The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the closure of four temples later this year for extensive renovation.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Tokyo Japan, Oklahoma City Oklahoma and Memphis Tennessee Temples will close in October 2017, and the Asunción Paraguay Temple will close in November 2017. Renovations help maintain functionality, efficiency and beauty. Each temple will receive mechanical upgrades along with updates in finishes and furnishings.
Renovations are expected to be completed in 2020 for the Tokyo Japan Temple and 2019 for the other three temples. Once the temples are complete, public open houses and rededication services will be announced. While the temples are closed, Latter-day Saints will be able to attend neighboring temples.
The Tokyo Temple was dedicated October 27–29, 1980, by Church President Spencer W. Kimball. The Memphis Temple was dedicated on April 23, 2000, by President James E. Faust, second counselor in the Church’s First Presidency. The Oklahoma City Temple was dedicated on July 30, 2000, by President Faust, and the Asunción Temple was dedicated May 19, 2002, by Church President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, where faithful Mormons participate in sacred ceremonies such as marriage and the uniting of families for eternity. Temples differ from meetinghouses or chapels, where all are welcome to meet for Sunday worship service and other activities.