Temple Square Mission to be discontinued

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant restructuring of how sister missionaries will serve at Temple Square, marking the end of a standalone Temple Square mission that has existed for three decades.

Under the new approach, sister missionaries will continue to serve on Temple Square, but they will be assigned to surrounding Utah missions rather than to a dedicated Temple Square mission. Missionaries will divide their time between teaching assignments in local communities and welcoming visitors at Temple Square. Assignments to serve at Temple Square will continue to be made by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Church leaders said the change is intended to improve both the visitor experience and missionary effectiveness. By drawing missionaries from multiple missions, Temple Square will have greater staffing flexibility during peak seasons and major events. During slower periods, missionaries will spend more time working in their assigned teaching areas.

The model mirrors practices already in place at other temple visitors’ centers around the world, according to Church officials.

As part of the transition, a limited number of returned missionaries will be hired as part-time guides to assist sister missionaries on Temple Square. Church leaders said these guides will help maintain continuity and enhance the experience for the millions of visitors who come to the historic site each year.

Sister missionaries currently assigned to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission will be reassigned over the coming months to nearby missions. The transition is expected to be completed by July 2026, at which point the Temple Square Mission will be formally discontinued.

Temple Square has been staffed by volunteers and missionaries for more than a century. Part-time and full-time volunteers began leading tours in 1922. In the 1980s, senior missionary couples took on a larger role, supported by younger missionaries who provided language assistance. The Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission was officially established in 1995.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Missionary Executive Council, emphasized the ongoing importance of Temple Square in the Church’s global outreach. Elder Rasband himself served as a part-time guide on Temple Square from 1972 to 1976 while attending university.

“Missionaries at Temple Square play an important role in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ as they welcome millions of visitors from around the world,” Elder Rasband said in a statement. “The Church expresses gratitude for these faithful sisters who have served in this mission over the years. Moving forward, their dedicated service will continue to bless others and help Temple Square remain a place of inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds.”