The Portland Maine Temple will be the first temple in the state of Maine for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once completed, it will provide members throughout Maine and portions of northern New England with much closer access to temple ordinances. As of today, the temple remains in the planning and approval phase, with additional details to be announced in the future.
A Brief History
Unlike most modern temples, the Portland Maine Temple was not announced during General Conference. Instead, the First Presidency's announcement was read by Elder Allen D. Haynie, President of the United States Northeast Area, during a Christmas devotional for members of the Portland Maine Stake on December 14, 2025. This marked the first time in Church history that a new temple announcement was made locally by an Area Presidency rather than during General Conference.
The announcement from the First Presidency stated:
"We are pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later."
The announcement brought tremendous excitement to members throughout Maine, where Church members have historically traveled long distances to attend temples in neighboring states.
As of now, the Church has not announced a temple site, has not released an official rendering, and has not announced a groundbreaking date. The project remains in the planning phase.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Portland Maine Temple is unique because it will become Maine's very first temple, making it a historic milestone for the Church in the state. For decades, faithful members throughout Maine have traveled hundreds of miles to attend temples in Boston, Montreal, or other neighboring locations. The new temple will greatly reduce travel time and make temple worship more accessible.
Another historic aspect is how it was announced. The Portland Maine Temple introduced a new pattern for temple announcements, with the First Presidency authorizing an Area President to announce the temple locally rather than during General Conference. Elder Haynie noted that this was the first announcement of its kind.
Visiting the Temple
The Portland Maine Temple is not yet under construction. At this time:
- No official temple site has been announced.
- No exterior rendering has been released.
- No groundbreaking date has been scheduled.
- Public open house dates will be announced after construction is completed.
Fun Facts
- First temple announced for the state of Maine.
- Announced on December 14, 2025.
- Announcement made during a Christmas devotional in Portland.
- First temple announcement delivered locally by an Area Presidency.
- Will become the 383rd temple operating, under construction, or announced worldwide at the time of its announcement.
- Currently in the planning and approval phase.
- No official site has been announced.
- No rendering has been released.
- No groundbreaking date has been announced.
Final Thoughts
The Portland Maine Temple represents a historic moment for Latter-day Saints throughout Maine. Although many details remain to be announced, the temple will eventually bring sacred ordinances much closer to members across the state and become the first house of the Lord in Maine. As planning continues, many look forward to the day when construction begins and this long-awaited temple becomes a reality.
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