The recently announced LDS temple in Philadelphia will be erected in the city's historic downtown.

The site, at 1739 Vine St., is adjacent to the Vine Street Expressway and neighboring courts building, while being diagonally across the street from Logan Square, a prominent Philadelphia landmark. It also is close to the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the main branch of the Free Library and the Franklin Institute.

"It's very easy to get to. It's a block away from the subway and bus routes," said Philadelphia Mormon Alma Adams, who joined the LDS Church in 2005 and has been to the Washington, D.C., and Manhattan temples. "I have wanted to be a temple worker. Now maybe I'll be able to. I am truly looking forward to it."

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced the Philadelphia Temple in October 2008. Currently, there are 130 operating temples in the world, with another 21 that have been announced or are under construction.

To Mormons, temples are the house of the Lord, the most sacred place on Earth. These temples contain a series of small rooms used for religious instruction, contemplation and ceremonies, such as weddings, in which couples are "sealed" together for eternity. Mormons also perform temple ordinances, including baptism, for deceased ancestors.


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