The Yorba Linda California Temple dedication took place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, as President D. Todd Christofferson set apart the new house of the Lord, describing it as a witness to generations of faith and a sign of the Lord hastening His work. The second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called the temple “a testament to the faith of many generations, with the promise of more faithful, covenant-keeping generations to come.”

A Sacred Milestone for the Region

For President Christofferson, the dedication carried deep meaning. He noted that the Yorba Linda California Temple dedication “marks a milestone in the progress of the kingdom of God on the earth, and particularly in this part of His vineyard.”

He emphasized that the occasion reflected something larger than a single building. In his words, it stood as evidence that “the Lord has been doing His work here for many years and that He is now hastening His work.”

This dedication held special significance for President Christofferson personally — it was the first temple dedication he has presided over since being called as second counselor in the First Presidency by President Dallin H. Oaks in October 2025.

Leaders Who Gathered for the Occasion

President Christofferson was joined by his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, along with three General Authority Seventies and their wives:

• Elder Steven R. Bangerter, executive director of the Temple Department, with Sister Susan Bangerter
• Elder I. Raymond Egbo, assistant executive director of the Temple Department, with Sister Comfort Egbo
• Elder Takashi Wada, president of the United States West Area, with Sister Naomi Wada

Becoming Holy Through the Temple

During the morning dedication, President Christofferson spoke about the transforming power of temple worship. He compared the temple to a place that exists within the world yet remains set apart, teaching worshippers how to live in the world without becoming part of its impurities.

“Gradually all that is impure or unworthy in our character is rooted out as we draw closer to the Lord in His house,” he said. “Our very desires change over time. It is a conditioning for life in a holy, celestial realm.”

But he cautioned that simply being present in the temple does not automatically bring blessings or change. Instead, he encouraged members to regularly examine their lives and ask whether there is something unworthy to remove or a Christlike quality to develop more fully.

He invited worshippers to turn to God in prayer, asking “What lack I yet?” and then acting on the spiritual promptings they receive.

Centered on the Savior

President Christofferson taught that eternal life cannot be achieved without the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He explained that Christ redeems humanity from the Fall and, through His grace, forgives and sanctifies those who repent.

He described the temple and all latter-day temples as visible, tangible evidence of the living reality of the Redeemer, since without His Atonement and Resurrection, the temple would have no purpose.

Bearing his witness, he declared, “I give you my sure witness that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and Savior of the world, the resurrected Lord, that He lives and that this is His Church, His house and His work.”

A Long History of Faith in California

The roots of the Church in Southern California reach back to early 1847, when the Mormon Battalion arrived in San Diego. A few years later, in 1851, more than 400 Latter-day Saints founded the San Bernardino colony under the direction of President Brigham Young.

That early presence has grown dramatically. Today, California is home to more than 725,000 Church members across nearly 1,100 wards and branches, making it the U.S. state with the second-largest Latter-day Saint population after Utah.

Notably, the Yorba Linda temple was dedicated at the same time as the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple. The two became the Church’s 218th and 219th dedicated temples worldwide. Counting those under construction, announced, or in planning, the Church’s total reaches 385 temples.

Spiritual Experiences From the Open House

Joe and Gail Ham, who coordinated the open house and dedication committee, reflected on the change that comes through serving in the temple. Joe Ham said the temple offers help he could never find anywhere else.

Gail Ham shared that the temple taught her more about what is possible through Jesus Christ. She recalled a visitor who is not a member of the Church telling her that she felt close to the Savior while sitting in the celestial room.

Joe Ham also described how many visitors lingered on the temple grounds after touring inside, reflecting on what they had experienced. “That was the effect the Lord had — the Spirit of the Lord had — on people is they could not leave,” he said.

Strengthening the Community and Its Members

Local Church leaders shared how the temple has already blessed their communities. Yorba Linda California Stake President Justin Dalton reported an increase in missionary work and a renewed temple-going mindset throughout his stake.

He expressed hope that the temple’s beauty would invite conversations about the sacred ordinances performed inside. “We believe in the Savior and we worship Him,” he said. “And if there was ever any question, the temple is a beacon of that truth.”

Anaheim California Stake President Scott Hicken and his wife, Darsi Hicken, led tours during the open house, including one for a Jewish former teacher that opened the door to new interfaith friendships. The couple has since been invited to visit a local synagogue.

President Hicken observed that just as the temple was built up into a holy structure, the members themselves have been spiritually changed. He noted that the stake has never seen higher numbers of members holding current temple recommends.

Brea California Stake President David Hatori added that temple worship has brought clarity to his family during life’s challenges, strengthening their faith as parents and grandparents.

Yorba Linda California Temple Facts

• Address: 17130 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, California 92886
• Announced: April 4, 2021, by President Russell M. Nelson
• Groundbreaking: June 18, 2022, presided over by Elder Mark A. Bragg
• Public open house: April 30 through May 23, 2026, excluding Sundays
• Dedicated: June 7, 2026, by President D. Todd Christofferson
• Property size: 5.46 acres
• Building size: 30,872 square feet
• Building height: 70 feet, including the spire