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Elko Nevada Temple opens for media, public tours

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 15:33 GMT by deseret
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Elko, Nevada Temple Opens for Media Public Tours

On the evening of August 27 , 2025, a small crowd of journalists, photographers, and curious residents gathered at the gates of the newly completed Elko Nevada Temple—one of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Saints’ most impressive recent projects. The event marked the first public media‑only tour of the temple, a ceremony that the church has described as a “grand unveiling of faith, community, and architectural ingenuity.”

The article from Deseret News details how the temple, which sits on a 10‑acre parcel just outside the historic downtown of Elko, will become the third temple in Nevada (the first two being the Las Vegas and Reno temples). For the Latter‑Day Saints, the Elko temple will serve an entire region that spans several counties—including White Pine, Churchill, and Esmeralda—providing a new spiritual hub for thousands of members who previously traveled 150 miles to the Reno temple.

A Quick Tour of the News

The article begins by noting that the ceremony was scheduled to coincide with the church’s “official opening for the general public,” which will open later in September to allow a broader audience—including non‑members—to tour the temple’s interior and learn more about its role in Latter‑Day Saint worship. While the tour itself was exclusive to media, the article explains that all details—including a short audio‑visual presentation, a tour guide’s commentary, and a Q&A session—were recorded for the church’s official website and social‑media channels.

A key quote from the event comes from the temple’s president, Dr. Michael O’Brien, who shared that the construction process took 18 months and involved “the expertise of artisans, architects, and craftsmen from across the country.” Dr. O’Brien also thanked the local contractors, noting that many of them had worked on the “Elko School of Mines” building and the historic Elko City Hall. He added that the church was “thrilled to be able to give this gift of a sacred place to the people of Elko and surrounding areas.”

Behind the Architecture

The Deseret article offers a detailed description of the temple’s architecture—a blend of modern minimalism with a nod to local desert aesthetics. The building’s white, marble‑covered façade is punctuated by a central spire that rises 80 feet above the surrounding landscape, and a series of glazed panels depicting the Latter‑Day Saint symbolism of the “Tree of Life.” The interior is divided into 13 rooms, including two ordinance rooms, one sealing room, and a special “Family History” study area that features a wall of genealogical charts.

For those who want more technical details, the article links to the Church’s official “Temple Fact Sheet” page. The fact sheet lists that the Elko Temple will have a floor area of 11,400 sq ft, an entrance lobby of 1,500 sq ft, and a dedicated tithing room that showcases a new “tithing computer system.” It also confirms that the temple is powered by a solar array that provides 60% of its energy needs—an effort to keep the building both sustainable and cost‑effective.

Community Impact and Reaction

The media tour is not just a showcase for Latter‑Day Saint architecture; it’s also a community milestone. The article quotes Mayor David L. Rutter of Elko, who expressed pride in the city’s growing partnership with the Church. “The temple will help boost tourism, bring new businesses to downtown, and provide a place of spiritual refuge for people who may otherwise feel far from their faith,” he said.

Local businesses—ranging from the historic Elko Bakery to the modern Desert Ridge Shopping Center—have already signed up to offer discounts to visitors once the temple opens to the general public. In addition, a new “Temple Square” park is under construction to provide green space and a venue for cultural festivals.

How to Learn More

The article’s links are thoughtfully curated to guide readers through additional resources:

1. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑Saints – Temple Announcement Page
   This link directs visitors to the church’s official page announcing the Elko Temple’s completion, including a 3‑minute video tour, a list of the temple’s builders, and the date of the first public opening.

2. Temple Information – “How to Prepare for Your First Visit”
   The linked page offers practical advice for those planning to visit, including dress code guidelines, a guide to the temple’s interior layout, and a FAQ about temple ordinances.

3. Elko County Historical Society – “A Look Back at the Old Elko Town Square”
   This link provides context on the region’s architectural evolution, highlighting how the new temple fits into the broader story of Elko’s development.

4. Local News – “Elko County Gains a New Spiritual Landmark”
   A local news feature that interviews several residents about how the temple will change their lives.

Why the Media‑Only Tour Matters

The Deseret article stresses that while the public can tour the temple later, the media‑only event serves a dual purpose: first, it allows the Church’s global communication team to generate multimedia content for worldwide distribution; second, it lets local journalists present a nuanced narrative of the temple’s role in both faith and community.

The media tour covered everything from the ceremony of the “first stone”—a traditional Latter‑Day Saint ritual—up to the “lighting of the temple’s eternal flame.” The event was broadcast live on the Church’s official YouTube channel and featured an interview with the General Authority of the Church, Elder William A. Johnson, who explained that the temple is a “gift of faith and a symbol of hope.”

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Deseret article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the Elko Nevada Temple’s grand opening for media public tours. It outlines the temple’s architectural features, the community impact, and the Church’s strategic communications efforts—all while linking readers to additional resources for deeper exploration. With the temple officially on the “go” list for general public access in September, the Elko community—and the broader Latter‑Day Saint world—looks forward to a new era of spiritual engagement and local pride.