Which U.S. States Do Not Have LDS Temples?
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as Mormons, temples hold a sacred significance. They are considered the "House of the Lord," where sacred ordinances, such as eternal marriage and baptisms for the deceased, are performed. As the Church has grown and expanded across the United States, so too has the number of temples. However, not every U.S. state currently has an LDS temple. This article delves into which states do not have them and provides context for this geographic distribution.
Understanding LDS Temples
Before we explore which states are without temples, it's crucial to understand what distinguishes an LDS temple from a regular meetinghouse. While regular meetinghouses are where members gather for Sunday worship services, classes, and community activities, temples are reserved for more sacred ordinances. They are not open to the general public except for a public open house prior to their dedication. The highest ordinances of the Church are performed within temple walls.
States Without LDS Temples
As of the most recent information, there are several U.S. states that do not currently have an operating or announced LDS temple. It's important to note that the Church is continuously building new temples, so this list can change over time. However, based on current figures, here are the states that do not have an LDS temple:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Hawaii (While Hawaii has a significant LDS population and a historic temple in Laie, Oahu, there are no other temples announced or operating on the islands.)
- Idaho (This may be surprising to some, as Idaho has a very large Latter-day Saint population. However, as of now, there are states with fewer members that have temples. This is a point of discussion for many.)
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada (While there is a temple in Las Vegas, this state has a significant LDS population that has historically been served by temples in neighboring states.)
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
It is important to reiterate that this list is subject to change. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a stated goal of making temples accessible to as many members as possible. Therefore, new temple announcements and dedications occur regularly.
Factors Influencing Temple Location
The decision to build a temple in a particular location is based on several factors, including:
- Membership Numbers and Density: The number of active Latter-day Saints in a geographic region is a primary consideration.
- Geographic Accessibility: The Church aims to place temples within a reasonable driving distance for a significant portion of its members.
- Growth Projections: Future growth in membership is also taken into account.
- Land Availability and Cost: Practical considerations like finding suitable land and construction costs play a role.
Sometimes, even states with a considerable LDS population may not have a temple if the membership is geographically dispersed, or if a neighboring state has a temple that can adequately serve a large number of members. For example, members in states like Kansas might travel to temples in Missouri or Colorado.
The dedication of a new temple is always a joyous occasion for the members in that region, signifying a new era of spiritual access and growth.
What Happens If Your State Doesn't Have a Temple?
For Latter-day Saints living in states without a temple, the practice is to travel to the nearest temple. This often involves significant travel, sometimes requiring members to plan for multiple days off work and extensive travel arrangements. Despite the distance, members are committed to the ordinances performed in temples, and the journey is seen as a sacrifice made for spiritual blessings.
The Church also provides resources and support for members who need to travel for temple attendance. This can include assistance with transportation and lodging through local Church units.
Future Outlook
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has experienced significant global growth, and this expansion includes the United States. In recent years, Church President Russell M. Nelson has announced a rapid increase in the number of temples being built worldwide, with a particular focus on increasing temple accessibility for members in all parts of the world. This means that the list of states without LDS temples is likely to shrink in the coming years as new temples are dedicated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How are decisions made about where to build new LDS temples?
Decisions are made by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, considering factors like membership numbers, geographic accessibility, projected growth, and practical considerations like land availability.
Why do some states with many Latter-day Saints not have a temple?
This can be due to the dispersion of members within the state, or if a neighboring state's temple can efficiently serve a large portion of the population. Sometimes, membership density is more important than the total number of members in a state.
How often does the Church announce new temples?
The Church has been announcing new temples at an accelerated pace in recent years, with multiple announcements made each year. This reflects a commitment to increasing access to temples for members worldwide.
What is the difference between an LDS temple and a regular meetinghouse?
Meetinghouses are for weekly worship, classes, and community events. Temples are sacred buildings for performing eternal ordinances and are not open to the public except during a special open house before dedication.
