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Idaho soon will get its fifth LDS temple, Colorado will get its second and Canada its ninth.
LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson opened the Utah-based faith's 181st Annual General Conference on Saturday by announcing plans to build three temples — in Meridian, Idaho; Fort Collins, Colo.; and Winnipeg, Canada.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has four temples in Idaho — including one in Boise, about 10 miles from Meridian. The other Gem State temples are in Rexburg, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.
The temple in Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, will be about 60 miles north of the one in Denver.
Details about the new temples will be announced as they become available, according to a church news release.
The LDS Church, with more than 14 million members worldwide, currently operates 134 temples, says the release. With Saturday's announcement, 26 more temples either have been announced or are under construction.
On Friday, the church closed the nearly 40-year-old, Space Age-like Ogden Temple to begin a massive makeover. After the renovation, the temple will be rededicated and reopened with a more traditional look.
Temples are where devout Mormons make promises to follow Jesus Christ, participate in ceremonies such as marriage and baptism for the dead by proxy and learn about the purpose of life.
In his opening remarks Saturday, Monson urged members to "continue to be faithful in performing such ordinances, not only for ourselves, but also for our deceased loved ones who are unable to do so for themselves."
The 83-year-old Monson — on the 75th anniversary of the LDS welfare program — also highlighted the church's humanitarian efforts, especially in the wake of Japan's devastating earthquake.
"We have distributed over 70 tons of supplies, including food, water, blankets, bedding, hygiene items, clothing and fuel," he said. "Our young single adults have volunteered their time to locate missing members using the Internet, social media and other modern means of communication. Members are delivering aid, via scooters provided by the church, to areas that are difficult to reach by car."
Monson said more than 4,000 Mormon volunteers have donated more than 40,000 hours of service in Japan.
The faith's 16th president, whom members view as a "prophet, seer and revelator," made a pitch for the church's proselytizing program, including its 52,225 missionaries serving in 340 missions around the globe.
"Missionary work is the lifeblood of the kingdom," Monson said. "May I suggest that if you are able, you might consider making a contribution to the general missionary fund of the church."