<P> The Book of Mormon, which Latter Day Saints believe is a companion book of scripture with the Bible, refers to temple building in the ancient Americas by a group of people called the Nephites . Though Book of Mormon authors are not explicit about the practices in these Nephite temples, they were patterned "after the manner of the temple of Solomon" () and served as gathering places for significant religious and political events (e.g. Mosiah 1 - 6; 3rd Nephi 11 - 26). </P> <P> The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints is a prolific builder of "Latter - day Saint" or "Mormon" temples . There are 159 operating temples (which includes 10 previously dedicated, but closed for renovation), 11 under construction, and 19 announced (not yet under construction). Latter - day Saint temples are reserved for performing and undertaking only the most holy and sacred of covenants and special of ordinances . They are distinct from meeting houses and chapels where weekly worship services are held . The temples are built and kept under strict sacredness and are not to be defiled . Thus, strict rules apply for entrance, including church membership and regular attendance . During the open - house period after its construction and before the temple is dedicated, the temple is open to the public for tours . </P> <P> Various sects in the Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith have temples . </P> <Ul> <Li> The Church of Christ (Wightite), a Latter Day Saint denomination formed by Lyman Wight following the death of Joseph Smith, built first Mormon temple west of the Mississippi in Zodiac, Texas . about three miles from Fredericksburg . </Li> <Li> In 1990 or earlier a temple in Ozumba, Mexico was built by the Apostolic United Brethren . </Li> <Li> On April 17, 1994 the Independence Temple in Independence, Missouri was open by the Community of Christ by then - church Prophet - President Wallace B. Smith . The Community of Christ also currently owns the original Kirtland Temple, dedicated in 1836 by the Church of the Latter Day Saints (later renamed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), in Kirtland, Ohio . The Community of Christ operates the Kirtland Temple as a historic site . </Li> <Li> In 2005 construction on the YFZ Ranch Temple by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints Church began . It is located just outside Eldorado in Schleicher County, Texas . However, as of April 2014, the State of Texas took physical and legal possession of the property . as it was used to "commit or facilitate certain criminal conduct ." </Li> <Li> A pyramid - shaped temple near Modena, Utah was built by the Righteous Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints . </Li> </Ul>

Where does the last name temple come from