As President Nelson turns 101, here’s a look at how he’s brought temples ‘closer’ to church members

During his lifetime and ministry, President Russell M. Nelson — who turns 101 years old Sept. 9 — has witnessed the number of Latter-day Saint temples grow rapidly. As president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he’s extended the opportunity to participate in temple worship to church members worldwide by dotting the earth with temples.

Since becoming church president in January 2018, President Nelson has announced plans for 200 new Latter-day Saint temples — a significant milestone considering there were only six operating temples at the time of his birth and 182 temples announced, under construction or in operation when he began his tenure as church president.

Of those 200, 29 were the first announced for their respective nations or territories, and seven were the