Springfield Missouri Temple

📜 Springfield Temple District History — Week 1

“The Beginning”

In 1908, Clem and Nellie Nickle, first heard the gospel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Clem didn’t trust “Mormons.” Everything he had heard about them came from false stories. So when two missionaries knocked on his door, he let them in—fully expecting to prove them wrong.

But something unexpected happened.

As Clem and Nellie listened with open hearts, they recognized truth. It matched what they had felt while studying the Bible. What started as an attempt to “save” the missionaries became their own journey of conversion.

That journey wasn’t easy.

They faced ridicule, threats, and even mob opposition. In one town, a warning came: if the missionaries weren’t turned out, a mob would come that night. Clem’s response was simple and courageous:

“You cannot take them as long as I am alive.”

Eventually, the pressure became too much, and they left their home behind—moving in faith, not knowing what would come next.

In 1914, after years of searching, sacrifice, and prayer, Clem and Nellie were baptized. That same day, they made life-changing commitments—leaving behind habits and stepping fully into discipleship.

A year later, in 1915, they moved to Springfield, Missouri.

At that time, there were only about 20 members of the Church in the entire city. The first Sunday School met in a home on South Fort Street. Clem served in the leadership, and his large family made up nearly half of the small group.

But their influence grew far beyond numbers.

Before his mother passed away, she gathered her children and bore a powerful witness:

“I have seen into the eternities… Clem has the truth. Listen to him and let him teach you.”

Because of that testimony—and Clem’s faithful efforts—his entire family eventually accepted the gospel.

The Nickle family became the foundation of the Church in Springfield.

From a small Sunday School in a home…
to a growing branch…
to what would one day become a thriving temple district—

It all began with a family willing to listen, to sacrifice, and to follow Jesus Christ

Missed the Springfield Missouri Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony?

You can now watch the full broadcast and experience the messages, music, testimonies, and spirit of this historic day for the Ozarks. The groundbreaking on June 6 marked the beginning of construction for the Springfield Missouri Temple, Missouri's third temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/i_SPnNfkjLw?si=cCsU6O_ylPXoeIJ2

Whether you attended in person, watched live, or are seeing it for the first time, we invite you to take a few moments to reflect on this sacred milestone. The blessings of the temple will bless individuals, families, and generations throughout southwest Missouri and beyond.

Springfield Missouri Temple Groundbreaking On Saturday, June 6, 2026, groundbreaking ceremonies took place for...

Church and community leaders have kicked off one of the largest church-related building projects the area has seen in years.

Groundbreaking signals construction start for Springfield Missouri Temple Elder Cavalcante prays the house of the Lord ‘may become sacred ground and a lighthouse’ for Latter-day Saints and area communities

The Springfield Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be a “sacred lighthouse in the Ozarks,” a church official said June 6 at the ceremonial groundbreaking of what will be Missouri’s third temple.

Read it: https://sgfcitizen.org/economy-growth/springfield-temple-church-jesus-christ/

Groundbreaking held Saturday for new temple in Springfield. https://www.ky3.com/2026/06/07/groundbreaking-held-saturday-new-springfield-missouri-temple/

Work should begin soon on the Springfield Missouri Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A date has been set for the groundbreaking.

Read it: https://sgfcitizen.org/news/springfield-missouri-temple-groundbreaking/

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Springfield Missouri Temple will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante of the United States Southeast Area Presidency will preside at the event.

Many historical events for the Church took place in Missouri, as Latter-day Saints worked to establish Zion during the Church’s early history. Now, more than 84,000 Latter-day Saints call the state home, meeting in around 180 congregations.

The Springfield Missouri Temple will be the third dedicated house of the Lord in the state, joining the Kansas City Missouri and St. Louis Missouri Temples.

Learn more at

News for the Ephraim Utah and Springfield Missouri Temples The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the open house and dedication dates for the Ephraim Utah Temple and the groundbreaking date for the Springfield Missouri Temple.