BREAKING: Church to Discontinue Temple Square Mission in 2026

Church Overhauls Temple Square Missionary Model Ahead of 2027 Reopening

SALT LAKE CITY — In a move designed to "enhance the guest experience" as the historic Salt Lake Temple nears its 2027 rededication, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a significant restructuring of its missionary operations at Temple Square.

The End of an Era

Effective July 2026, the standalone Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission will be discontinued. For three decades, this mission has been unique, staffed exclusively by young sister missionaries who focused on guiding tourists and teaching visitors within the square's gates.

The "Hybrid" Approach

Under the new model, sister missionaries will no longer be assigned solely to Temple Square. Instead:

• Dual Assignments: Sisters will be called to one of the five surrounding Salt Lake City missions. They will split their time between traditional proselytizing in local neighborhoods and serving as guides on Temple Square.

• Flexible Staffing: This allows the Church to scale the number of missionaries up during peak tourist seasons (like the upcoming 2027 open house) and shift them to community service during quieter months.

• Professional Supplements: In a first-of-its-kind move, the Church will also hire a limited number of returned missionaries as part-time professional guides to work alongside the sister missionaries.

Elder Ronald A . Rasband Announce Temple Square Missionary Model Ahead of 2027 Reopening

Why Now?

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, who announced the change, noted that the adjustment aligns Temple Square with other historic Church sites (like Nauvoo or Liberty Jail) where missionaries gain a "well-rounded" experience. The shift also addresses long-term preparation for the massive influx of visitors expected when the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple is completed.