Hundreds attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lethbridge Alberta Temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 26, 2025. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Construction underway for new LDS temple in Lethbridge

Apr 28, 2025 | 9:10 AM

Hundreds of people watched Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony for what officials describe as not only a beacon of Christianity, but also of all religions.

Construction is officially underway for the new Lethbridge Alberta Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

James Evanson, General Authority Seventy, was among several speakers at the event and says that he is thrilled to finally be at this stage of the project.

“I grew up in Lethbridge, I’ve worked here for years, and so this is a really joyous occasion for us,” says Evanson. “It’s hard to really express the joy that happens when you get an opportunity to create a place that people can come and feel the spirit of their saviour, Jesus Christ.”

The 44,500 square foot temple will be next to the YMCA in west Lethbridge and is expected to serve over 20,000 people.

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This will be the LDS’ fourth temple in Alberta. The other locations in the province are in Cardston, Calgary and Edmonton.

Elder Randall K. Bennett says the faith is growing quickly, and when there are enough church members in one area, they will look at building a temple.

Evanson tells LNN that a temple is different from a chapel in that it is a sacred, holy place where members perform specific ordinances and make covenants with God.

Temples are used to perform baptisms for the dead and seal families together. Members can also enter the celestial room, which Evanson says represents “a bit of heaven on Earth – where we can feel the presence of God in a very real way.”

“It becomes a place for the whole community, in many respects, because it’s a place where we can all come and feel the spirit together. The grounds will be a special place for those around here,” says Evanson. “There’ll be an opportunity to bring families, to feel the spirit of their heavenly father, and to recognize what’s been taught today so beautifully, that we really are brothers and sisters.”

The construction of LDS temples typically takes around two-to-three years. Evanson says, for a few weeks prior to the facility’s opening, the public will be welcomed inside.

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