MOSES LAKE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has announced the opening of its new temple in Moses Lake to the public for tours.

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

The open house at the temple will run from Aug. 4 through Aug. 19 with the exception of Aug. 6 and 13. After the open house period, the Church will dedicate the temple on Sept. 17 during two different sessions.

The new temple is nearing completion with only a few scaffolds remaining on the exterior of the building as of Sunday.

The announcement said the 20,000-square-foot Moses Lake Temple is built on a 17-acre site located on Yonezawa Boulevard, between Division Street and Road K NE. A new 17,000-square-foot meeting house has also been built by the Church alongside the temple.

The new worship center was originally announced by Church President Russell M. Nelson in April of 2019 during the Church’s general conference. It will be the fourth in the state, joining Richland, Seattle and Spokane in serving nearly 300,000 Latter-day Saints in Washington’s 521 congregations, according to the statement.