As with all covenant people, temples were important structures of the righteous Nephites and Lamanites for performing gospel ordinances and serving as enclosed places for teaching the people (Mosiah 2:7; Alma 26:29). The Book of Mormon account describes temples located in the land of Nephi, the land of Zarahemla, the land of Bountiful and in the lands northward.

• Nephi’s temple in the land of Nephi
• King Noah’s temple renovation
• Lamanite temples in the land of Nephi
• Temples in the land of Zarahemla
• Temples in the lands northward
• Temple in the land Bountiful

In all the recorded descriptions of Nephite temples, built in four widely scattered areas of the Nephite lands, there is not a single mention of stone construction. The record does indicate, however, that their temples were built of wood (timber) and metal of various types. And Mormon indicates that the Nephite structures “were built after the manner of the Jews” (Alma 16:13). No temple is described as pyramidal in shape nor monumental in purpose or built to honor a leader or its builder. According to the Book of Mormon record, these temples were built for ordinance observance and worship as revealed by the Lord, not unlike the tabernacle of Moses, the temple of Solomon or the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, and subsequent temples in this dispensation (D&C 94:1–9; 105:33; 109:2–4).