Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks the Beginning of a New Temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tampa, Florida
TAMPA, Florida – August 24, 2025 – A significant milestone was reached today as a ceremonial groundbreaking took place for the new Tampa Florida Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event, held on the temple site, was attended by local church leaders, community members, and invited guests, signifying the commencement of construction for this sacred edifice.
The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for the growing Latter-day Saint community in the Tampa Bay area. The announcement of the Tampa Florida Temple was made by President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in October 2018, sparking considerable anticipation and joy among members.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who presided over the groundbreaking ceremony, offered a dedicatory prayer for the temple and the commencement of its construction. In his remarks, Elder Gong emphasized the significance of temples as places of peace, learning, and divine connection, stating that they are houses of the Lord where individuals can draw closer to God and experience His love.
The new temple, estimated to be approximately 70,000 square feet, will serve Latter-day Saints in the Tampa Bay region and surrounding areas, providing a spiritual center for worship, ordinances, and community gathering. Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are distinct from the Church’s meetinghouses, where Sunday worship services are held. Temples are considered the “Lord’s house” and are set apart for specific sacred ordinances, including eternal marriages and baptisms for the deceased.
The design of the Tampa Florida Temple is anticipated to reflect the unique architectural heritage of the region while adhering to the timeless principles of temple design that signify reverence and peace. Detailed plans and renderings will be made available as the project progresses.
The construction of the temple is expected to create employment opportunities and contribute positively to the local economy. Following its completion, the temple will be open to the public for tours during an open house period before its dedication.
This groundbreaking represents a profound expression of faith and commitment from the Latter-day Saint membership. It signifies a deepened investment in the spiritual well-being of individuals and families in Florida and underscores the Church’s ongoing global efforts to build temples to serve its members worldwide. The anticipation for the completed Tampa Florida Temple is palpable, as it promises to be a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal for many.
Ground Broken for Tampa Florida Temple
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
www.prnewswire.com published ‘Ground Broken for Tampa Florida Temple’ at 2025-08-24 11:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.