord when asked, they take people to unknown places, they lead to places God wants them to go, and the Lord does not leave people alone while at the frontier.
Temple History and Impact
The Cody Wyoming Temple is the 227th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the third temple in the state of Wyoming, following the dedication of the Star Valley Wyoming Temple in 2016 and the Casper Wyoming Temple in 2024, according to Church Newsroom.
President Russell M. Nelson originally announced the Cody Wyoming Temple in October 2021. The facility stands on land donated by Glenn and Erica Nielson. Erica Nielson expressed her enthusiasm for the new temple, noting it would allow her to spend more time in the house of the Lord as an ordinance worker rather than traveling for services.
Local Community Significance
For members in the region, the new temple provides a significant local resource. Previously, Latter-day Saint members in the Big Horn Basin traveled to Billings or Idaho Falls for sacred ordinances.
Worland Wyoming Stake President Duane Whitlock said the local Saints already feel a connection to the Cody temple, stating, "This is our time. We get to see this. We get to witness this miracle of having a temple right in our backyard."
Ceremonial Traditions
The dedication ceremony included the traditional Hosanna Shout, a ceremonial expression of praise and gratitude. Participants were encouraged to bring a clean white handkerchief for the ceremony.
Open House History
The temple's recent public open house, which allowed visitors to tour the building and learn about its role in worship, was held from late August through mid-September 2026. This followed a media day held on Monday, August 24, 2026, and tours for invited guests on August 25 and 26, 2026.
