“Fruits of Their Faith”: Montpelier Idaho Temple opens to the public Thursday

MONTPELIER, Idaho (KIFI) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted media representatives Tuesday for a tour of its new temple in Montpelier, Idaho. The building marks the 266th operating temple belonging to the faith around the globe.

First announced in April 2022, the Montpelier Temple holds deep significance for members of the faith across southeast Idaho. Latter-day Saints consider temples the most sacred places on Earth. Elders Mark D. Eddy and Karl D. Hirst, members of the Quorum of the Seventy for the church, led the tour for members of the press. During the walkthrough, they described the meaning and function of the various rooms within the building.

"Montpelier might feel anonymous to some, but to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it's hugely significant," said Hirst, a native of England. "The faith roots were here as soon as the people were here. For me personally, coming from England, it's really precious because the British were among the first settlers of this area. I feel a real connection to that, especially on a day like today when the fruits of their faith are flourishing decades later."

Right now, the Temple is open to anyone who would like to take a tour inside.

"Any age, any denomination, any faith, or any absence of faith—come and see," Hirst added.

The public open house runs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 26, excluding Sundays. Following its formal dedication on Oct. 18, entry into the temple will be reserved exclusively for church members holding a valid temple recommend.