# Farmington new mexico temple

The Farmington New Mexico Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Farmington, New Mexico. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 4, 2021 by church president Russell M. Nelson, during the church's general conference. The temple is the second in the state of New Mexico, following the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple. The temple district will encompass the Four Corners region, which includes members in parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation.
The temple has a single central spire. A groundbreaking ceremony to signify the beginning of construction was held on April 30, 2022, conducted by Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy. Reflecting the Church's dedication to sacred spaces, the Farmington New Mexico Temple reflects its deep-rooted commitment to spiritual practices and community enrichment.

## History

The temple was announced by Russell M. Nelson on April 4, 2021. The Farmington New Mexico Temple is the first New Mexico Temple to be announced in the 21st century. The site for the temple was selected due to its significance to the church and the local community; in addition to being located near the commercial hub of the Four Corners area, the site is close to the confluence of the Animas, San Juan, and La Plata rivers.
On June 23, 2021, the church announced that the temple would be constructed on an 6.62-acre property located at the intersection of College Boulevard and Windsor Drive in Farmington, New Mexico. The preliminary plans called for a single-story structure of 25,000 square feet.
The groundbreaking ceremony, a pivotal moment in the temple's history, took place on April 30, 2022, marking the commencement of construction. This ceremony was presided over by Anthony D. Perkins and attended by approximately 500 local church members and community leaders.
During the construction phase, the temple faced various challenges, including delays in receiving building materials.
The Farmington New Mexico Temple is estimated to be completed in early 2025.

## Design and Architecture

The building has a contemporary LDS temple design. The temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the Four Corners region and the spiritual significance of the church.

### Site

The temple sits on a 6.62-acre plot. A meetinghouse will also be built on the site.

### Exterior

The structure stands one story tall, constructed with granite. The exterior is characterized by a multilevel tower topped with a spire, elements which were each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. Exterior details include carvings of linked pine needles and pinon roses. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and the broader Church symbolism.
The Farmington New Mexico Temple will not only serve as a place of worship but also stand as an architectural landmark in Farmington, New Mexico, embodying the Church's commitment to creating sacred and aesthetically inspiring spaces.

### Interior

The interior will feature art-glass windows, designed to reflect LDS beliefs and the unique flora and fauna of the region.The windows will depict stairways leading to heaven, and will include local plants such as prickly pear cactus, corn, yucca, and scarlet globe mallow. Some of the windows will feature landscapes of the surrounding areas.
The temple includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry, each purposefully arranged for ceremonial use. Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics.

### Symbols

Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements representing Latter-day Saint beliefs, which provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. The linked pine needle design on the temple’s exterior symbolizes the roles temples play in linking families together for eternity. Additionally, the interior art-glass windows portray pinon roses in circles, again representing eternity with a design that has no beginning and no end.
The Farmington New Mexico Temple will not only serve as a place of worship but also stand as an architectural landmark in Farmington, New Mexico, embodying the Church's commitment to creating sacred and aesthetically inspiring spaces.

## Cultural and Community Impact

Even though it has not yet been completed, the temple has already taken a role in fostering a sense of community and promoting mutual understanding among residents of diverse backgrounds in Farmington, New Mexico. Leaders of other local faiths expressed that while they had initially had reservations about the size of the construction, they were impressed by the church’s respect for and willingness to work with the local community.
Additionally, the temple's presence has contributed to the local economy, as construction has created new jobs. Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett noted that there are “more than a dozen local subcontractors working on the build.”

## Admittance

While official dates have not yet been announced, it is anticipated that a public open house will be held once the temple is completed. It is expected that the open house will run for at least two weeks, but may be extended to eight to ten weeks.
Like all temples of the church, the Farmington New Mexico Temple will not be used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.
* ↑ Saints, President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day. "COVID-19 and Temples". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Farmington New Mexico Temple | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org". Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* 1 2 3 4 "Church News". Church News. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ "Ground broken in Four Corners area for Farmington New Mexico temple". Church News. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* 1 2 "Where will new Latter-day Saint temples in Idaho, New Mexico and Colorado be located?". Deseret News. 2023-12-20. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ "Ground Broken on Farmington New Mexico Temple". newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org. 2022-04-30. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* 1 2 3 4 5 Albright, David Edward. "LDS temple officials provide project update". The Journal. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ "A complete list of all Latter-day Saint temples under construction". Deseret News. 2024-01-31. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* 1 2 3 4 Begay, Mesha (2023-07-27). "Mayor, church leader react to new temple in Farmington". KOB.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ Albright, David Edward. "LDS temple officials provide project update". The Journal. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ Begay, Mesha (2023-07-26). "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to open temple in Farmington". KOB.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
* ↑ "Inside Temples". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.