Why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds hundreds of sacred temples

Science · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Latter-day Saint temples are not for weekly worship, but are sacred spaces where members perform essential ordinances for the living and the dead. With 385 temples in various phases, these buildings serve as the site for covenants and sealings believed to endure for time and all eternity.

Temples are considered the most sacred structures on earth by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unlike meetinghouses used for public weekly services, temples are reserved for the faithful who have been deemed temple-worthy by their local leaders. Access requires a temple recommend, a document signed by a bishop and stake president after an interview process that confirms the member's faith, moral cleanliness, and support for church leadership. These recommends are typically valid for two years.

The theology surrounding these buildings centers on ordinances—sacred rites believed to be essential for exaltation after the final judgment. These include baptism, washing and anointing, the endowment, and eternal marriage sealings. A unique aspect of this practice is the performance of ordinances by proxy on behalf of deceased individuals, who are believed to exist in a state known as spirit prison. By completing these rites, members aim to provide dead souls the opportunity to be freed from that condition. While most ordinances are performed once for the living, subsequent participation is typically done vicariously for the dead.

The architectural and historical evolution of these structures is significant. Early temples, such as those in Kirtland and Nauvoo, set precedents for ordinance work, though practices have shifted over time. In the late 19th century, the threat of federal asset seizure under the Edmunds–Tucker Act influenced the church's decision to discontinue polygamy, a move seen as necessary to preserve the temples. Modern construction has moved toward standardized, smaller designs to increase accessibility for remote congregations. Despite their growth, these spaces remain exclusive, and certain groups—including those in same-sex marriages or individuals transitioning—are currently restricted from participating in temple ordinances.

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