EPHRAIM—Since Church President Russell M. Nelson announced six months ago that Ephraim City would get its own temple, excitement and anticipation at the proposed location have been high, but the wait is now over.
The Ephraim Utah Temple will be constructed at the intersection of 200 North and 400 East on approximately 9.16 acres of property.
According to information released by church leaders, the new temple will be 39,000 square feet and sit on 9.16 acres of currently undeveloped farmland situated about a block east of the Ephraim Utah YSA Second Stake building.
Renderings of what the new temple will look like have yet to be released as detailed plans are still in the process of being developed, but church leadership and project leaders will be working closely with city leadership on releasing more information to the public when possible. Groundbreaking dates are as of yet unscheduled.
The new temple was announced earlier this year in May in response to concern from the public that historic elements of the Manti Temple would be lost or damaged during the renovations the Church had announced for it in an effort to modernize the building and the religious practices within.
By building the Ephraim Utah Temple, the Church says sacred temple ordinances could be practiced efficiently while still allowing them to “preserve the unique classical character and useful life of the historic Manti Utah Temple,” President Nelson said in a video released to explain the decision.
“We have been impressed to modify our earlier plans for the Manti Utah Temple so that the pioneer craftsmanship, artwork and character will be preserved, including the painted murals that are loved by so many,” Nelson said.
After completion and dedication, the Ephraim Utah Temple will serve more than 31,000 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
