 Previous attempts at building an LDS temple in the area failed in Independence in 1833 and Far West in 1838, after church founder Joseph Smith had selected and dedicated locations for their construction.A temple was completed in Independence in 1994 by the Community of Christ, which is not affiliated with the LDS Church.The announcement of the new temple was made on October 4, 2008, during the church's 178th Semiannual general conference by LDS Church president Thomas S. Monson.