Nephi built a temple in the promised land.

And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine. (2 Nephi 5:16)

It made me wonder what would I do, how would I go about building a temple, if the resources I had were just me? It would certainly not be as fine as a temple built with the resources of hundreds or thousands of people.

One can also appreciate, though, that Joseph Smith received a commandment to build a temple when the church was perhaps measure in hundreds of individuals in June 1833, having been commanded to build one in Missouri in July 1831.

Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high; (D&C 95:8)

It is interesting also to me to note that unlike in Jerusalem, where there was only one temple, the Nephites–and Lamanites–appear to have had multiple temples later in their development.

Alma 16:13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to the people in their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in their synagogues, which were built after the manner of the Jews.

Yea, he [King Lamoni] sent a decree among them, that they should not lay their hands on them [the sons of Mosiah] to bind them, or to cast them into prison; neither should they spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them out of their synagogues, nor scourge them; neither should they cast stones at them, but that they should have free access to their houses, and also their temples, and their sanctuaries. (Alma 24:2)

And we [the sons of Mosiah] have entered into their houses and taught them [the Lamanintes], and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them;…(emphasis added). (Alma 26:29)

And what are these sanctuaries? How are they different?

I also would have thought synagogues would not have come into existence until after the dispersion of Judah, after Lehi left Jerusalem (the BD Entry on them is all from after the dispersion of Judah). But that must not have been the case, as obviously those living miles away from Jerusalem required some place to meet weekly to be instructed in the law.