Bonners Ferry Latter-day Saints celebrate temple groundbreaking

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Bonners Ferry area are celebrating several significant events this fall, including the groundbreaking of the new Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Temple, a youth service project at Grandview Cemetery and new leadership in the Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake.

Coeur d’Alene Temple Groundbreaking

Members throughout North Idaho recently gathered in Coeur d’Alene for the groundbreaking of the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Temple. The ceremony was held Saturday, Aug. 29, marking an important milestone for members who have looked forward to having a temple closer to home.

Elder Hutch U. Fale of the United States West Area Presidency presided at the ceremony. During the program, speakers shared personal experiences and testimonies about faith, family and the blessings they associate with temple worship.

The future Coeur d’Alene temple will serve members throughout North Idaho and the surrounding Inland Northwest. It is the 11th temple announced, under construction or in operation in Idaho.

Sulet Hiatt, a longtime resident of the North Idaho Panhandle and member of the Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake, also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony. Now serving with her husband as Area Service Missionary Coordinators and temple workers, Hiatt spoke about her excitement when the temple was first announced and what its presence will mean for the region.  

For local Latter-day Saints, the temple represents more than a new building. It is viewed as a place where families can worship, make sacred covenants and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Church has emphasized that its temples are different from local meetinghouses, where members gather for Sunday worship. Temples are dedicated places for sacred ceremonies centered on Jesus Christ and families.

Youth to Serve at Grandview Cemetery

The Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake is also continuing its emphasis on service to the local community.

From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, youth ages 12 and older, along with youth leaders, will participate in a cleanup at Grandview Cemetery in Bonners Ferry. All youth throughout the community are invited.

The project will focus on helping maintain and improve the cemetery, including raking, cleaning headstones and trimming grass around the graves.

Lunch will be provided for those participating. Youth and leaders are encouraged to bring appropriate tools to help with the work, including rakes and equipment for trimming grass.

The cemetery project is part of the Stake's desire to look outward and find meaningful ways to serve alongside and bless the broader Bonners Ferry community.

New Member of Stake Presidency

The Bonners Ferry Idaho Stake has also welcomed Brother Corey Coon as a new member of the Stake Presidency. Brother Coon will serve as second counselor in the Stake Presidency.

Stake leaders expressed appreciation for Brother Coon's willingness to serve and for the many members who contribute their time and talents to the Church and community.

Together, these events reflect a growing emphasis among local Latter-day Saints on faith expressed through service, friendship and involvement in the community.

As the Coeur d’Alene temple moves from groundbreaking toward construction, local members are looking forward to the opportunities ahead while continuing to serve and build relationships with their neighbors throughout Boundary County and North Idaho.