On Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles consecrated the Wichita Kansas Temple in WICHITA, Kansas. As the morning mist cleared away from the property, the building officially became the first house of the Lord in the state of Kansas for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Before the dedication ceremony, Elder Kearon shared his hope that attending the temple would help individuals find peace amidst their challenges. “I know this moment represents countless prayers and the devoted, faithful efforts of so many,” Elder Kearon said.
Dignitaries and Visiting Authorities
Elder Kearon was joined for the milestone dedication by his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon. Several other leaders of the faith also participated in the weekend events, including Elder José A. Teixeira, a General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s U.S. Central Area, alongside his wife, Sister Filomena Teixeira. They were accompanied by Sister Comfort Egbo and her husband, Elder I. Raymond Egbo, who serves as a General Authority Seventy and assistant executive director of the Temple Department.
Attendees of the Wichita Kansas Temple dedication by Elder Patrick Kearon say they look forward to increased opportunities to serve loved ones by moving them forward on the covenant path. pic.twitter.com/uCBeEFmxeC
The visiting authorities and their wives participated in events surrounding the opening, pausing for photographs outside the newly completed sacred structure during the weekend proceedings.
Family and Member Impact in Central Kansas
For local families, the completion of the Wichita facility brings temple worship significantly closer to home. Previously, many church members in the region traveled nearly three hours to reach the closest operating house of the Lord at the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple.
Teenage siblings McCall and Mia Johnson, residents of Rose Hill, Kansas, attended the dedication alongside their parents and younger sister. Mia Johnson noted the strong sense of peace felt on the grounds, while her brother expressed enthusiasm for being able to attend more frequently now that the facility is located within their local district.
Other attendees reflected on lifelong commitments to faith and service. Dorothy Lawrence arrived early for the Sunday morning dedication doors, holding tickets alongside fellow member Karen Bozarth. The occasion carried deep personal significance for Lawrence, whose husband, Roger, passed away before the completion of the building after 43 years of marriage. The couple had previously served as temple workers in Oklahoma City, traveling to stay for a week at a time.
Architectural Specifications and Timeline
The Wichita Kansas Temple project progressed through several key milestones following its initial announcement by Church President Russell M. Nelson on April 3, 2022. Groundbreaking took place on Sept. 7, 2024, presided over by Elder Steven R. Bangerter, a General Authority Seventy and then first counselor in the North America Central Area presidency.
Following construction, a public open house welcomed visitors from Sept. 24 to Oct. 10, 2026, excluding Sundays, prior to the formal dedication. The temple district serves four stakes across central and western Kansas.
- Address: 2550 W. Harborlight St., Wichita, Kansas
- Property Size: 6.4 acres
- Building Size: 9,950 square feet (924 square meters)
- Building Height: 97.5 feet (29.7 meters), including the spire
- Temple District: 4 stakes in central and western Kansas
With the dedication concluded, regular ordinance work for the newly established temple district is set to commence, providing local members with ongoing access to weekly services and covenants.
