Draper Utah Temple: 'A feeling of peace, joy'
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Numerous Church leaders participated in the dedication of the Draper Utah Temple March 20-22. They shared a few comments with the Church News:
President Thomas S. Monson: "There is nothing like the dedication of a temple to bring out the best in people. When a building is dedicated for its holy purposes it reflects a welcome sign to all who are worthy, 'Come, here you shall find peace, here you shall find a formula for happy families.'?"
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency: "It has been a wonderful experience. There has been a feeling of peace and joy in every session. The music was heavenly and lifted my heart, as I am sure it did for the people. You could feel the faith of the people. Everything about it has been uplifting and marvelous, particularly to be with President Monson."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency: "It has been a marvelous experience. We had great weather at the beginning, with wonderful sunshine. It was a wonderful feeling that something new was beginning. Inside the temple the same thing happened. It was as though there was sunshine inside, even within the enclosed walls. There is a beautiful feeling that another spot of heavenly light has come to the earth. I could see in the eyes of the individuals, in the families, in the children, this radiance of goodness, this radiance of light, which the temple brings to the lives of individuals and families, and communities and states and countries. It has been a great privilege to be part of this dedication and to have this beautiful temple in this valley."
President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve: "If you drive a little way up the hill from the Draper Temple, you can see six temples. Three are in a line across the valley: Draper, Jordan River, and Oquirrh Mountain. If you look to the south, you will see Mount Timpanogos and Provo Temples. Looking to the north is the Salt Lake Temple. This is a fulfillment of a scripture which used to puzzle me: 'For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead' (Doctrine and Covenants 124:36).
"The St. George Temple was dedicated on April 6, 1877. Six months later, Joseph Alma Packer, my grandfather, traveled with my grandmother 360 miles by wagon from Brigham City to do temple work for 24 of their forebearers.
"With that many temples within our view, we have little reason to neglect our forebearers."
Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy and executive director of the Church's Temple Department: "It has been absolutely magnificent. I think the Spirit of the Lord has descended on this whole part of the valley. The Saints have come and had a remarkable, wonderful experience. The prophet of God, President Monson, has been here. He attended all 12 sessions. He was highly energized and invigorated. He loved it. He delivered the dedicatory prayer in every one of the sessions, spoke in many of them and conducted many of them. It was a joy for us and I think all the Saints to see the prophet, and to hear him dedicate this beautiful temple. It was just magnificent....
"I think there has been universal delight. Many young people have come. I have seen them very happy and very excited. One of the delightful things is President Monson notices the young people. He really focuses on the youth....
"The talks by the General Authorities were wonderful. There was a great spirit there. The choirs were phenomenal. Every one of them sounded fabulous, sounded like angels were singing. I think it was a thrill for them too. I think everyone who sang in those choirs will tell their children and grandchildren they sang in the dedication of the temple."
