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Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and community representatives gathered on April 26, 2025, in Lethbridge, Alberta, for the groundbreaking of a new temple. The event saw attendance from over 550 guests, including significant figures from the community, government, business sectors, and Indigenous groups.
Elder Randall K. Bennett, General Authority Seventy and president of the North America Central Area, oversaw the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Elder Bennett stated, “My prayer today is that no matter how close or how far away you live, you’ll be intentional about scheduling time to be in the temple. I promise you it will change your life.”
Elder David C. Stewart, an Area Seventy, highlighted the temple's inclusive nature. “The temple is for everyone. The grounds will be open to the public, and you can come at any time; sit on the grounds in the middle of a chaotic world. You can take a few minutes and talk to your God. Spend a few minutes in contemplation and private meditation,” he said.
Elder Stewart shared a personal account regarding his friend Tim Hamilton, who relies on a mechanical wheelchair. Hamilton expressed relief about the temple's proximity, saying, “That’s a big deal for someone like me. It’s hard for me to get to the nearest temple in Cardston [Alberta]. A HandiBus will not pick me up in Lethbridge and take me to Cardston, but a HandiBus will pick me up and take me to West Lethbridge and come back and get me.”
Adding his perspective, General Authority Seventy Elder James E. Evanson remarked, “We should never lose sight of what the Lord is doing now as He is making his temples more accessible and accelerating the pace at which temples are being built… making it easier for everyone to become spiritually refined.”
Richard Low, communications director for Lethbridge, expressed, “We know that wherever there is a temple, it brings a spiritual strength to the whole community. Whether it is a Muslim mosque, a Sikh temple, a Catholic cathedral or a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the message is that we celebrate religious diversity in a peaceful and unifying way.”
Blood Tribe Indigenous Elder Floyd Big Head also attended the ceremony, where he performed a spontaneous blessing, emphasizing unity and the hope for a positive impact on the community.
Local Latter-day Saint Clayne Steed and church member Jinnie Salmon shared sentiments of joy and spiritual enrichment at the event, underscoring the anticipated benefits the temple will bring to the community.
Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen expressed his anticipation for the temple’s completion, acknowledging the day’s significance.
Announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson in April 2023, the Lethbridge Alberta Temple is set to be the 10th temple in Canada, joining a network of 11 existing and announced temples across the nation. Globally, there are 195 operating temples, with an additional 187 under construction, renovation, or announced.
