Announcement of the Norfolk Virginia Temple
President Russell M. Nelson, 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced the Norfolk Virginia Temple on April 6, 2025, during the Sunday afternoon session of April 2025 general conference.
President Mark E. Smith of the Chesapeake Virginia Stake said tears flowed when local Saints heard the announcement. It was completely unexpected since the Richmond temple is within a two-to-four-hour drive for many of their members.
“I envision more temple workers, easy day trips for the youth and more work being done in the temple by the faithful coastal Saints in this area,” he said. “It may also make it easier for all of the faithful Saints serving in the U.S. military who come through this area, to add a temple trip to their visit. We could not be happier, and it brings joy to the lives of many.”
Timeline of the Norfolk Virginia Temple
The Norfolk Virginia Temple was announced by President Nelson on April 6, 2025. Details about the temple’s groundbreaking have not yet been released.
Architecture and Design of the Norfolk Virginia Temple
According to site plans released by the Church on Feb. 9, 2026, the Norfolk Virginia Temple will be a single-story building of approximately 18,850 square feet. The edifice will stand on a 23-acre site off Harbour View Boulevard and Bridge Road in Suffolk, Virginia. Plans include a distribution center.