The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has unveiled important milestones regarding the Bacolod Philippines Temple and the San José California Temple.
Bacolod Philippines Temple Milestones Announced
The First Presidency announced key dates for the Bacolod Philippines Temple. A media day is scheduled for April 13, 2026, followed by guided tours on April 14 and 15. The temple will host an open house for the public from April 16 to May 2, 2026, excluding Sundays.
The temple’s dedication will take place on May 31, 2026, at 10 a.m. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside over the event, which will be broadcast to all church units in the Bacolod district.
Background Information
- The Bacolod Philippines Temple was announced by President Russell M. Nelson in October 2019.
- Over 900,000 Latter-day Saints are members in the Philippines, spread across approximately 1,325 congregations.
- This temple is one of two slated for dedication in May 2026; the Davao Philippines Temple will be dedicated the following day, on May 3.
San José California Temple Renamed
In a related announcement, the San José California Temple will be renamed the Sunnyvale California Temple. This new temple will be situated on a 4.73-acre site at 771 West Fremont Avenue in Sunnyvale, California.
Details of the Sunnyvale Temple
- The temple will encompass 30,000 square feet and will feature a single-story design.
- A distribution center will also be part of the site.
California currently boasts nearly 730,000 church members across almost 1,100 congregations. The Sunnyvale Temple will add to a network of 12 temples that are either operational, under construction, or announced in the state. Other existing temples include those in Bakersfield, Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Future Projects and Local Involvement
Additionally, preliminary infrastructure work is set to begin for the Fairview Texas Temple on an eight-acre property at 681 East Stacy Road. Although a groundbreaking date has yet to be determined, local authorities are cooperating with the Church during the permitting process.
Temples, unlike meetinghouses or chapels, serve a distinct purpose within the Church. They are reserved for sacred ceremonies that bind families together for eternity, while meetinghouses are open for public worship and activities.
