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50 years ago
President David O. McKay personally escorted film producer Cecil B. DeMille on a tour of the Los Angeles California Temple during its open house, according to the Jan. 21, 1956, Church News.
President McKay was in Los Angeles to participate in preparations for the dedication of the temple. The open house began in mid-December.
Accompanied by his wife, Emma Ray, President McKay showed Mr. DeMille — maker of the epic film "The Ten Commandments" — "and a party of his friends and associates through the new structure" on Monday, Jan. 16.
The article stated: "President McKay said Mr. DeMille, a long-time friend and interested student and admirer of the Church and its people, seemed deeply impressed by his visit to the new temple, as were the other members of his party."
Prior to its dedication by President McKay on March 11-14, the temple was toured by about 650,000 people. On one Saturday, more than 24,000 were ushered through the building. Lines often extended outside the temple grounds and onto Santa Monica Boulevard.
