Springfield South Stake Latter-day Saints

Southern Hills congregation member Kinzley Gorham (pictured third from the left) was able to participate in the groundbreaking of the Springfield Missouri Temple a few weeks ago.

"It was an incredible opportunity to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Springfield Missouri Temple, and being invited to participate in the ceremonial turning of the soil made the experience even more meaningful," she remembers. "This is something I have looked forward to for a long time, and it was everything I had hoped it would be. I felt a deep sense of peace and excitement, and the Spirit was strong throughout the ceremony. Seeing so many people gathered together in faith reminded me of the importance of the temple and the blessings it brings. The experience strengthened my testimony and gave me an even greater appreciation for the sacred work that will take place there. I am deeply grateful to have witnessed such a special moment and to have been a small part of its history."

Sawyer Robertson (pictured on the right), a member of the Highlandville congregation, attended the Springfield South Stake young men's camp this week. Sawyer shares:

“My experience at camp went really well. I felt the spirit at camp many times. One of them being that when I was doing personal scripture study in the morning and taking notes, it felt easy because I was actually enjoying reading. This was very calming and a reminder to read my scriptures more. Another experience I had was making new friends that share the same beliefs with me.”

We invite all to watch the broadcast of the Springfield Missouri Temple groundbreaking ceremony by following the link. In the dedicatory prayer, Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante of the United States Southeast Area Presidency referred to the House of the Lord as a “lighthouse” for Church members and the surrounding community.

“We pray that this place, beginning today, may become sacred ground and a lighthouse to the members and to the community it serves, bringing peace, joy, hope and courage to all — one by one — who desire to worship and come unto Thy Son, Jesus Christ,” he said.

Springfield Missouri Temple Groundbreaking On Saturday, June 6, 2026, groundbreaking ceremonies took place for...

Southern Hills congregation member Rick McGee shared the joy he felt at the Springfield Missouri temple groundbreaking on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

“Today was an historic and sacred day as we gathered for the groundbreaking of the Springfield Missouri Temple,” he said. “I felt overwhelming gratitude as I reflected on generations of faithful members who traveled long distances to attend the temple. Growing up, my family traveled to Dallas, and later to St. Louis and Kansas City, while my parents’ generation often traveled all the way to Salt Lake City. Standing on the temple site today, I felt the love of Jesus Christ and the reality of this long-awaited blessing for our community. This temple will be a beacon of faith, hope, and peace for Springfield and the surrounding area. I am grateful to witness this milestone and look forward to the blessings the temple will bring for generations to come.”

This SATURDAY! Tune in online to the live stream of the Springfield Missouri Temple groundbreaking!

🎂 A big thank you to the Relief Society from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fremont Hills for their generous donation to Wish I May!

Their group came together for a birthday-themed service project, collecting toys, party supplies, and other birthday essentials for children in our community. They spent the event packing birthday bags that will soon be distributed to local families, helping parents celebrate their children’s special day.

We’re grateful for groups like this that turn a gathering into an opportunity to serve others. Thank you for helping us bring a little extra joy to birthdays across our community. 🎁

Special thanks to the Fremont Hills Ward from Springfield South Stake Latter-day Saints for helping make this project possible.

Mark your calendars for a day at the ball park with your friends from church this summer! It’s a 7 stake event! Let your bishop know if you plan to attend! Tickets will be available through your ward if you want to sit in the group section.

Charlotte Gardner, a member of the Ozark congregation, spoke in stake conference last month about what children can do to help their families create Christ-centered homes. She shared:

“Charity is the pure love of Christ, or loving as Jesus did. My family is homeschooled, and every year we
have a school theme. It is a scripture verse, or verses that we specifically focus on for that year. This year’s theme is 1st Corinthians 13:4-8: ‘Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up…Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth…’

“This means that if we act and love as Jesus would, He won’t fail us. If we choose to have charity, it will lead to a Christ-centered home.

“Even though kids are small, and can sometimes think they can’t make a difference, they really can! Through small and simple acts of kindness and love, it will ultimately lead to a Christ-centered home.”