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 on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, following a multi-year renovation process. The ceremony marked the official return of the landmark structure to service after it had been closed since July 2023 for extensive upgrades.
A Testament of Faith
During the rededication ceremony, President Christofferson described the temple as a "visible, tangible testimony of the living reality of the Redeemer" and noted that the building serves as a testament to the faith of multiple generations. He remarked that the San Diego California Temple reflects the legacy of early Latter-day Saint members in the region, including the Mormon Battalion, who arrived in 1847.
Public Interest and Open House
The rededication follows a period of significant public interest, as more than 250,000 people participated in a public open house held between June 18 and July 11, 2026. This turnout significantly exceeded previous expectations, as the Church noted a concerted effort to increase public awareness of the temple's return to service.
Extensive Renovations and Upgrades
The temple, which first opened in 1993, underwent a comprehensive renovation that began after it closed for worship on July 29, 2023. The renovation projects included repainting the exterior, refreshing the landscaping, and upgrading the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Additionally, the project involved improving accessibility, replacing the roof, and updating interior elements such as art glass, carpet, lighting, and furnishings. The interior layout was also modified, including the removal of the former cafeteria area to create a new waiting room for wedding guests.
Architectural Design Details
The San Diego temple's architecture features a four-story structure of 58,005 square feet, constructed from a combination of structural steel, precast concrete, and marble chips set within marblecrete plaster. The design includes 10 spires, two of which are larger than the others. The interior features an eight-pointed star-shaped atrium created by two overlapping 45-degree-offset squares, a design element that is integrated into the lighting, carpet, and art glass throughout the building.
Ceremonial Participants
The rededication ceremony was attended by several high-ranking Church officials, including Elders Steven R. Bangerter and Taylor G. Godoy, along with their wives, Susan and Carol, and Elder Hugo E. Martínez and his wife, Nuria. Presiding Bishop W. Christopher Waddell and his wife, Carol, also participated in the proceedings. Bishop Waddell, who attended the temple's original dedication in 1993, noted that returning for the rededication brought back memories of family and service within the building.
Historical Timeline
The history of the San Diego temple dates back to April 7, 1984, when plans for the construction were first announced. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Feb. 27, 1988, presided over by President Ezra Taft Benson. The temple was originally dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson on April 25, 1993, in a series of 23 sessions.
Global Church Context
The San Diego temple is one of 385 temples currently in operation or in various stages of development for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church is also preparing for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, which is scheduled to take place from April 5 through October 1, 2027.
