Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially dedicated Pennsylvania’s second Latter-day Saint temple, symbolizing an important milestone in the spiritual development and growth of the area’s believers.
“These members have worked for this from the very beginning,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “The Church began not far from here, and it is now stronger than ever in this area.”
In April 2020, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple. The groundbreaking occurred on August 21, 2021, and a public open house was held in August 2023. This new temple will serve over 29,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across more than 80 congregations.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was joined by other Church leaders, including Elder Mathias Held of the North America Northeast Area Presidency and Elder Craig C. Christensen, the assistant executive director of the Church’s Temple Department, for the dedication.
The dedication ceremony was held in two sessions. During the event, Elder Uchtdorf expressed, “This temple will be a blessing to you. It will enrich your lives, inspire you to create in your homes and families a spirit of hope and peace, and endow you with blessings from on high.”
The full text of Elder Uchtdorf’s dedicatory prayer will be published online. He also shared his reflections on the event through social media.
“My heart was full today as I joined friends and fellow disciples of Christ as we participated in the dedication of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple.”
“Pittsburgh is often referred to as the ‘city of bridges’ because of its 446 bridges—more than any other city in the world. Just as these bridges are designed to connect one place to another, the purpose of God’s temples is to connect heaven and earth.”
“For each of us, regardless of whichever of the Lord’s temples we attend, the temple can be a place where we may commune with the Lord. When you come because you feel grief or confusion, the Lord will offer you serenity and inner peace.”
“Let us always remember that Jesus Christ is at the center of the temple, its ordinances, and its covenants. May He also be at the center of our lives as we strive to live as He lived.”
The design and construction of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple highlights regional aspects mentioned by Elder Uchtdorf, including a bridge.
The temple also features the mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s official state flower, and art glass with dogwood tree and floral motifs.
More temples are to come for the people of Pennsylvania. President Nelson announced a third temple to be built in Harrisburg. A location has been announced and the temple is still in the planning and approval phase.
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