The temple has a single central spire.[4] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on April 30, 2022, conducted by Anthony D. Perkins of the seventy[4] and was attended by approximately 500 local church members and community leaders.[6]
History
The temple was announced by Russell M. Nelson on April 4, 2021,[4] and is the first announced for the state in the 21st century.[5] The site was selected near the commercial hub of the Four Corners area, the site is close to the confluence of the Animas, San Juan, and La Plata rivers.[7]
On June 23, 2021, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on a 6.62-acre property located at the intersection of College Boulevard and Windsor Drive in Farmington, New Mexico. A meetinghouse will also be built on the site.[4] The preliminary plans called for a single-story structure of 25,000 square feet.[8]
During construction, the temple has faced various challenges, including delays in receiving building materials.[9] The temple is estimated to be completed in early 2025.[10]
Design and architecture
The building has a contemporary design for the church's temples. Its architecture reflects the cultural heritage of the Four Corners region and the spiritual significance to the church.
Exterior
It is being built to stand one story tall, constructed with granite.[8][9] The exterior is characterized by a multilevel tower topped with a spire, elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions.[5] Exterior details include carvings of linked pine needles and pinon roses.[11]
Interior
The interior will feature art-glass windows, designed to reflect the church's beliefs and the unique flora and fauna of the region. The windows will depict stairways leading to heaven and will include local plants such as prickly pear cactus, corn, yucca, and scarlet globe mallow. Some of the windows will feature landscapes of the surrounding areas.[9]
The temple will include two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry, each designed for ceremonial use.[4] Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.
Symbols
The design is using symbolic elements representing Latter-day Saint beliefs, providing spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. The linked pine needle design on its exterior symbolizes the role of temple ordinances in Latter-day Saint doctrine to link families together for eternity. Additionally, the interior art-glass windows portray pinon roses in circles, representing eternity with a design that has no beginning and no end.[9]
Cultural and community impact
Though not yet completed, construction of the temple has had a role in creating a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds in the area. Leaders of other local faiths expressed that while they had initially had reservations about the size of the construction, they were impressed by the church’s respect for and willingness to work with the local community.[11]
Additionally, the temple's presence has contributed to the local economy, as construction has created new jobs. Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett noted that there are “more than a dozen local subcontractors working on the build.”[11]
Admittance
Upon completion, it is anticipated that a public open house will be held.[11] The open house is projected to be at least two weeks, but may be extended to eight or ten weeks.[12]
Like all the church's temples, it will not be used for Sunday worship services.[13] To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.[14]
^Saints, President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. "COVID-19 and Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
