Unprecedented: A New Temple Square Visitors’ Center that Is Unlike Any Other

(Be sure and see the video at the end of the article to enjoy a lovely tour of the new Visitors’ Center.)

“For years, every generation has asked, how do we share the story of who we are as a people? How do we share the story of temples? And every generation has tried a different method,” said Emily Utt, a curator of historic sites for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A sneak peek into the new 39,800 square foot Visitors’ Center at Temple Square reveals a refreshing answer to how to tell our story. For years visitors to Temple Square have asked two questions. “Do Latter-day Saints believe in Jesus Christ and what goes on inside your temples?

This new visitors’ center answers both questions masterfully, but the second question in a way that is utterly new.


“You may think you have been to a visitors’ center before, but this is not that. This is an experience like you have never had before,” said Emily Bell Freeman, Young Women’s General President.”

Approaching Temple Square from South Temple, it is easy to see that the new Visitors’ Center consists of two wings separated by a garden that allows a clear view of the temple beyond them. Beneath that garden and connecting the two wings is a sweeping lower level where the South Visitors’ Center stood before it was demolished.


It is in that underground area that visitors find the surprise. Here are exhibits, scale models of temples from around the world, but what’s unique is an exact replica of the rooms that are actually inside a temple, including a recommend desk, a baptistry, an instruction room, a celestial room and a sealing room.

This means that this visitors’ center with these replica rooms will become a perpetual temple open house.

When the Salt Lake Temple has its open house from April to October in 2027, with visitors expected in the range of 3 to 5 million and a daily attendance of 20,000 to 29,000, that is not the end of visitors to Temple Square seeing what a temple looks like. While these replica rooms, are not the Salt Lake Temple, they look like the inspiring rooms of other temples. 

Elder Matthew S. Holland said, “Because Latter-day Saints consider their temples a sacred space, people naturally wonder what goes on inside of them.” They will always be able to not only find out, but see for themselves, on Temple Square.

The Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027 will mark the first time in history the temple has been open to the public.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, acting president of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized, “I think it is wonderful that we have now this openness of showing what is happening so no one can feel that we’re keeping anything hidden, because there’s nothing to hide.”


He said, “This morning, I was able to dedicate this visitors’ center and consecrate it to the purpose of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to all those who come…which is joyful.

Eager to Come to Temple Square

As President Uchtdorf stood next to the Christus statue skirted by windows that opened to an imposing view of the temple, he said, “The openness is also reflected here with all these windows and the glass, the wood, and the temple behind us, and the statue of Jesus Christ, right here.

“It reminds me when we all see this beautiful material, almost the highest level of quality you can imagine, how did this all come about? It came about because of a small group of people, many years ago, who found a way to worship God in a similar way as it was done when Jesus Christ walked the earth. That is what we call the Restoration”

“These people came together in the Eastern part of the United States, and unfortunately, they weren’t very welcomed there, so they looked for a place far away from circumstances of persecution.”

 “Four days after they arrived here, they decided, this is the spot to build a House of the Lord. These people came in with hand carts. They came in oxen-drawn wagons. They lived in log houses…with no firm floor, dirt floors. These people, settled here and within a few years, still living in those houses, built this temple. Since they were not in business of building this temple for 40 years, they were…interrupted by other things–an army coming in trying to straighten them out. In the meantime, they also built the tabernacle which is right next to us.


“So you see, those people, living here in those simple circumstances, built this majestic building. Why? Because of their conviction and faith in Jesus Christ.”

President Uchtdorf said, that conviction moved them then and “that is what moves us now.”

He also said of the remarkable feat of shoring up and renovating the Salt Lake Temple and building this new visitor’s center, “It’s a beautiful time, when we see how everything falls in place.” 

A Blending of the Old and the New

Amy Christensen, of Jacobsen Construction that has been the contractor on the temple and visitors’ center, said that in their 104-year history as a company, this has been an unprecedented project for them to work on the temple project.


“There have been over a thousand people at any given time working a day on this project, six days a week, with a 20-hour staggered work schedule going on as different people come and go. It’s a lot of dedicated time to this project, and there are 10 work packages here, so it’s 10 construction projects in one.”

While upgrading the temple and building the visitors’ center with its exact replica of rooms in a temple, the most advanced pioneering technology was used, but there was always a nod to the pioneer past.

Until, the seismic upgrade of the temple, it has been standing on the adobe foundation, laid by the pioneers, though some portions had been repaired. Now, like the spiritual heritage of the Latter-day Saints, the temple is standing on many layers of foundational strength.

“It’s amazing to see what original innovations were done on this structure at time,” said Christensen. “It was state of the art, absolutely. As we stand on the shoulders of those original construction builders, we feel like we’re partners through the generations with them and pioneering a new generation of people who want to come, participate, and be inside the temple, and keep it safe for many generations to come.”


She noted that many of the workers on the temple and visitors’ center construction site had ancestors who had worked on the original Salt Lake Temple, and some of them are also working in the same skill set.

“There’s an absolute connection to the pioneers. A lot of old photographs and history have been studied to review back as much as possible the look and feel of the temple interior and to repurpose and reuse many things that were in the temple before. Even art glass has been restored, though some of it has been moved so it can be seen by more people.”

Only Dreamed of

Emily Utt noted that in 1852 while the temple was only partially constructed, the pioneers built a wall around the square to define the sacred center. “I love that this wall is still here to show you are now entering sacred space.”


Yet, what the new visitors’ center does with its remarkable technology, is something that could have only been dreamed of in earlier years. Utt said, in the 19th century when people came to Temple Square and wanted to learn about what the Latter-day Saints believed, they’d have to ask a gardener. Then in 1902, a little bureau of information was opened on one corner of the square. Then in the 1960’s they built the North Visitors’ Center and put a Christus in it followed by the building of a South Visitors’ Centeri n the 70’s.

Yet, Utt said, “Since we are always working on being open and transparent, we have technology now that we could only have dreamed of in the 60’s. We can tell our story better than ever before.

What You’ll Find in the Visitors’ Center

In the east wing of the Visitor’s Center is an exact scale model, made to the minute detail to look like the inside of the renovated Salt Lake temple. One wall of the temple moves down to reveal this interior. Then the back of the temple also moves so the two new wings of the temple, much of it underground. can be seen. This is a 100,000 square feet addition.

These wings have glass roofs, so someone entering this section of the temple can look up and see the rising temple above them. In addition, this area also includes special rooms where friends and family of those getting sealed, who cannot go in, have a place to sit and enjoy the spirit of the temple.


In total, the new temple will have 23 sealing rooms, a large number that President Russell M. Nelson had insisted on for a temple at the center of Christendom. 

Moving to the lower level is a display of models of 11 temples from around the world with electronic signs in English, Spanish and Mandarin. They lead to a large, interactive, lighted globe, showing temples dotting the earth. Touch a glowing dot on the globe where a temple is located, and a photo of a temple emerges.


The centerpiece of the hall is the “Come Unto Me” statue of Christ, made of marble from the same quarry where the famous statue of David was drawn. The statue by artist Christian Holt, captures both the divinity of Christ and his reach out for every person.


The hall then leads to a media wall of photos, videos and audio, that illustrate caring for others. The church, regarding all people as children of God, seeks to reach out with a humanitarian hand to all people.


Beyond the visitors’ center guests can see landscaped gardens with sculptors which give a glimpse into sacred moments in the ministry of Christ and sacred moments like the reception of the priesthood powers and keys.

A Time of Excitement

For those who have waited what seems like a very long time to be able to be on Temple Square and see the visitors’ center and be closer to the temple, this is an exciting time. This project is a monument to cutting edge effort, cooperation and coming together to do something truly magnificent.

With the replicas of the rooms of a temple in the visitor’s center, this is a first experience in opening up the rooms of a temple more broadly while maintaining the sacred space of the temple itself.

What You Need to Know

The visitors’ center will be open May 18, with anyone able to come through the doors to visit. However, to see the replica rooms requires a reservation which can be made at  TempleSquare.org. The experience takes about 30 minutes. As of this writing, the first two weeks were already booked.

How and When to Visit the Temple Square Visitors’ Center

• Hours: Beginning May 18, 2026, the Temple Square Visitors’ Center will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Tickets: Admission to the center is free. While no ticket is required for entry, a reservation is required for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour. Reservations can be made through the Temple Square app (Apple, Android) or at TempleSquare.org.
• Parking: Free parking is available at the Conference Center with validation; City Creek parking is also available south of Temple Square (first two hours free).
• Public transit: The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
• Accessibility: The visitors’ center is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and fully accessible to all visitors.

Temple Square Reveals Two New Sculptures of the Savior’s Final Week

Pictures courtesy of the Church Newsroom.

Two new statues now grace the south side of the Salt Lake Temple, just steps from the Temple Square Visitors’ Center plaza — offering visitors a powerful new way to reflect and remember.

Their arrival is especially meaningful during the Easter season, when Christians around the world turn their hearts to the final week of Jesus Christ’s life and the miracle of His Resurrection.

Although this area remains under construction, the statues are visible to the public — quietly inviting all who pass by to pause and consider the Savior’s sacrifice.

“Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross,” created by Michael Hall — also known for the beloved First Vision statue at Temple Square — portrays the Savior as He bears the cross on His final walk to Calvary. “Jesus Christ in Gethsemane,” by married artists Stephani and Roger Hunt, captures a deeply sacred moment of prayer and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Together, these sculptures bring to life pivotal moments in the Savior’s ministry, inviting reflection and reverence while adding a meaningful spiritual dimension to the ongoing renovation at Temple Square.

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Temple Square Renovation Update: February 2026

How Big Will the Salt Lake Temple Open House Be?

This article preview is courtesy of the ChurchBeat by Tad Walch. Read the full article HERE.

In case you missed it, Salt Lake City recently revealed the first real estimate for how many visitors are expected at the historic open house for the pioneer-era Salt Lake Temple in 2027.

Salt Lake must create a real working estimate to justify closing down streets around the temple for the safety of the visitors. It made one with the help of the Utah Department of Transportation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The office of Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall recently sent a letter to the City Council asking for the road closures because “this event will draw millions of visitors to the city with mass gatherings taking place on the blocks surrounding Temple Square.”

A city spokesman provided a second estimate in an accompanying statement to the Deseret News.

“The city expects the celebration to draw more than 20,000 visitors each day,” Adam Wittenberg stated.

That matches the number of people who visited the Medals Plaza each night during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in downtown Salt Lake City.

To continue reading the rest of the article, please click here. 

 

Milestones at Temple Square Signal Progress and Promise

Photos courtesy of the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE.

Renovation work on the historic Salt Lake Temple continues to move forward, marked by a significant visible milestone. Exterior scaffolding surrounding the temple’s exterior is being gradually removed as the stone walls are cleaned. For several years, the spires were fully enclosed to allow for extensive seismic upgrades, structural strengthening, and interior renovation.

The removal process will continue through mid-March 2026 and marks a transition from large-scale exterior construction to detailed interior finishing. For visitors to Temple Square, the unveiling of the temple’s exterior is a clear sign that the long-term project is nearing completion. The full renovation is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026, followed by a six-month celebration in 2027. Additional information is available at  TempleSquare.org.

In conjunction with these restoration updates, a new statue has been placed at Temple Square depicting the Old Testament Prophet Elijah restoring the sealing keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on April 3, 1836 (see Doctrine & Covenants 110:13–16). This sealing power, prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6, makes it possible for families to be bound together for eternity. The statue, titled Restoration of the Sealing Keys, is located northwest of the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

The statue was created by Utah artist Ben Hammond, who also sculpted the Come, Follow Me and The Five Wise Virgins statues at Temple Square. “Once they moved all the construction equipment out of the way from installing it and we took the plastic off of it, I got a little emotional there,” Hammond said on Thursday, January 15, 2026. “It was a good feeling.” This and other statues being installed through 2027 are part of a broader artistic effort to highlight Jesus Christ, His restored gospel, and the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional: ‘Partner with [Christ] and Share His Love and Hope’

The following comes from the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

Share Jesus Christ’s love with others. Befriend the lonely. Accept the gifts the Savior offers you. Focus on Him to find hope and healing.

These messages and more were shared by four leaders at the 2025 First Presidency Christmas devotional of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The prerecorded broadcast from the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square was shared with the world on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The speakers were Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency; Jeffrey R. Holland, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Timothy L. Farnes, Young Men General President; and Susan H. Porter, Primary General President.

President Eyring: Partner with Christ in Sharing Love and Hope

President Eyring recalled a Christ-centered tradition he had as a young father of baking fresh bread with his two daughters for those in need. In addition to the bread, President Eyring would carve into a wooden board a few words in French that mean, “I love and I hope.”

“Opportunities await each of us this Christmas season to reach out and show kindness with Christlike love — and many times will have an enduring effect,” President Eyring said. “As we embark on this wonderful Christmas season, I leave you my testimony that Jesus Christ is love and hope. We too can partner with him and share His love and hope with others through selfless acts of kindness.”

President Holland: Be a Family for the Lonely

President Holland spoke of the loneliness many experience during the holidays. He said that for him, the past three Christmases without his wife, Patricia (who died in July 2023), have been especially lonely.

“This Christmas, may I invite each of you to be, however briefly, a family for someone who is otherwise alone. Loneliness is a terribly painful feeling,” President Holland said.

He pointed people to their Heavenly Father, “who never flags nor fails,” and to Jesus Christ, “who grew up to bear our griefs, carry our sorrows and be bruised for our iniquities. We thank our Father in Heaven for the promised Messiah, the greatest gift of all at Christmas.”

President Farnes: Accept Christ’s Gift

President Farnes shared a story from his time as a young missionary in Brazil, where a family offered him and his missionary companion a Christmas dinner despite the family’s limited means.

“They had given us a beautiful gift, and at first I had been hesitant to accept it. That Christmas changed my life forever,” President Farnes said. “We can and we should celebrate Christmas each day by turning to the Savior and gratefully accepting His gift. As we embrace the joy of daily repentance, we will discover that the blessings of Christmas and the miracle of his gift can be ours continually.”

President Porter: Christ is the Source of Hope and Healing

President Porter shared the difficulties she experienced on Christmas Eves in 2010 and 2016 when her husband, Bruce, was hospitalized and “fighting for his life.” Bruce survived his 2010 health scare but not his second. He died on December 28, 2016.

“Although each Christmas Eve had a different outcome, each one is sacred to us,” President Porter said. “Were tears shed, deep sorrow felt, along with loss and loneliness? Yes. And did we feel the light of God’s love? Yes. At what felt like the going down of our sun in our lives, He gave us light and understanding. As we keep our focus on the Savior of the world, He will light our way to hope and healing.”

To visit the Church Newsroom website, CLICK HERE. 

Christmas Celebrations on Temple Square 2025

To read more from Larry Richman, visit LDS 365. 

Temple Square in Salt Lake City offers Christ-centered displays and free activities this Christmas season. While renovation continues on the historic Salt Lake Temple, many locations on Temple Square are open to guests.

Below is a schedule of events:

• Christmas Lights. Available at all open areas of Temple Square daily from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 4:30-10:00 p.m. November 28, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
• Church History Museum. The Giving Machine display in the lobby is available Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday—Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Auditorium features musical performances from community/school groups. The Drawing Room features free activities, including the Light the World tree and take-home Christmas crafts (luminaries from Mexico and parols from the Philippines).
• Conference Center. Christmas-themed large-form artwork throughout the plaza lobby Monday—Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tours of the building are offered, except during events and closures.
• Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. December 11-13, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Center, featuring Tony Award-winning actress Stephanie J. Block and Broadway and television actor Sebastian Arcelus. Tickets are complimentary but required for entry. The random selection process is now over, but a standby line in the Tabernacle will open 90 minutes before each concert.
• Music and the Spoken Word. Live each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Center. Broadcast is 30 minutes long. Free to the public; no ticket required for entry. A special performance on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in the Conference Center will feature a guest artist and highlight music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s Christmas concerts.
• Giving Machines. Kiosks hosted in 126 cities across 21 countries and on six continents. Locations in Salt Lake City include City Creek Center and the Church History Museum.
• Savior of the World Performance. November 20 through December 27, 2025, in the Conference Center Little Theater (excluding Sundays and Mondays). Matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. and evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are required for entry. All have been distributed, but a standby line will be available at a marked location inside the Conference Center Plaza level lobby near the west wall portrait gallery.
• Concerts and Nightly Performances. November 30 through December 23, 2025. Various times and locations throughout Temple Square featuring choirs sponsored by schools, missionary, and community organizations, as well as various string, flute, guitar,

No Christmas displays or events will be offered at the Church History Library or FamilySearch Library, but the buildings will remain open as usual.

Learn more in the article “Temple Square 2025: Christmas Celebrations Centered on the Light of Christ.”

See more information on Temple Square operating hours.

President Oaks and President Holland Discuss 150 Years of Brigham Young University

The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE. 

Two former presidents of Brigham Young University sat down to reflect on the school’s influence and history to mark 150 years since its founding in October 1875.

President Dallin H. Oaks, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joined President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the discussion. From a recording studio on Temple Square in September, they talked about BYU’s influence on them as students and leaders, the university’s spiritual obligation and educational mission, and the growing presence of women in its professional schools. Both are graduates of the university and expressed deep gratitude for their BYU education and its prophetic leadership.

BYU’s Spiritual Obligation and Educational Mission

President Holland emphasized the spiritual obligation of BYU, describing it as a university founded on the belief that students are children of God.

“It is a university. We come there to study and to take degrees — and it’s everything from art to zoology. But running through it is a foundation and a theme that these are children of God,” President Holland said. “We’re to teach them for eternity. ‘Education for eternity’ is a phrase that we use.”

President Oaks reflected on the challenge he had during his tenure (1971–1980) of balancing spiritual and academic responsibilities.

“Coming as I did from a professor of law at a great university, I had no experience with balancing the spiritual,” said President Oaks, who taught for 10 years at the University of Chicago Law School. “The rest of [university administration] I was familiar with, but it was a struggle for me all the time I served at BYU to watch the thermometer registering spiritual temperature. I think the university [today] does it much better than I in my struggles was trying to do it.”

The two leaders said that two of BYU’s significant spiritual influences are student congregations and the presence of returned missionaries (including those who learned another language) or students studying to be missionaries.

“That is a powerful advantage that our Church Education System institutions have in the quality of education they can offer,” President Oaks said.

Temple Square Renovation Update: October 2025

The following was originally published on the Church Newsroom. To visit their website, CLICK HERE. 

The 270-foot-tall north tower crane that has operated on Temple Square for more than four years has been removed, signifying another milestone toward the completion of the Salt Lake Temple.

The crane played an important role in lifting and placing large stones, structural components and mechanical systems during the renovation of the historic temple.

Workers from Mountain Crane, subcontractors of Jacobsen Construction, completed the removal of the crane October 27–29, working throughout the night to ensure safety and allow for adequate space.

“Space is always the biggest problem,” said Jacobsen general foreman Steve Quintana, referring to the small construction area close to the temple.

The process was supported by city-approved lane restrictions and temporary street closures.

On the first day, an 800-ton crane (taller than the north tower crane itself) was erected to assist in the removal of the north tower crane, which was carefully dismantled over two days. Elements of the north tower crane were loaded onto semitrucks for transport. On the final day, the 800-ton crane was dismantled and removed.

 

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The crane can lift approximately 35,000 pounds at its base and 10,000 pounds at its tip, enabling crews to move heavy loads that would otherwise be impossible to position in the north addition of the temple.

Every operation involved a close connection between the crane operators and riggers — the crew members on the ground responsible for securing loads and providing visual guidance to the crane operators.

Crane riggers are the eyes and ears of the operator, and their direction must be perfect.

“When the cranes start to come down, this milestone is typically a sign that the heavy and hard-to-reach material is in place,” said Quintana. “It frees up area for more work to be completed.”

“I have never been on a project in my 32 years with Jacobsen that a tower crane has stood this long,” he added.

The south tower crane, the longest in operation on-site, will remain in place until spring 2026.

New Accessible Entrance for the Relief Society Building

Crews are constructing a new accessible entrance to the west side of the Relief Society Building, located on the north side of Temple Square. The work includes demolition of the old plant bed and stairs, installation of new stairs and an accessible ramp, updated lighting, irrigation and refreshed plantings. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Visitors can access several areas on Temple Square as work on the historic temple moves closer to completion, including the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the nearby Church History Museum and FamilySearch Library.

Latter-day Saints worship in temples for several reasons: to feel God’s love and peace, to learn more about God’s plan for His children and the gospel of Jesus Christ, to make promises with God and with one’s husband or wife, and to unite families in this life and the next through sacred ordinances.

For more information on the renovation and upcoming open house celebration, visit TempleSquare.org.

Photo Essay: Thousands Say Goodbye to a Prophet

Photos courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. View the original article HERE. 

Thousands gathered at the Conference Center on Temple Square on Monday, October 6– relatives, families, and friends of faith– each waiting for a quiet moment to say goodbye to President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who spent his life leading them closer to Jesus Christ.

The emotional viewing took place in the Hall of the Prophets, located on the third floor of the Conference Center, the same building where General Conference was held this weekend.

Lined with bronze busts honoring the Church’s past prophets, the Hall of the Prophets provided a fitting setting for the farewell. Public viewings for the prophets have been held there since 2008.

President Russell M. Nelson served as prophet for nearly 8 years, called in 2018 to preside over the Church. Before becoming the prophet, he served as an apostle for 34 years. He was a loving father, a devoted spouse, a heart surgeon, and a mouthpiece of the Lord.

Under his direction, the Church saw historic change: 200 new temples were announced, worship and learning shifted to a home-centered approach, and ministering replaced the familiar patterns of home- and visiting-teaching.

President Russell M. Nelson was father to ten children, whom he loved dearly, nine daughters and one son. Today, among his other children, Gloria N. Irion paid her respects, joining countless others in honoring her father’s life and legacy.

During his time as an apostle and prophet, President Russell M. Nelson gave 112 talks and participated in 83 General Conferences. He was called as an apostle on April 7, 1987.

In his first General Conference talk as prophet, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, he emphasized the importance of personal revelation. “I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek. Every blessing the Lord has for you—even miracles—will follow,” he said.

With his focus on expanding the global Church, he truly lived what he taught. President Russell M. Nelson could converse with others in 11 different languages, including French, German, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese

While traveling with President Russell M. Nelson in 2018, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reflected on his global focus. “He’s the prophet to the world, and he has that view. He has that prophetic seership. We sustain him as a seer and a revelator, and he is looking at the whole world,” said Elder Holland.

Rosalie Ringwood, one of President Russell M. Nelson’s eight surviving children, attended the sacred event with her daughter. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of his 10 children, 57 grandchildren, and over 167 great-grandchildren.

People of all ages attended the event, honoring a life of service and love. Bryanna Corrall Corrales, an 11-year-old from Arizona, said, “I felt his spirit was around, like he was watching all the people who came to see him. I love most that he was a very kind person and a messenger of God. To me, he was the voice of God. He taught us to be kind and love and support each other.”

In 2020, President Russell M. Nelson introduced a new global youth program, inviting the youth to counsel with the Lord about how they could grow in a balanced way. The program has four categories: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual, encouraging youth to make their own personal goals.

As a physician, President Russell M. Nelson healed the sick through heart surgery, and as a disciple of Christ, he healed broken hearts. In a 2005 talk, he shared, “When sore trials come upon us, it’s time to deepen our faith in God, to work hard and to serve others. Then He will heal our broken hearts.”

President Dallin H. Oaks said, “I’ve heard surgeons that he trained comment on how effective he was at teaching them to be surgeons, and I’ve seen him as the master teacher teach the servants of the Lord in the same way.”

“It felt very sacred being able to pay my respects to the prophet, a man that we look up to so highly,” said Alan Johnson, 24. “He was a really good example in life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. … Being a Native American, we always respect our elders. And he was an elder to us.”

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles honored President Russell M. Nelson with a flower arrangement, a symbol of their love, respect, and gratitude for his life of service and leadership.

Laurie Marsh, daughter of President Russell M. Nelson, visits with a couple in the Hall of the Presidents at the viewing, surrounded by the quiet reverence of those who came to pay tribute to the beloved prophet.

One of President Nelson’s iconic invitations, to “Think Celestial!” urges followers of Christ to look at life with an eternal perspective. “As you think celestial, your faith will increase,” he promised.

In his last General Conference address, “Confidence in the Presence of God”, President Nelson shared, “When we make and keep covenants with God, we can have confidence that is born of the Spirit. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that our confidence can ‘wax strong in the presence of God.’ Imagine the comfort of having confidence in the presence of God!”

President Nelson’s funeral will be held in the Conference Center on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12 PM MDT. The funeral will be open to the public, ages 8 and older. Tickets are required for the in-person viewing. The funeral will also be streamed live on YouTube. More information can be found here.