Temple work is a way to say thanks for temple
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Carrying on a tradition of thankfulness, members of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Stake devoted two days in November doing temple ordinances, said President John M. Jacobsen, who was there to greet each member.
The practice of doing temple ordinances as an expression of appreciation for having a temple available began years ago when the Dallas Texas Temple was dedicated. Members from Oklahoma rode chartered buses to Texas and spent two full days, from when the temple opened until it closed for the night, doing ordinance work. This was their way of saying thanks for the privilege of having a temple in Dallas.
"The days of thanksgiving are some of the most productive days of performing temple ordinances by any stake in the temple district," said President J. Jerrill Chesney of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. "The work performed at the temple literally unshackles the captives in the spirit world who wait with anxious anticipation for their temple work to be performed vicariously."
Families begin preparing family names well in advance. Organization for the thanksgiving event also takes place in advance, said Michael Ballard, a high councilor and chairman of the stake's Redeeming the Dead committee.
"Every year we do this, miracles happen," he said.
