Decked out in their usual workday suits and ties — complemented by not-so-usual white hard hats and yellow vests — the top three leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the renovation work nearing completion at the iconic Salt Lake Temple.
Church President Dallin H. Oaks, joined by his wife, Kristen, and his counselors, Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson, along with Christofferson’s wife, Kathy, visited multiple rooms last week, according to a Thursday news release, including one of the baptistries, marriage-sealing rooms and other rooms used by the faithful for sacred ceremonies.
(Leslie Nilsson | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The church's First Presidency tours the construction of the Salt Lake Temple on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. From left: Henry B. Eyring, Dallin H. Oaks and D. Todd Christofferson.
Members of the Presiding Bishopric — who oversee the faith’s far-reaching real estate, financial, investment and charitable operations — joined the governing First Presidency in surveying the temple as the work draws closer to an end.
(Leslie Nilsson | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Members of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tour the construction of the Salt Lake Temple on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. From left: L. Todd Budge, W. Christopher Waddell and Sean Douglas.
The renovation — including a major seismic upgrade — and expansion began in December 2019. The church will open the temple to the public for the first time since just before its 1893 dedication in 2027, with an open house from April to October.
Note to readers • Dylan Eubank is a Report for America corps member covering faith in Utah County for The Salt Lake Tribune. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps to keep him writing stories.
(Leslie Nilsson | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Church President Dallin H. Oaks, right, tours the construction of the Salt Lake Temple on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025.