Temple Builders

Capstone Laying on Cardston Temple, Sunday 23 September , 1917

In 1913 the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Its first temple to be built outside of the United States in Cardston, Alberta, Canda.

At the time of the announcement there were about 7500 members of the church living in Cardston and Southern Alberta. Work on the temple ground breaking followed shortly after the announcement. Granit was quarried near Nelson, BC and shipped by rail to Cardston. Local resident, Samuel Smith Newton, a stone mason, supervised the quarry. Other local artisans worked on the construction. The work was interrupted by the war effort, as well as shipping of special wood products from Africa during the war.

In January 1923 the temple was complete and was dedicated. It was a time of great celebration. For 67 years it was the only Latter-day Saint temple in Canada. James Edward Wood was called to serve as the temple president and served in that position for twenty three years until 1946. His service to the community and church become a legacy. The temple has undergone three major renovations over the years. The most recent renovation was in 1991-1993. This photo was taken during the winter after the current renovation.