Jacksonville’s first Mormon temple sets groundbreaking

Jacksonville’s First Mormon Temple Groundbreaking Scheduled

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its first temple in Jacksonville on January 24. The event will take place on Loretto Road in Mandarin and will be private, by invitation only.

Event Details and Leadership

Elder Massimo De Feo, the first counselor in the United States Southeast Area Presidency, will preside over the groundbreaking service.

Temple Location and Size

The temple, announced in April, will cover 29,000 square feet on a 6.6-acre site just east of San Jose Boulevard. It will be one of five Florida temples, joining others in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Tampa.

Historical Background of the Site

The land was formerly home to the two-story Fleming Bowden house, built in 1907. Bowden was among the first car owners in Mandarin, purchasing several Ford Model T’s in the early 1920s. He also served as Duval County supervisor of elections for 21 years.

Development Attempts and Preservation Efforts

In 2020, the property was rezoned for a subdivision.
A petition on change.org aimed to prevent development, and efforts to relocate the house failed.
The subdivision was never constructed, and the land was subsequently fenced off.
Without historic designation, the house was demolished in early 2024, per local historian Tracey Arpen.

Mormon History in Florida

Mormon missionaries first arrived in Florida in 1845. The state’s initial congregation was established in 1897 in the Big Bend region.

"The private groundbreaking service will be by invitation only."

"Bowden is said to have been one of the first to own a car in Mandarin when he bought some Ford Model T’s in the early 1920s."

Author’s summary: Jacksonville prepares for its first Mormon temple as the historic site transforms, reflecting growth and deep-rooted local history.

JaxToday — 2025-11-11