Tue Dec 16 06:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article version:

Summary:

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portland, Maine were surprised and overjoyed to learn that a temple would be built in their city. The announcement was made unexpectedly during a stake Christmas fireside by Elder Allen D. Haynie. The Portland Maine Temple will be the first temple in the state, and the news was especially meaningful for many, including families whose ancestors were early members of the Church in Maine. The current closest temple is in Boston, Massachusetts, a significant distance away. The announcement brought tears of joy, reverence, and a feeling of deep connection to the history of the Church in Maine. Local leaders and members expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to have a temple closer to home.

News Article:

Portland, Maine Church Members Celebrate Surprise Temple Announcement

Portland, ME – Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portland, Maine are celebrating after the unexpected announcement of a new temple to be built in their city. The announcement was made by Elder Allen D. Haynie during a stake Christmas fireside on Sunday, December 14th.

The news, delivered to a gathering of over 300 people at the Portland Maine Stake center, was met with gasps, tears, and a profound sense of reverence. This temple will be the first in Maine, providing local members with closer access to sacred ordinances and covenants.

“I just started crying,” said Emma Davis, 24, whose grandparents’ home was the starting location for her local congregation. “It was a really special moment.”

Currently, members of the Portland stake travel nearly three hours to the Boston Massachusetts Temple. Local leaders say they are ready for “ownership of a temple”

“There was not a dry eye in the room that I could see,” said Portland Maine Stake President Richard J. Taylor. “We’re so thrilled, so blessed, and we feel honored to have this announcement. It’s a blessing to us this Christmas season.”

Will Guerrette, whose ancestors were early Latter-day Saints in Maine, described the experience as “an unbelievable experience.” He added, “I felt like I was floating above the pew.”

The specific location and construction timeline for the Portland Maine Temple will be announced at a later date by Church headquarters. In the meantime, Maine members are celebrating this historic moment for the church in their state.

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