Farmington New Mexico Temple opens for tours, Navajo Nation president visits

FARMINGTON, New Mexico (ABC4) — The Farmington New Mexico Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open its doors to the public on July 17, and it will offer tours to the public from that date until August 2.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited the temple for a tour on July 14, ahead of the official opening.

“This temple represents more than a place of worship, it reflects the values of faith, family, and community,” Nygren is quoted in a news release. “As leaders, we have a responsibility to bridge understanding and show respect for all beliefs and cultures. That’s how we build unity.”

Nygren has visited the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints headquarters in Salt Lake City in the past and has worked with Church leaders, including Church President Russell M. Nelson, on the importance of regional interfaith relationships, according to the news release.

This temple will greatly reduce travel times for Navajo members of the church, who previously had to travel to Albuquerque or Mesa, Arizona to go to temple ceremonies.

Other local leaders also attended the media day on July 14, including Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett and Acting Attorney General Heather Clah.

According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Farmington New Mexico Temple will be dedicated on August 17 by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It will serve multiple Spanish-speaking congregations and congregations from surrounding Native American reservations, including the Navajo Nation.

It was first announced by President Russell M. Nelson at the April 2021 General Conference, and it is New Mexico’s second temple. Construction began in April 2022.

The design of the temple is influenced by surrounding structures, and the interior reportedly takes inspiration from local Native American art and culture.