Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
UTAH COUNTY -- Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah County are talking about the announcement of a new temple in Payson.
Last fall, the First Presidency of the LDS Church announced plans for a new temple in Brigham City at the north end of the Wasatch Front. Now the announcement of a temple at the south end of the Wasatch Range in Utah County appears to be exciting news for the community.
A farmer's field south of Payson near a new housing development is the location identified by the LDS Church as where its newest temple in Utah will be built, at approximately 930 West and 1550 South.
The new temple will serve approximately 22 stakes from Spanish Fork to Nephi comprising approximately 78,000 Church members. - LDS Church
Rumors that the church was planning to build a temple in the area have been circulating for weeks.
"We heard the First Presidency was just over here and we were speculating that they might be looking at a temple site," said Brent Wassom, a Payson resident. "We're just excited if that's the case, it's great news for us here."
Many people drove by the location -- next to an existing LDS chapel -- to see where the temple will be built.
Salem resident Thomas Taylor said, "We're very happy and blessed to have a temple here and look forward to maybe serving in that temple."
In a news release issued Monday afternoon, the church says the new temple will serve LDS members from Spanish Fork to Nephi who currently attend the temple in Provo, which the church says is often overcrowded.
The area has seen dramatic growth in recent years.
After Jefra Linn of Elk Ridge heard the announcement, she said, "It sat with me all night. I was excited all night long, and it's a big gift."
Linn took a vintage Polaroid camera to take photos of the location before construction begins -- photos she plans to give her children and, someday, her grandchildren.
"I want to print hard copies for my family for the rest of the generations to see, because I can tell it is going to be important in our lives," Linn said. In making the announcement, the Church did not give any specifics on the size of the temple or when construction will begin.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
