Mormon Church’s 150th Temple to Open Soon in Provo

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon Church is set to begin giving public tours of the religion's newest temple: A renovated historical tabernacle in Provo that nearly burned down in 2010.

The Provo City Center Temple will become the religion's 150th temple as the religion continues to dot the globe with buildings that are considered deeply sacred places for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1980, there were only 19 temples. Temples are used for ceremonies such as baptisms and marriages, sealing families together for eternity.

Church officials will be giving a media tour of the temple on Monday, with public tours set to begin later this month. The temple dedication is set for March 20. In addition to Provo, there are 23 other temples planned or in construction.