LDS Church Plans New Temple in Suffolk

The new 18,850 square foot temple will be the fourth in Virginia.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is building a new temple in Suffolk, Virginia, bringing the total number of temples in the state to four. The one-story, 18,850 square foot temple will be located on a 23-acre site off Harbour View Boulevard and Bridge Road, alongside an adjacent Distribution Center.

Why it matters

The new temple will serve the over 100,000 Latter-day Saints in Virginia, who currently meet in around 210 congregations across the state. Temples are seen as sacred spaces for special ceremonies that unite families, in contrast to regular chapels used for Sunday worship and other activities.

The details

The planned temple in Suffolk will be the fourth Latter-day Saints temple in Virginia. The church says the new temple will help members "prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ" and provide a sanctuary for local military members and those visiting the area.

  • The Norfolk Virginia Temple was announced in April 2025.

The players

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Christian denomination and one of the fastest-growing churches in the United States, with over 16 million members worldwide.

Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mark Smith

President of the Chesapeake Virginia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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What they’re saying

“Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

— Russell M. Nelson, President

“The coastal Saints of the Hampton Roads area are so excited for the Norfolk VA Temple. It will finally allow the members to participate in sacred ordinances and return home to their families quickly. This location will be a perfect sanctuary for our local military members and those coming for a short stay while training... We could not be more blessed.”

— Mark Smith, President of Chesapeake Virginia Stake (Instagram)

What’s next

No groundbreaking date has been announced yet for the new temple in Suffolk.

The takeaway

The addition of a new Latter-day Saints temple in Suffolk reflects the growing presence of the church in Virginia, providing a sacred space for religious ceremonies and community support, especially for military members and their families in the Hampton Roads region.