Nearly 6 years after the temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson in July, 2011, the Paris France Temple was dedicated on Sunday, May 21, 2017. The dedication was performed by President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This marks the special day when the saints now have their first temple in France. It is also the 156^th temple in the world.

Before the dedicatory prayer was said, President Eyring conducted the special symbolic cornerstone ceremony, which is an important part of the consecration of the temple. Laid within the cornerstone are artifacts, historical documentation, and testimonies from many of the member of the Church in France.

Bishop Caussé, who was born in Bordeaux, France, was thrilled is thrilled to have a temple in France. “This is like a dream come true,” he exclaimed. Bishop Caussé oversaw many aspects of the construction of the temple. “We’ve worked closely with the architects to make the temple a beacon in the area,” he said. “The temple is in full harmony with the surrounding area. We want the temple to be not only a blessing for the members, but an asset for the whole community.”

Temple architects try to use materials on the exterior of the temple that are reminiscent of the surrounding area and buildings in the region. The Paris Temple is therefore dressed in warm-toned Portuguese limestone, giving it a sense of nobility and grandeur that matches the area.

Elder Andersen said, “The temple is a beautiful example of beautiful architecture tied to the high quality that the French do.”

Members and leaders in the area also enjoyed a wonderful cultural celebration entitled “Let Your Light So Shine.” The performance was put on by more than 1,000 young Latter-day Saints. Through song and dance they presented the history of the Church in France and paid tribute to its pioneers. For example, the first missionary arrived in France in 1849, and a small congregation was organized in 1850. The Church in France has grown immensely since then, and there are now two missions in the country.

Prior to the cultural celebration and dedication, the general public was invited to tour the temple during a three-week open house. Over the three weeks, more than 47,500 people visited and toured the temple, including clergy, community leaders and residents living near the temple.

France is currently home to about 38,000 members of the Church, with over 100 congregations. Many of the members there are second-, third- and fourth-generation Latter-day Saints.

Laying the Cornerstone

Celestial Room in the Paris France Temple

Baptismal Font in the Paris Temple

One of the Sealing Rooms in the Paris France Temple

The Paris France Temple

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