Copyright Coeur d'Alene Press
COEUR d'ALENE — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Monday the new Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple will be built on a 10.91-acre site at the corner of Hanley Avenue and Coeur Terre Boulevard. Plans call for a single-story temple of nearly 30,000 square feet with an attached spire, a meetinghouse and an ancillary building. Itis expected to take up to three years to build. Hal C. Hunsaker, an area 70 elder, called the announcement "a joyful moment for both Latter-day Saints and our friends and neighbors throughout the area." “The temple grounds will always be a place where anyone can come to feel the beauty and peace that surround this sacred space and to reflect on the love of Jesus Christ,” Hunsaker said. The Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple will be the state’s 10th of its kind. North Idaho is the home to seven stakes and 56 congregations of Latter-day Saints ranging from Lewiston in the south to Sandpoint in the north. Brad Moss, president of the Post Falls Idaho Stake, said when talks began to focus in on the location for the temple, "it just felt like an inspired location" so everyone in the area could easily access it. "It’s an emotional thing for the church," Moss said. A temple is considered a sacred place for Latter-day Saints. They are open only to members in good standing and used for worship and education, and also marriages and baptisms. Ten additional temples have been announced, are under construction or are in operation in Idaho in Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Montpelier, Pocatello, Rexburg, Teton River and Twin Falls. "The design and architecture were all inspired by local buildings, local flora and fauna," Moss said. Moss said that while people have raised concerns about traffic increasing due to temple worship, individuals using the space will be doing so in small groups throughout the day. The temple will also not be hosting large gatherings or congregational worship. Temples are closed Sundays when members attend regular services with their congregation. “Latter-day Saints live in all corners of North Idaho. Many travel long distances to worship in The House of the Lord. Having one here in Coeur d’Alene is a profound blessing and a reflection of the faith and devotion of our members," Moss said. "We hope it will also be a source of beauty and peace for the entire community.”
