LDS church announces eight new temples including the first one in American Samoa
Salt Lake City, UTAH — At the conclusion of the 189th Annual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to build eight new temples. This brings the total number of operating temples (162) and temples announced or under construction (47) to 209 worldwide.
Deseret News highlighted Clay Taala, whose family is from Pago Pago, American Samoa, celebrating news of the first temple in American Samoa, where Latter-day Saints make up nearly 30 percent of the populace, according to Church Public Affairs.
In 1977, church leaders announced a temple for American Samoa but later determined it would be better suited if built in Apia, Western Samoa, according to the 2013 Church News Almanac.
"It's awesome," Taala said to Deseret News with a big smile. "Normally we have to travel, so having a temple at home means a lot to us."
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