SALT LAKE CITY, UT — After nearly five years of construction on the historic Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square, church officials have announced a new completion estimate that projects the massive renovation will be finished just in time to narrowly beat the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In a press conference held Thursday, representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed cautious optimism that the long-awaited project — originally slated to take four years — would now be completed by “sometime before the millennial reign.”
“We understand the concerns from members who have wondered whether the Lord’s return might outpace our seismic upgrades,” said Elder Dale G. Parkins, head of the Temple Square Renovation Oversight Committee. “But based on this latest timeline, we feel confident we’ll wrap things up before He descends from the clouds of glory.”
The $1 billion renovation project, which began in early 2020, was originally intended to modernize the temple’s foundation and improve its earthquake resilience. However, church leaders quickly realized they’d also need to reinforce the temple’s infrastructure to withstand other biblical events such as hailstorms of fire, the opening of the sixth seal, and whatever happens when the Euphrates River dries up.
“We just want to ensure the temple will still be standing when the moon turns to blood,” said Parkins. “You don’t want the building collapsing during the big Second Coming opening ceremony — that would be pretty embarrassing.”
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The project has faced multiple delays due to unforeseen complications, including unexpected structural issues, supply chain problems, and the unexpected discovery of a stash of ankle-fetish pioneer-era pornography, found below the floor boards of the temple basement. Additionally, construction workers have reportedly spent several months meticulously relocating a cache of 19th-century hardtack, roughly two-years supply, unsure if it was consecrated for future famines or simply forgotten.
“The temple is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of the faith and patience of the Saints,” said Parkins. “And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this project, it’s that the Lord’s timing is not our timing — especially when it comes to subcontractors.”
Church officials acknowledged the frustrations of some members, especially those who have noted that the Salt Lake Temple restoration is now taking longer than the entire Nauvoo Exodus, the construction of Solomon’s Temple, and several dispensations combined.
“We know that waiting is hard,” said Sister Marjorie Simmons, a member of the Temple Square Public Affairs Committee. “But remember, even Noah took 120 years to build the ark — and he didn’t have to wait on custom-ordered marble from Italy.”
In the meantime, church members are encouraged to remain patient and prayerful. A temporary visitor’s center is open to the public, offering a virtual reality tour of what the temple might look like when it’s finished — as well as a helpful pamphlet titled “Enduring Delays: Making the Most of the Last Days”.
If the project faces further delays, church leaders say they have contingency plans in place to dedicate the temple via Zoom or simply add a few more stained glass windows depicting the parable of the ten virgins — a fitting reminder to always be ready, even if the contractor says they just need one more month.
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