The Fresno California Temple is the 78th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). California has long had a history with the LDS Church, starting with members who sailed to San Francisco aboard the Brooklyn and members of the U.S. Army unit known as the Mormon Battalion who were discharged in San Diego, many of whom stayed and helped build up the San Diego area. A groundbreaking ceremony was in March 1999.