SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced its first temple in Maine on Sunday, marking a departure from its traditional practice of unveiling new temples during its bi-annual general conference.
The announcement was made by Elder Allen D. Haynie, President of the United States Northeast Area, during a Christmas devotional for members and friends of the Portland Maine Stake on Dec. 14, 2025.
Elder Haynie read a statement from the Church’s First Presidency: “We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine… This is a reason for all of us to rejoice and thank God for such a significant blessing.”
The announcement brings the total number of temples — operating, under construction, or announced worldwide — to 383. The new temple will be the first in Maine, providing a more accessible location for local members.
Elder Haynie explained that the local announcement format itself was historic. He shared that the First Presidency recently decided that future temple announcements would be made on location by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or a member of an Area Presidency, calling the Sunday announcement the first of its kind by an Area Presidency member.
The change follows an address by Church President Dallin H. Oaks during the October 2025 General Conference, where he stated that the Church would slow the announcement of new temples due to the high number already in the earliest phases of planning and construction. At the time, President Oaks indicated that future announcements would be made in a different way.
Elder Haynie emphasized that President Oaks did not halt announcements entirely, but rather changed the timing and location of future revelations.
The specific location and construction timeline for the new Portland Maine Temple were not immediately provided but are expected to be announced at a later date. Elder Haynie invited attendees to “prepare to enter a house of the Lord.”