The Billings Montana Temple is the 66th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Plans to build a temple in Montana were announced in August 1996. About 4,800 people gathered during a spring snowstorm to witness the groundbreaking on March 28, 1998. Eight dedicatory sessions were held to accommodate all of the members of the area on November 20-21, 1999. LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley gave the dedicatory prayer.