Renovations to Temple Square allow for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached to the world like never before.
During my mission at Temple Square, I sometimes struggled to keep Jesus Christ at the center of my conversations. I deeply wanted to share the joy of his restored gospel, but between the intrigue of Church history topics, unique 1800s architecture, and challenging theological questions, I found that Jesus Christ often became a sidenote. This lack of focus on the Savior happens for many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but recent renovations on Temple Square show the ongoing restoration in action by highlighting a greater emphasis on Jesus Christ and the temple covenants that connect us to him.
Photo by Mihman Duğanlı
The Church Newsroom’s press release titled “Temple Square Renovation Update: May 2026” shows the installation of several new statues depicting Jesus Christ, including the Christus statue in front of a wide-window view of the Salt Lake Temple, and an exciting exhibit at the new visitors’ center featuring replicas of each temple ordinance room, open indefinitely for visitors to tour.
When I saw these installations, I was thrilled to envision how these Christ-centered teaching tools will strengthen missionary work on Temple Square. Even better, these additions represent progression for the entire Church as its members worldwide recenter on the Savior.
During President Russell M. Nelson’s talk titled “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” he shows the renovations on the temple foundation to help us remember that “it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.” Since hearing this message on my mission, I have tried to strengthen my own spiritual foundation on Christ.
Sometimes I still struggle to maintain that focus with all the distractions that life brings, but I find spiritual refuge and renewal when I take the sacrament and when I participate in temple work. The covenants I’ve made with Jesus Christ help me moderate my behavior, navigate distractions, and strengthen my relationships with others.
The restoration of Temple Square is ongoing as it becomes more Christ-centered. Similarly, my personal restoration in pursuit of Christ hasn’t stopped yet, and I intend for that restoration process to continue daily.
Learn more about how you can strengthen your foundation on Christ by reviewing President Nelson’s talk “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” and read more about the new Christ-centered visitors’ center on Temple Square by reading the full May 2026 press release: “Temple Square Renovation Update: May 2026.”
Source: General Conference and Church Newsroom
—Chantelle LaFrance, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY MARINO WALLNER
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Plan a visit to the newly renovated Temple Square or book a virtual Christ-centered experience at templesquare.org.