For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Wyoming, Oct. 3 was a day for celebration.
On Sunday, Church President Russell Nelson announced plans for a third temple in Wyoming, to be constructed in Cody.
Because over eleven percent of the entire population of the state of Wyoming declares membership in the Mormon Church, the announcement that another temple is planned to be erected in the state was the cause for joyous outbreaks on social media.
“My heart is overjoyed!” posted one member of the church in Cody to Facebook. “Cody, Wyoming is getting a temple!”
For those not familiar with the LDS faith, a temple is different from a church. The churches are the space that Mormons use for regular Sunday worship services, while temples are set aside for special rites, such as marriages and baptisms.
Non-Mormons are not allowed inside temples, with the exception of the period immediately after the construction is completed. At that time there is generally an “open house” in which community members can take tours of the temple, led by missionaries and members from the local area. After the temple is dedicated as a “House of the Lord,” only members are permitted to enter.
Worldwide, there are 265 LDS temples either operating, under construction, or in the planning process. The Cody temple, once constructed, will be the third temple built in Wyoming. In 2016, a temple was erected in Star Valley, and a temple in Casper is currently being built, with the dedication scheduled for this Saturday, October 9.
In addition to the Cody location, new temples have been announced in Taiwan, the Philippines, Liberia, Madagascar, Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Fort Worth (Texas), Rexburg (Idaho), and Heber Valley (Utah).
