Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins construction of second largest Alberta temple in Lethbridge

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is constructing a new temple in Lethbridge, Alberta, marking a significant development for the local congregation. The project, which has been in the works since 2023, is expected to be completed by 2028. This will be the second-largest temple in Alberta and the third-largest in Canada, with an estimated size of 4,180 square metres.

The announcement of the Lethbridge temple came as a surprise to many members, as the church already operates temples in Cardston, Calgary, and Edmonton. For Lethbridge members, the new temple will provide greater accessibility, eliminating the need for a two-hour round trip to the Cardston temple. Adam Letourneau, a local member, expressed that the temple will serve as a spiritual refuge and a place for families to gather, with activities such as weddings and personal reflection.

Temple attendance is voluntary for church members, and Letourneau noted that the new facility will encourage more frequent visits. He mentioned that the temple will act as an “anchor point” for the community, influencing decisions such as where to retire. The presence of the temple is expected to contribute to the growth of the church in the region.

Richard Low, a communications director for the Lethbridge region, highlighted that the church is experiencing growth in the area. While the 2021 Statistics Canada census reported about six per cent of Lethbridge residents were affiliated with the church, Low believes the actual number is higher. The new temple is anticipated to support this expansion and enhance the church’s presence in the community.

Gayle Low, Richard’s wife and also a communications director, emphasized the improved accessibility of the new temple. The Lethbridge temple will be more wheelchair-friendly than the 103-year-old Cardston temple, where the couple regularly volunteers. This upgrade reflects the church’s commitment to inclusivity and service, aligning with its broader mission of care and community support.

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