The Bismarck North Dakota Temple is the 61st operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Ground was broken for the temple on October 17, 1998, despite inclement weather. The Bismarck North Dakota Temple district covers about 200,000 square miles and serves about 9,000 members. The temple sits on 1.6 acres. The exterior is finished with granite veneer from Quebec. A gold-plated statue of the Angel Moroni tops the single-spire. LDS Church president Gordon B.