LDS Church To Build Their 152nd Temple Worldwide In Payson, Utah, Relieving Pressure On The Provo Temple

Those who may find it frustrating to schedule work sessions at the Provo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a convenient time will soon get relief. On January 25th, 2010, Church President Thomas S. Monson announced plans to construct a temple in nearby Payson, Utah. It will be the third temple in Utah County, the 15th temple built in Utah alone, and the 152nd temple worldwide either operating, under construction, or announced.

The temple will be constructed in the southwest side of town at approximately 930 West and 1550 South, about a mile from the 800 South and I-15 interchange. According to the Church News, the new temple will serve approximately 22 stakes from Spanish Fork to Nephi comprising approximately 78,000 Church members. Temple-going members have been driving to Provo or Manti for temple services.

The Salt Lake Tribune recorded reaction to the announcement. "I am thrilled to hear the news," said Robert Provstgaard, an LDS bishop in Payson who grew up playing in the very field chosen for the temple. "Payson is absolutely fitted for a temple." About four months ago, he and other Utah County bishops were told the Provo temple had reached capacity. At peak times, people were waiting several hours to go through a ceremony. There's also a temple in American Fork, but it serves a different geographical district.

Payson Mayor Rick Moore considers it a great honor for his town to have been selected and said. "We're looking forward to working with the church and doing everything we can to facilitate what they need." The freshman mayor, who is LDS, said the temple is sure to spark economic development but added, "if that's the only reason you're wanting a temple, then you've got problems."

Payson City Councilman Brad Daley expects more homes to sprout in the rural area surrounding the temple site, which is zoned residential. "A lot of developers like to build in and around the temple developments," Daley said. The homes, he noted, often are more marketable because of their proximity to the temple and their reputation as part of a quiet community. The only "negative" Daley anticipates is increased traffic, but he expects the city can handle it.