'A light on a hill'
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From its prominent position at the base of the mountains on the east side of Las Vegas, the new temple has become a landmark and is visible for many miles.
Its spires glisten beneath the desert sun by day and are illuminated by lights at night.The temple's dedication has been a major milestone in the history of the Church in Las Vegas.
Prominent member Berkeley L. Bunker, who came to town in the 1920s when just one ward existed here, said the real beginning of the young city of Las Vegas came with the building of Hoover Dam in the 1930s. Then, the establishment of nearby Nellis Air Force Base during the war years added to the population. Since that time, the metropolitan area has grown rapidly to more than half a million people with an economy based 80 to 90 percent on tourism. Las Vegas has passed Orlando, Fla., to become the world's greatest tourist city with some 16 million people arriving each year just by air, according to local sources. Prospects for the future include only more major developments and further rapid growth.
Now, members hope to build on the foundation that has been laid by faithful members in the past. That foundation now includes the highly successful open house and the highly visible temple. Members hope that the "light on a hill" may become an attraction to the fast-growing city and its throngs of visitors.
James K. Seastrand, temple committee chairman and mayor of North Las Vegas, said leaders expect many visitors at the temple grounds.
Grant Bowler, dedication chairman, said, "This is one of those wonders the Lord has performed. This is the tourist capital of the world, and right here we now have a temple in Las Vegas.
"The building of a temple here has shattered a lot of stereotypes."
He said that the temple has a special spirit about it, and a special influence, and "the people who have come here have felt that spirit."
Pres. Gerald L. Scott of the Nevada Las Vegas Mission agreed with that opinion. "The Spirit of the Lord is brooding over this valley," he said. "Many people who come here for the atmosphere end up joining the Church because of the influence of the members."
