DES MOINES, Iowa — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans to build a new temple in Des Moines, President Russell M. Nelson announced over the weekend.
"The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has for each of us," Nelson said in his announcement.
The church reports Iowa is home to more than 29,000 Latter-day Saints across about 70 congregations.
While the Des Moines temple will be Iowa's first temple, the religion actually has a long history in Iowa. The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail passed through Iowa from 1846-1852, with way stations located in Thayer and Garden Grove.
The temple in Des Moines is just one of 15 temples the church plans to build worldwide. The church also announced locations in cities such as Cincinnati, Houston Honolulu, and countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Australia and Scotland.
"The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church to receive peace, inspiration, and spiritual power as they enter into sacred agreements with God in His holy house," the news release states.
Click here to watch the video announcement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson.