'Unique blessing' in rich temple history
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SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH
Following the 1893 dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, members waited almost a century for a second temple — the Jordan River Temple — to be opened in the Salt Lake Valley. Almost three decades passed before the Draper Utah Temple became number three.
Now, just weeks after the March 20 dedication of the Draper edifice, the valley's fourth temple is all but finished. The doors of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple will soon open for public tours, marking a memorable moment in the Church's prolific temple-building history. The open house begins June 1, 2009, and will run through Aug. 1, 2009, except July 4, July 24 and Sundays. The public may reserve a time to visit by contacting the reservation call center at 1-800-521-5105 or online at www.lds.org/reservations.
Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy serves as executive director of the Church's Temple Department. Although there are 129 temples in operation across the globe, Elder Walker admits that the simultaneous construction of two temples in such close proximity marks an unusual effort that might never be repeated again.
"It has been a unique blessing," he said.
The upcoming Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house also offers unique opportunities for area members. Some 700,000 people visited the Draper Utah Temple during its open house period. Elder Walker is certain many members walked the elegant, reverent halls of that building and wished they had invited a guest or two.
Now they can.
"This [open house] will be a chance to invite a neighbor, a friend, a brother or a work associate to see our beautiful temple," Elder Walker said.
Visitors who participate in the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple open house will likely enjoy the convenience of the event. Organizers are anticipating ample parking near the temple and shuttle bus service is not expected be needed. Also, most school-age children will be out of class on summer break, so touring the temple during the day on weekdays will be an option for many families.
Elder Walker spoke of the vital role volunteers will again play during the open house period. Some will be asked to work inside the temple, while countless others will fulfill support duties outside the edifice.
"No matter what the assignment, it will play a part in the success of the temple open house," he added.
For members worldwide, the opening of a temple anywhere again marks a symbolic opportunity to re-dedicate one's life to consecration and temple worship.
"We can commit to attend the temple more often," said Elder Walker. "It's a time for people to think seriously about how important the temple is in their lives."
