POCATELLO, Idaho, March 4, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released more renderings of the new Pocatello temple, which will be the sixth temple in Idaho.
According to a Church news release, groundbreaking for the three-story, 67,696-square-foot temple is scheduled for March 16. Construction is expected to take two to three years.
An open house was held Friday for residents who live near the 12.77-acre site, east of Satterfield Drive and Butte Street on the city’s east side.
Bill Williams, director of Temple Design, was quoted in the news release, saying, “This temple combines classical architectural elements as well as more modern art deco designs and draws upon colors native to the beautiful state of Idaho.
“The details inside and outside the building will be stunning, from the art glass to the flooring to the grounds. Those who visit this temple will also be able to enjoy lovely views looking out to the west toward the Snake River Plain.”
The temple was first announced in April 2017 by then-Church President Thomas S. Monson and will serve more than 64,000 Latter-day Saints from southeastern Idaho, the news release states. Nearly a half-million Church members currently live in Idaho.
Larry Fisher, who is the Church’s local director of public affairs and owns a business in Pocatello, said, “It has been a wonderful experience being part of the preparations for the temple that will be built here in our valley. Not only have we felt the excitement of the members of our faith, we are appreciative and grateful for the support and excitement of many who are of other faiths, including members of the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship. The temple will be a blessing for our whole community.”
