Modesto Temple Will Open for Public Tours
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host public open house sessions at its new Modesto temple starting October 16.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
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Beginning October 16, 2026, the newly constructed Modesto temple will welcome the public for a series of guided tours. The open house period will conclude on October 31, 2026.
Why it matters
The opening provides the local Modesto community an opportunity to visit the facility, which serves as the 10th temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California.
The new temple site spans 17.6 acres and houses a 30,000-square-foot facility. This landmark location marks the 10th temple established by the church in California.
The players
David White
David White serves as the president of the newly constructed Modesto temple.
Cynthia White
Cynthia White serves as the matron of the new Modesto temple facility.
The details
Visitors can participate in 45-minute walking tours at the site adjacent to 4300 Dale Road without needing a reservation. The facility remains closed on Sundays, with weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Timeline
Construction plans for the temple were first announced in April 2022.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the site took place in October 2023.
The public open house period begins on October 16, 2026.
The final day for public tours is October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
This opening reflects the ongoing efforts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple expansion program to increase local access. The project follows a trajectory of growth in California, with additional temples already in development for Bakersfield and Sunnyvale.
Residents planning to attend should be aware that photography, video recording, and service animals are prohibited on the temple property. Visitors can access the facility for tours during the specified weekday and Saturday windows until the end of October.
The takeaway
The open house offers a rare opportunity for the public to tour the interior of the temple before it transitions to private religious use. Guests are encouraged to plan their visit around the Sunday closure and the specific daily operating hours.
What happens next
The temple will officially close to public tours on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local faith traditions in the Latter-Day Saints section.
More information
View the temple open house information page for additional visit guidelines.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fresno Bee.
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