The Casper Wyoming Temple, the 201st house of worship of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was dedicated on November 24, 2024, in a single session conducted by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The temple serves over 15,000 Latter-day Saints across nearly 50 congregations in its district, marking a significant milestone for the local church community.
Casper’s connection to Latter-day Saint history runs deep. Between 1847 and 1868, more than 60,000 pioneers of the faith passed through the area during their trek to Salt Lake City. Many pioneers endured great hardships, including the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of 1856, whose members faced starvation, exposure, and death. The rescue at Sweetwater River, where young men carried freezing pioneers across icy waters, remains a poignant symbol of faith and sacrifice. One of these rescuers, David Patten Kimball, is an ancestor of Elder Cook, who shared this family connection during the dedication ceremony.
Elder Cook emphasized the blessings of temple work, particularly for youth.
“I believe that the youth of the Church will have greater protection from the adversary if they immerse themselves in searching for their ancestors and perform sacred ordinances in the temple,” he said.
The dedication was broadcast to all congregations within the temple district, allowing widespread participation. Elder Cook was joined by his wife, Mary Cook, along with other church leaders, including Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé and General Authority Seventies Elder Ricardo P. Giménez and Elder James R. Rasband.
The Casper Wyoming Temple is the second temple in the state, following the Star Valley Wyoming Temple, dedicated in 2016. A third temple in Cody is under construction, reflecting the Church’s growth in the region. Before this temple’s completion, local Latter-day Saints traveled to temples in Fort Collins, Colorado, or Bismarck, North Dakota, often facing long journeys.
The temple’s construction has also drawn curiosity and appreciation from the local community. During the open house, which ran from August 29 to September 14, 2024, over 27,000 visitors toured the sacred space. Community leaders expressed gratitude for the sense of peace the temple brings to Casper.
Architecturally, the temple reflects its Wyoming setting, featuring motifs inspired by the Indian paintbrush, the state flower, and sagebrush. Art glass and interior designs incorporate these elements alongside geometric patterns influenced by Native American artistry, showcasing a connection to local heritage.
Elder Cook highlighted the role of temples as places of peace, refuge, and instruction in a chaotic world.
“Fulfilling divinely appointed responsibilities based on righteousness, unity, and equality before the Lord brings personal happiness and peace,” he said.
For members like Steve and Diana Gleason, who coordinated the temple’s open house and dedication committee, the temple represents a tangible manifestation of faith and community. One visitor remarked after touring the temple’s celestial room:
“I have never felt so safe in my life.”
Deseret News, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and A Living Record of the Restoration contributed to this report.
