Two new temples bring LDS church count to 385 across Mexico and Kansas

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated two new temples on Sunday, bringing its total count of facilities to 385. The count includes 229 dedicated temples, along with structures under construction or in planning.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple. The 9,300-square-foot building sits on a 3.9-acre property in east-central Mexico. It serves as the 15th dedicated temple in Mexico and covers a district of seven stakes in the states of San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, and Zacatecas.

Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Wichita Kansas Temple. This 9,950-square-foot structure stands on 6.4 acres in Wichita. It is the first temple for the church in the state of Kansas. The facility serves a district of four stakes in central and western Kansas.

Both buildings were announced by late President Russell M. Nelson on April 3, 2022. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place in 2024. The San Luis Potosí site broke ground on March 9, 2024, presided over by Elder Sean Douglas. The Wichita site broke ground on September 7, 2024, with Elder Steven R. Bangerter presiding.

The churches held public open houses for both sites from September 24 to October 10, 2026. These events excluded Sundays to allow for worship services. The dedicatory sessions occurred on November 1, 2026, and were broadcast to meetinghouses in their respective temple districts.

In his dedicatory remarks, Elder Renlund connected the temple's location to the region's history. He noted that the city was established after silver deposits were discovered in 1592. He also pointed to the area's rivers and springs, which supported ancient communities and industry. Renlund described the temple as a place where spiritual blessings are available, comparing them to the earth's treasures and life-giving water.

Dorothy Lawrence attended the Wichita dedication with a sense of personal closure. Her husband, Roger Lawrence, died before the temple was completed. They had been married for 43 years and served together as temple workers in Oklahoma City. Lawrence described the new facility as a source of spiritual and emotional strength, noting that its proximity removes the burden of long travel.

Izaya Vimahi, a resident of Kansas, viewed the new temple as a beacon of hope. He grew up in Hawaii and attended the Laie Hawaii Temple. He and his wife, McKayla Vimahi, plan to visit the Wichita temple more frequently. Vimahi said the facility provides opportunities to perform ordinances for loved ones who have passed away.

The church plans to dedicate a second temple in Mexico on November 22, 2026. Elder Gary E. Stevenson will dedicate the Torreón Mexico Temple. This event will bring the total number of dedicated temples in Mexico to 16.