The intent to build the temple was announced in a news release on January 25, 2010, by church president Thomas S.

[5] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on October 8, 2011, conducted by Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

[7] Dallin H. Oaks presided at the groundbreaking ceremony on October 8, 2011, with William R. Walker conducting and Steven E. Snow, Jay E. Jensen, and Janette Hales Beckham also in attendance.

Jason Chaffetz (representative for Utah's 3rd congressional district, which includes Payson) participated in the shovel ceremony.

[4] The exterior's color is “evocative of historically used native stone and masonry,"[14] as well as its central spire and angel Moroni statue.

The interior features art glass windows centered around motifs of apple blossoms, leafy vines, and wheat stalks, designed to honor the region’s agricultural history.

The design uses symbolic elements representing the heritage of the region, to provide deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function.