In preparation for the completion of the Salt Lake City Temple renovation in 2027, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced that the Temple Square Mission will be discontinued. 

The Temple Square Mission, composed entirely of women, was officially formed in 1995.

Sister missionaries will continue serving on Temple Square but will be assigned to a surrounding mission and will divide their time between a teaching area and Temple Square. 

This change aims to improve the guest experience at Temple Square while expanding opportunities for missionary outreach. 

Naomi Tidwell, a BYU-Hawaii student, served her mission in the Temple Square Mission from 2023 to 2024.

"Temple Square is such a unique and special place to serve because you get to be on sacred grounds every single day," said Tidwell. "People came to have their hope renewed."

Tidwell shared that her time serving in Temple Square helped her come to truly know her Savior.

According to the release regarding the change, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Chair Executive Council explains the crucial role that missionaries have at Temple Square. 

“Missionaries at Temple Square play an important role in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, as they welcome millions of visitors from around the world,” said Rasband. “The Church expresses gratitude for these faithful sisters who have served in this mission over the years. Moving forward, the dedicated service of sister missionaries will continue to be a blessing and allow Temple Square to be a place of inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds.”

According to the release, the transition is expected to be completed by July 2026. 

"I trust the decision that this is the most effective way to move the work forward," said Tidwell. "I'm just grateful that Temple Square will still be able to be experienced in that way and that sisters will still get to serve there even if it isn't full-time."

The Church News reported that the number of young teaching and service missionaries and senior missionaries has gone from just over 65,000 at the end of 2022 to nearly 72,000 at the end of 2023 and is currently more than 84,000.