Members of the Portland Maine Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received an uplifting announcement during their stake Christmas fireside on December 3, 2023. The First Presidency revealed plans to construct a temple in Portland, marking the state’s first house of worship for the church. Elder Allen D. Haynie, General Authority Seventy and president of the United States Northeast Area, communicated the news, stating, “We’re pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later.”
This significant announcement is seen as a blessing for the local community, enabling more frequent access to the ordinances and covenants unique to the house of the Lord. Elder Haynie emphasized the historical nature of the occasion, noting that such announcements are typically made during the church’s semiannual general conferences. He stated, “Tonight will be the first time” that a member of the area presidency has made such a declaration at the local level.
Significance of the Announcement
The Portland Maine Temple will increase the total number of temples associated with the Church of Jesus Christ to 383 worldwide. This decision diverges from a recent trend where most temple announcements occur during general conference sessions. Notably, during his seven-year presidency, only one temple was announced outside of these sessions—the Ephraim Utah Temple in May 2021.
The announcement comes after a period of no new temples declared during the October 2025 general conference, following the leadership transition to President Dallin H. Oaks, who was set apart on October 14, 2023. The local community, which consists of over 11,000 Latter-day Saints organized into 27 congregations, has been actively engaged in church activities and outreach since the church’s early presence in the state.
Elder Haynie, who conducted the announcement in the Portland stake center in North Yarmouth, also highlighted the church’s rich history in Maine. The first missionaries arrived in the state in 1832, establishing a branch in Saco shortly thereafter. Church activity experienced significant fluctuations over the decades, but local members have shown resilience in maintaining their faith.
Community Response and Future Plans
In addition to the temple announcement, the stake fireside titled “Come Let Us Adore Him” featured a variety of musical performances and messages celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Attendees of all ages participated, reflecting the vibrancy and dedication of the community.
The new Portland Maine Temple will serve congregations currently part of the Boston Massachusetts Temple district. The Portland Maine Stake, created earlier this year, is one of three stakes in the state, alongside the Augusta and Bangor stakes.
As the church continues to expand its presence in Maine, the construction of this temple is expected to bolster local faith and community engagement. The church’s historical commitment to Maine is evident in its growth, with the first stake organized on June 23, 1968.
Looking ahead, church leaders will provide updates on the temple’s location and construction timeline, promising to keep the community informed as plans progress. The excitement surrounding this announcement reflects a broader commitment to serving the spiritual needs of Latter-day Saints in Maine and beyond.
