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IDAHO FALLS – Nearly a year since it was announced, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a name for Rexburg's second temple.
In a news release Monday, the church's First Presidency says the temple, which will be built on the north side of town, will be known as the Teton River Temple.
Though church leaders have not officially announced the specific location, EastIdahoNews.com learned last fall that it will be built on a 100-acre parcel at North Second East and Moody Drive, across the street from Walmart. The church bought the property from John and Shelley Hegsted in July 2021 after several months of negotiations.
Church leaders also said Monday a forthcoming temple in Birmingham, England, will be named the Birmingham England Temple.
The news comes after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson announced the North Rexburg Temple during the faith's semi-annual general conference in October. It is one of eight other temples in operation, under construction or announced in Idaho.
The Montpelier Temple, which is slated to be built on a 2.6-acre site at the intersection of Washington and Sixth North, was announced in April. The Pocatello temple was dedicated in November after two and a half years of construction. Rexburg's current temple at 750 South 2nd Street was dedicated in 2008.
There are also temples in Boise, Burley, Idaho Falls, Meridian and Twin Falls. Temples were recently announced in Missoula, Montana, and Cody, Wyoming, as well.
Latter-day Saint temples differ from the meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. A temple, according to a news release from the church, is considered a "house of the Lord," where Christ's teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellowman.
Construction on the Teton River Temple will get underway following a groundbreaking ceremony, which has not been announced. It's not clear how long construction will take, but it typically lasts between two to three years.
An open house will be held once the temple is built, where members of the community will be able to tour the inside prior to its dedication.
