Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), often simply referred to as Mormon temples, are sacred structures where members of the faith engage in special religious rites and ceremonies. These temples serve as places of worship, reflection, and community, providing an environment conducive to spiritual growth and devotion. They are separate from regular meetinghouses where weekly services and other church activities are held.
Each temple holds significant religious meaning for members of the LDS Church. Within these hallowed walls, sacred ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, eternal marriages, and sealing ceremonies for families are performed. To enter a temple, one must hold a “temple recommend,” a special endorsement given to members who are living in accordance with the church’s principles.
The construction and dedication of these temples are major events in the LDS faith, symbolizing the growth and expansion of the church. As the church continues to grow globally, the number of temples has also increased, offering more access to these sacred spaces. But how many temples does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently have, and how has the number evolved over the years?
How Many Temples Does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Have?
How Did the Number of Temples Begin?
The story of LDS temples begins with the foundation of the church itself. In 1836, the first temple of the LDS Church was completed in Kirtland, Ohio. The Kirtland Temple was a groundbreaking structure, not only as the first temple in the history of the faith but also as a manifestation of the church’s growth and its commitment to sacred ordinances. The Kirtland Temple holds great historical importance, as it was here that many early LDS members participated in foundational religious experiences.
The early history of the LDS Church saw the construction of a few other temples, including the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois, which became a focal point for the faith in the 1840s. However, after the church’s expulsion from Illinois, the construction of new temples was hindered by the challenges of migration and settlement in the western United States. The temples that followed, including those in Salt Lake City and elsewhere, represented both the physical and spiritual establishment of the church in the American West.
Over time, as the church grew and expanded its reach worldwide, so did the number of temples. The question now becomes: How many temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are there today?
What Is the Current Count of Temples?
As of April 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates 172 temples worldwide, with several more either under construction or announced. This number has steadily increased over the years, especially as the church has expanded its international presence. In fact, there has been an explosion in temple construction in the last few decades, reflecting the growing membership of the church across the globe.
What Does This Growth Mean for the Church?
The significant increase in the number of temples is a direct reflection of the growth of the church itself. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has millions of members, with a presence in nearly every country. As the global membership has increased, the need for more temples has become evident. The construction of new temples not only provides more opportunities for members to participate in sacred rites but also serves as a symbol of the faith’s expanding global reach.
Temples in regions where the church has historically had a smaller presence offer spiritual benefits to local members, making it easier for them to perform sacred ordinances without having to travel long distances to a temple. The Church has worked hard to meet this demand by building smaller, more accessible temples, and this effort has resulted in the unprecedented growth of LDS temples in recent years.
How Are Temples Distributed Around the World?
What Are the Regional Patterns of Temple Distribution?
While the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, temples are not limited to the United States. In fact, temples are found across the globe, with significant numbers in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines, as well as in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Temples are built in cities with large concentrations of LDS members, but they are also constructed in areas where there is a smaller, growing membership.
The distribution of temples reflects the church’s commitment to making its sacred spaces accessible to as many members as possible. In countries with a particularly high membership, such as the United States, Mexico, and Brazil, there are multiple temples. Other nations, where the church is less established, may only have one or two temples, but that number is steadily increasing.
How Many Temples Are in the United States?
The United States is home to the largest number of temples, with around 50 temples spread across the country. The Salt Lake Temple, located in the heart of Salt Lake City, is perhaps the most famous, as it is the iconic symbol of the church. In addition to Salt Lake, temples in cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. serve large populations of LDS members.
The United States has long been the center of the church, and the high number of temples there ensures that members have ample access to these sacred sites. However, as the international growth of the church continues, more and more temples are being built in other countries.
What About Other Continents?
Outside of North America, temples can be found in every continent, including Europe, South America, and Asia. Brazil and Mexico, two countries with large LDS populations, are home to numerous temples. In Brazil, there are more than 10 temples, with significant presences in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Mexico also boasts a significant number of temples, many of which are located in cities with large populations of church members.
In Europe, there are temples in countries such as England, France, and Switzerland, and the church has made efforts to build temples in regions with smaller populations of LDS members, ensuring that the faithful in these areas have access to sacred ordinances. As the church’s global outreach continues, temples are increasingly being constructed in areas with emerging LDS communities, such as in parts of Africa and Asia.
Why Are More Temples Being Built?
What Is the Importance of Temples in LDS Doctrine?
Temples are vital to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as they are the locations where key religious ordinances are performed. These ordinances, including baptism for the dead, eternal marriages, and sealing of families, are considered essential for salvation and exaltation in the afterlife. For Latter-day Saints, these sacred rites are of paramount importance, and temples provide the necessary spaces to perform these sacred duties.
The growing number of temples reflects the church’s commitment to providing its members with the opportunity to partake in these ordinances, regardless of their geographic location. The construction of temples is seen as fulfilling a divine mandate to ensure that all members have access to these sacred rites.
How Do Temples Represent Growth and Unity?
The expansion of temples also symbolizes the growth of the church and the worldwide unity of its members. Temples are built not only to serve the local members but also to create a sense of shared spiritual purpose across the global membership. As the church grows, the building of new temples helps strengthen the bonds of unity, bringing members together in worship, even in the most remote corners of the world.
Conclusion
As the global membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow, the number of temples will likely continue to rise. The church’s goal is to ensure that its sacred ordinances are accessible to members everywhere. This ongoing effort to build more temples, particularly in regions with large and growing populations of LDS members, will help ensure that the sacred work of the temple is available to all.
In the coming years, it is expected that the number of LDS temples will continue to grow, with new temples announced frequently to meet the needs of an expanding global community. The temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not only places of worship but also powerful symbols of the faith’s commitment to its teachings and its growing worldwide membership. With each new temple, the church continues to expand its reach, offering sacred spaces where members can deepen their faith and experience spiritual growth.
