Members of the Portland Maine Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on the evening of December 10, 2023, for a Christmas fireside when they received a significant announcement. The church’s First Presidency revealed plans to construct the first temple in Maine, marking a historic milestone for the state’s Latter-day Saint community.
Elder Allen D. Haynie, a General Authority Seventy and president of the United States Northeast Area, conveyed the announcement to attendees at the Portland stake center in North Yarmouth. “We’re pleased to announce the construction of a temple in Portland, Maine. The specific location and timing of the construction will be announced later,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of this development, noting it provides “more frequent access to the ordinances, covenants, and power that can only be found in the house of the Lord.”
This announcement is particularly notable as it represents the first time a member of the area presidency has made such a declaration. Elder Haynie remarked, “Tonight will be the first time” an announcement of this nature has occurred in Maine. The Portland Maine Temple is also the first house of the Lord announced since President Dallin H. Oaks was set apart as the 18th President of the Church on October 14, 2023.
Maine is home to over 11,000 Latter-day Saints who are organized into 27 congregations. The Portland Maine Stake, which was created earlier in 2023, is one of three stakes in the state, alongside the Augusta and Bangor stakes. Currently, church members in these areas are part of the Boston Massachusetts Temple district.
The Christmas fireside, titled “Come Let Us Adore Him,” featured a variety of musical performances and messages reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ. Elder Haynie was joined at the event by his wife, Sister Deborah Haynie, and families of all ages participated in the celebration.
The announcement of a new temple in Portland contributes to the church’s growing global presence, bringing the total number of temples—operating, under construction, or announced worldwide—to 383. This deviation from the recent trend of announcing new temples primarily during the church’s semiannual general conferences marks a significant shift. In fact, of the 200 temples announced by President Russell M. Nelson during his administration, only one was unveiled outside a general conference session.
Historically, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has deep roots in Maine, dating back to 1832 when missionaries first arrived by canoe, establishing a branch in Saco that same year. Despite a decline in church activity following 1844, when many members migrated west to escape persecution, efforts resumed in 1904. Meetinghouses were dedicated in Portland and Bangor in 1957, and the Maine Stake was organized on June 23, 1968.
The construction of the Portland Maine Temple represents a significant development for the Latter-day Saint community, offering new opportunities for worship and community engagement within the state.
