San Jose California Temple Renamed to Sunnyvale California Temple in Exciting Update
The San Jose California Temple has undergone a significant name change and will now be referred to as the Sunnyvale California Temple. This update, confirmed by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, highlights the temple’s location in Sunnyvale, California, located west of San Jose.
Key Details About the Sunnyvale California Temple
The announcement of the renaming was made public in a news release dated December 15, 2023. The Sunnyvale temple is designed as a single-story building, encompassing approximately 30,000 square feet. It will be situated on a 4.73-acre site at 771 W. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale. Plans are also in place for a distribution center at this location.
Background on the Temple Announcement
The announcement for a temple in San Jose, now Sunnyvale, was initially made by Church President Russell M. Nelson during the April 2023 General Conference. This temple is one of 15 new temples revealed during that session, which also included another temple for Bakersfield, California.
California’s Latter-day Saint Temples
- California is home to eight dedicated temples:
- Los Angeles (dedicated in 1956)
- Oakland (1964)
- San Diego (1993)
- Fresno (2000)
- Redlands (2003)
- Newport Beach (2005)
- Sacramento (2006)
- Feather River (2023)
Currently, the San Diego temple is undergoing renovations, having been temporarily closed since July 2023. In addition to the Sunnyvale and Bakersfield temples, there are two others under construction in California: Yorba Linda and Modesto.
Historical Context and Membership
The Latter-day Saints have a historical presence in California, dating back to July 31, 1846, when the first members arrived in Yerba Buena. This initial group of around 230 people significantly influenced the growth of San Francisco. Over the years, multiple stakes have been established, with California now boasting nearly 730,000 Church members spread across about 1,100 congregations, making it the second-largest Latter-day Saint population in the U.S., following Utah.
Future Developments
On October 24, 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to create 55 new missions, three of which will serve California: Oceanside, Ontario, and Victorville, set to begin on July 1, 2026.
