Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Is Dedicated — Promise Fulfilled on the Prairie

For many years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winnipeg, Manitoba, have held onto the promise that one day they would have a temple. This promise was realized on October 31, 2021, as the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated in three sessions by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

In his dedicatory prayer, Elder Gong honoured and acknowledged the patience of the local members. He said, “Dear Father, please smile on those who come to this house of the Lord. We gratefully acknowledge the pioneer spirit, consecrated sacrifice and heritage of gospel living and service of generations past and present offered in hearts, homes and communities here.”

Elder John N Craig, Area Seventy, said, “The Saints in Winnipeg have waited many years for this day, but it has been worth the wait, as almost every good thing is. Temples have been long-awaited by many over the generations, and, then as now, the long-anticipated blessings have flowed freely to those who wait patiently on the Lord.”

In 1998, while visiting Winnipeg, Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), then president of the Church, promised Church members that a temple would eventually be built in their city and asked them to be patient until the day arrived. Finally, in April 2011, President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) announced the construction of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple.

Bea Nordine, 92, who volunteered as a tour guide at the temple’s open house, said, “I’m so glad to be able to witness these promises fulfilled.”

“We recognize the hand of the Lord in making the temple a reality for us and pray that many members and friends will feel the strength of the spirit [of the temple] in our city,” said Winnipeg Manitoba Stake President Josh Gruninger.

Prior to the temple’s dedication, a cornerstone ceremony was held. This symbolic ceremony signifies the completion of the temple and its readiness to be dedicated for sacred use. Assisting Elder Gong for the ceremony was 8-year-old Max Smith, a child from the local Latter-day Saint community.

Smith said, “I thought it was really special to help with the cornerstone. It felt special to be a part of the temple dedication.”

October 5–23, 2021, the temple opened its doors to visitors. More than 4,000 community members — including local politicians, faith leaders, community leaders and neighbours — took tours and learned how Latter-day Saints will use the temple after its dedication.

Cheryl Christian, mayor of Rural Municipality of West St. Paul, expressed her gratitude for the “beautiful building and a meaningful tour explaining the significance of each room within the temple.”

Markus Chambers, Winnipeg deputy mayor and city councillor, shared, “This new temple is a beautiful addition to the Winnipeg landscape and to the faith community.”

Shahina Siddiqui, a local leader in the Muslim community and executive director of the Islamic Social Services Association, said, “The love, care and reverence that went into building the temple is apparent in the craftsmanship and attention to detail. It truly felt like a sanctuary where one can find solace, peace and reflect on the bounties of the Creator.”

Belle Jarniewski, executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada and past president of the Manitoba Multi-faith Council, said, “[The temple] was so beautiful and inspiring.”

Lu-Ann Dopwell, a Church member who sang in the dedicatory choir, shared her feelings about the enduring influence of a temple in Winnipeg. She said, “We, the Latter-day Saints, have waited a very long time for this temple. … I am looking forward to seeing the impact this temple has on those who come to visit it.”

The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple serves nearly 5,000 Latter-day Saints in Manitoba and Northern Ontario. It is located at 15 Centre Street in Winnipeg and is the ninth temple in Canada. Other temples are located in Calgary, Cardston, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Regina, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Latter-day Saint temples differ from meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses of the Lord,” where Jesus Christ’s teachings are reaffirmed through baptism, marriage and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow beings.