The Construction of the Temple Of The Latter-Day Saints In Grand Junction, And What Does It Mean?

Written By: Juliana Bomark, Food and Drink Editor

Photos By: Grace Metcalf

A towering white structure has caught the eye of many local citizens in Grand Junction, Colorado. The structure has stirred up many questions from citizens due to its prominent location on one of the most high-traffic roads in Mesa County. 

While driving through the roundabout at the intersection of Horizon Drive and N 12th St, many vehicles passing by drive below the speed limit while trying to get a glance at the construction of this new establishment. 

This structure holds high significance to the Mormon community located in Mesa County. After the construction is complete It will be one of three Temples of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in the beautiful state of Colorado. 

Each LDS Temple is specific to the places they are located the Grand Junction Temple will have distinct details included in the design making it unique to Mesa County and Colorado. 

The Temple has been under construction since April 2022, and they have recently been able to take the scaffolding down, but due to landscaping issues, there have been many setbacks on the construction date of completion so, for now, the date is still being determined. But after the landscaping is complete the Temple will go through a long process.

It has to get approved by the church’s Presiding Bishopric, then sent to one of the 12 Apostles or the First Presidency. Once this is all complete they will set a specific date for the Temple to be dedicated explained Elder Alex Diaz of the Mormon church.

 Before the dedication is completed, the Temple will host an open house allowing the Public to come and view this Sacred space. This will be a noteworthy experience for many non-Mormons who have never witnessed one of these Temples. The open house periods typically last for a week, but as soon as it is dedicated only members of the Church are allowed to enter. 

 “It will be astounding once people go inside for the open house, I love how just anybody can go inside before a Temple is dedicated and I love how people will  express how they just feel good and hold much more at peace while they’re in the temple, and this is just a small taste of what happens inside.” Said Elder Diaz

While speaking about the Temple Elder Diaz noted the inscriptions to be placed on the completed Temple and as one enters viewing the words, “ Holiness to the Lord, House of the Lord.” which is a huge part of what the Temple represents. They hold the Temple to very high standards respecting it and treating it as  “a House of the Lord.” 

 Elder Kody Reece, another member of the Mormon Church spoke about the importance of the Temple and why he views the construction as such a significant feat “So the Temple is just a place we are able to go and make Covenants and perform sacred Ordinances that anchor us to our Heavenly Father to Jesus Christ that allows us to be lifted up in their strength and I think thats something that’s really super important to note about it.” 

They believe the Temple symbolizes everybody’s faith in Christ and what they can achieve. It is a sacred space and is highly respected throughout the Mormon practice. 

“For me, it’s a place like no other I’m able to feel closest to my Heavenly Father and be in His presence the most. The Temple is a place that is set apart from the world. It kind of blocks out the noise of everyday life and it’s very much a sanctuary for me.” said Elder Reece 

They want many other people to experience this happiness throughout their lifetime. The church has been working for years to spread across the country and to reach even further and bring the Mormon religion throughout the globe. 

According to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, an organization website, as of April 1, 2024, there are currently 335 Houses of the Lord; 

189 dedicated Temples, seven Temples under construction, one Temple scheduled for groundbreaking, and 40 Temples announced but without sites.

One of the Apostles said that when he was born there were about six Temples and that was just here in the United States since then there have been more Temples outside of the states than inside stated Elder Reece. 

The growth and expansion of these Temples have given the Mormoman religion the high impact that is shown today. Throughout time binding families together for eternity through ordinance and being able to make these special promises to the Lord thats why the Grand Junction Temple is such a prominent and important location and a necessity to the local community.

“  I hope no one feels intimidated by this when the open house opens up I would encourage everybody to go see what this Temple is about, what we have the opportunity to do, and what promises we get to make to the Lord.” Said Elder Diaz while relaying a closing message to anyone curious about this Sacred Space.