Elder Gary E. Stevenson Dedicates New Latter-day Saint Temple in Elko, Nevada

ELKO, Nevada (ABC4) — Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the Elko Nevada Temple on Sunday, marking the Church’s third operating temple in the state.

During the dedication, Elder Stevenson emphasized the temple’s role in strengthening families and faith.

“Temples are blessing the lives of millions of Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil,” Stevenson said. “Those who make covenants in temples and do temple work will draw closer to their families.”

The event took place during a period of transition in Church leadership following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson. Stevenson said he had recently met with President Dallin H. Oaks, who currently presides as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to receive direction regarding the dedication.

“These proceedings all take place under his direction,” Stevenson said. “How reassuring it was to see this in real time.”

The last time a temple was dedicated during an apostolic interregnum — a transition between Church presidents — was in 1888 with the Manti Utah Temple.

Church leaders said the new Elko temple will serve roughly 12,000 members across six counties in northern Nevada, an area that previously required lengthy travel to temples in Idaho, Utah, or California.

“The small group of Latter-day Saints who participated in the organization of the first branch in Elko likely never imagined 100 years later a temple would be announced and dedicated,” Stevenson said.

Local leaders said they expect the temple to be a spiritual anchor for the region.

“We are especially excited that the rising generation will be able to make the house of the Lord their own personal sanctuary,” said Elko Nevada East Stake President Mathew N. Spieth. “It already feels like home.”

The temple was announced by President Nelson on April 4, 2021, during the Church’s general conference. A public open house was held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13.

The Elko Nevada Temple joins others in Las Vegas and Reno, with another under construction in Lone Mountain. The Church now counts 382 temples worldwide that are operating, announced or under construction.