Preliminary work is now underway on the future Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, marking a visible early step toward bringing a full Latter-day Saint temple to North Idaho for the first time. The work began following approval from the City of Coeur d’Alene, according to a press release published on the church’s official website.
Early Infrastructure Work Underway
The initial phase of construction focuses on site preparation and underground utility infrastructure. Workers are completing grading work and installing connections for water, sewer, and electrical service, tying the future temple site into the city’s existing utility systems. Architectural and design work on the temple structure itself is continuing in parallel.
No official groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled yet. “Design work on the temple continues, and a date for an official groundbreaking ceremony has not yet been announced,” the church stated in its release.
Background on the Coeur d’Alene Temple Announcement
Plans for the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple were first revealed in October 2024 during the church’s general conference by then-church President Russell M. Nelson. The announcement was welcomed by Latter-day Saints across the Panhandle region, who have long traveled significant distances to reach the nearest operating temples in southern Idaho.
Once completed, the temple will serve members throughout North Idaho and the broader Inland Northwest. Idaho currently has seven operating Latter-day Saint temples, located in Boise, Burley, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Pocatello, Rexburg, and Twin Falls. The Coeur d’Alene temple is one of three Idaho temples currently in construction or planning and design phases — alongside the Teton River and Caldwell Idaho temples. An additional Idaho temple is scheduled for dedication later this fall.
What the Temple Means for the Coeur d’Alene Area
For Latter-day Saint families in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum areas, a local temple would represent a significant change in day-to-day religious life. Temples serve a distinct and sacred function in the faith, separate from regular Sunday worship services, and members travel specifically to participate in temple ordinances. Having a temple in Kootenai County would eliminate the need for long drives to facilities in southern Idaho or neighboring states.
The project also reflects the continued growth of faith communities across North Idaho, where population increases over the past decade have expanded congregations of many denominations throughout the region. Community development and faith institution news are among the topics covered regularly at Kootenai County News, including coverage of new civic leadership appointments like the recently named Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief.
What Comes Next
With site grading and utility work now in progress, the next major public milestone will be an official groundbreaking ceremony, though the church has not yet announced a date for that event. Design work continues, and further details about the temple’s architecture and construction timeline are expected to be released as planning advances.
Residents interested in following the progress of the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple and other Latter-day Saint temples under development can monitor updates through the church’s official channels. Kootenai County News will continue to report on significant community development milestones across the region, including upcoming local events like the Kootenai County Fair.