Latter-day Saint Apostle Dedicates Ephraim Utah Temple

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Ephraim Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Speaking at the event, he described the location as “sacred ground,” emphasizing the transformative impact the temple would have on the community and its members. This marked the church’s 223rd dedicated temple, with the Miraflores Guatemala City Temple becoming the 224th on the same day.

The dedication ceremony highlighted the historical connection between the Latter-day Saints and the region. The first Latter-day Saints arrived in the Sanpete Valley, where Ephraim is located, in the fall of 1849. Elder Rasband recounted how his great-great grandparents, who were taught and baptized by missionaries in Denmark, left their family farm in 1850 for “the promise of temple ordinances” and settled in Ephraim. His great-grandfather contributed to the construction of the Manti Utah Temple, just seven miles south of Ephraim.

Elder Rasband referenced Jesus Christ’s words in John 14:2–3, which speak of preparing a place for believers in the eternities. He connected this promise to the present-day significance of the Ephraim Utah Temple, stating that the Lord has prepared this place for the faithful today. The temple, he said, is a testament to the enduring faith of early Latter-day Saint pioneers who laid the foundation for temple building, including the Salt Lake, Manti, and St. George temples.

Sister Melanie Rasband, who accompanied Elder Rasband at the dedication, expressed admiration for the faith and dedication of those early pioneers. She noted their commitment to building a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire the church today. The event also featured several other church leaders, including General Authorities and members of the Presiding Bishopric, who joined Elder Rasband in celebrating the new temple.

The Ephraim Utah Temple’s dedication aligns with the church’s broader mission of gathering Israel, both in the present and in the afterlife. The city’s name, Ephraim, is linked to the biblical tribe of Ephraim, reinforcing the church’s emphasis on covenant and lineage. As the temple stands as a symbol of faith and divine purpose, it continues the legacy of temple work that has been central to the Latter-day Saint tradition for nearly two centuries.

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