Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for the Birmingham England Temple

On Saturday, 22 March 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with invited guests, gathered for a sacred and historic occasion—the groundbreaking ceremony for the Birmingham England Temple.

The ceremony was presided over by Elder Scott D. Whiting of the Seventy and the Europe North Area President, who offered the dedicatory prayer on the site.

Once completed, the Birmingham England Temple will be the third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom, joining the London England Temple, dedicated in 1958, and the Preston England Temple, dedicated in 1998. A fourth temple, the Edinburgh Scotland Temple, was announced by President Nelson in April 2024.

Reflecting on the occasion, Elder Scott D. Whiting said:

"Today marks a joyous occasion as we break ground for the Birmingham England Temple. This holy house will stand as a beacon of faith, peace and devotion to Jesus Christ for generations to come. We pray that it will bless not only those who enter its doors but also the surrounding community, as a symbol of love, service and unity."

After offering the dedicatory prayer, Elder Whiting and his wife, Sister Jeri Whiting, led the ceremonial turning of the soil. They were joined by government officials, including Douglas Wright MBE DL, High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, and Councillor John Perks, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield. Friends from various faiths, academics, representatives from community and charity organisations, and other Church leaders were also invited to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony.

A Sacred Place for Worship

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are different from meetinghouses or chapels where members gather for Sunday worship services. A temple is considered a house of the Lord, where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ceremonies that unite families for eternity.

The temple groundbreaking marks a historic milestone for the Church in the United Kingdom, where more than 180,000 members of the Church reside. For Latter-day Saints in the region, the groundbreaking was a moment of joy and anticipation. Local members and community leaders have expressed excitement and gratitude for the construction of the temple, recognising it as a significant addition to Sutton Coldfield.

Councillor Alex Yip, who serves as the local councillor to the temple site, said:

"The construction of the Birmingham England Temple is a wonderful and exciting addition to our Sutton Coldfield community, a Royal Town, known for its welcoming spirit and rich diversity. The new temple reflects the inclusive nature of our community, where people of all backgrounds and faiths live, work and can worship side by side.

This temple will stand as a testament to the values of faith, tolerance and service that are the cornerstones to a thriving community rooted in service to young and old alike, and embodies our hopes for the future. As the Shadow Cabinet Member for Communities and the Councillor for the ward, we greatly appreciate the Church’s commitment to strengthening families, bringing communities together and fostering goodwill emanating outwards from Wylde Green across Birmingham.”

James Doggett, a young man from the Bristol England Stake who spoke in the groundbreaking ceremony, said:

“It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of this great day, and I’ve realised how fast the Lord’s work is being hastened. Now that the temple is becoming a reality, it is a blessing for the UK and for this area.”

Watch the full groundbreaking ceremony below.

Temple Construction and Future Dedication

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Construction is expected to commence immediately, with further updates to be provided as the project progresses. Once the temple has been completed and before it becomes operational, the temple will be opened to the public for a guided open house, allowing visitors to tour the interior and learn more about its purpose. Following the open house, a dedication service will formally consecrate the temple for worship.

Further details on the temple’s construction, open house, and dedication will be announced in due course.