Neighbors Learn of Pocatello Idaho Temple Plan

Additional renderings have been released showing designs for the new Pocatello Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Church representatives shared those renderings Friday evening at a neighborhood open house for those who live near the temple site east of Satterfield Drive and Butte Street. Neighbors had a chance to see interior renderings as well as the site plan. An exterior rendering was previously released to the public in September 2018.

“This is an exciting and wonderful time for Pocatello,” said Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church’s Special Projects Department. “The temple design is beautiful, intricate, and has been meticulously planned. As with all temples, this building will be constructed with the finest materials and with careful attention to detail so that it can fulfill its sacred purpose as a house of the Lord."

The rendering features a three-story, 67,696-square-foot temple with a center spire. The temple will occupy a 12.77-acre site on the city’s east side. Once completed, the temple will serve more than 64,000 Latter-day Saints from southeastern Idaho.

“This temple combines classical architectural elements as well as more modern art deco designs and draws upon colors native to the beautiful state of Idaho,” said Bill Williams, director of Temple Design, who was born and raised in Pocatello. “The details inside and outside the building will be stunning, from the art glass to the flooring to the grounds. Those who visit this temple will also be able to enjoy lovely views looking out to the west toward the Snake River Plain.”

In addition to the neighborhood open house, Church representatives held a briefing Thursday evening for local leaders to showcase the plans for the temple. They also conducted interviews with local media.

This will be the sixth temple in Idaho, a state with nearly half a million members of the Church. The temple was first announced in April 2017 by then-Church President Thomas S. Monson.

Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple will take place March 16, 2019. Construction will begin after that and is expected to take between two and three years to complete.

“It has been a wonderful experience being part of the preparations for the temple that will be built here in our valley,” said Larry Fisher, a Pocatello business owner and the Church’s local director of Public Affairs. “Not only have we felt the excitement of the members of our faith, we are appreciative and grateful for the support and excitement of many who are of other faiths, including members of the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship. The temple will be a blessing for our whole community.”

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consider temples to be the “house of the Lord,” the most sacred places on earth. Unlike meetinghouses, where Sabbath worship and weekly activities take place, temples are open throughout the week and closed on Sundays.