Tallahassee Florida Temple dedicated by Elder Patrick Kearon

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Tallahassee Florida Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 8, 2024. During the dedication, Elder Kearon emphasized the temple's significance as a place where individuals can connect with their Savior. "Our Savior can be found everywhere in the temple," he stated.

He highlighted that Christ is present "in every ordinance, in every covenant, in every promised blessing and particularly in the power and grace we receive as we shed the practices and priorities of the world in favor of pursuing our relationship with Jesus Christ." Elder Kearon quoted scripture, saying, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), adding that members are invited to assist in this work.

Elder Kearon shared a personal story from an Area Seventy about losing a child named Matthias during a trip to Paris. The child was eventually found safe near a temple, underscoring how temples serve as spiritual refuges. "We can be found here in the temple because here in the temple, we find Jesus Christ," Elder Kearon remarked.

The Tallahassee Florida Temple is significant for being Elder Kearon's first dedication since joining the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles last year. It is also notable for being Florida's third dedicated temple and marks the Church's 202nd worldwide.

The temple will serve more than 30,000 members across eight stakes in northern Florida, southern Georgia, and Alabama. This new addition complements four other temples either operational or under construction within Florida.

Elder Kearon was joined by several church leaders and their spouses at the dedication ceremony. These included his wife Jennifer; Elder Kevin R. Duncan; Elder Massimo De Feo; Elder Steven R. Bangerter; and Bishop W. Christopher Waddell.

The Tallahassee Florida Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson on April 5, 2020, with groundbreaking taking place on June 5, 2021. An open house was held from November 4 to November 23, 2024.