Temple celebrations
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Click here for a story and additional photos of the Draper Utah Temple Celebration
Click here for a photo gallery of Saturday night's Oquirrh Temple Youth Celebration
In the final moments of a grand production highlighting the rich legacy of Utah, a glorious temple rose from the top of a great mountain.
Teens, carrying flags that represented different eras of the area, walked up the mountain to the temple.
The scene was a fitting end to "Come Up to the Mountain of the Lord," a youth cultural celebration staged May 29-30 to celebrate two new temples in Utah: the Draper Utah Temple and the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple.
More than 14,000 teens clad in bright costumes and waving colorful flags participated in the event. Youth from 25 stakes in the southeast end of the Salt Lake Valley commemorated the March dedication of the Draper Utah Temple on May 29.
A second celebration was held May 30, featuring youth from 26 stakes in the southwest end of the valley in honor of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, which will be dedicated Aug. 21-23.
Speaking before both celebrations, President Thomas S. Monson said the magnificent and beautiful temples "shine as a beacon of righteousness" to all who behold their light.
"That is the reason we are here together for this celebration," he said.
Although, traditionally, temple youth cultural celebrations are held the evening before a temple dedication, the celebrations for these temples were scheduled in between the two dedications to accommodate both districts.
Music, sets and the story line for the productions were identical. But each had unique costumes and choreography.
President Monson said he has attended several cultural celebrations in conjunction with temple dedications where only an outdoor venue is large enough to accommodate all the youth and spectators. During some events, he said, there have been "worries of wind and rain."
But tonight, he said, "we have no such worries. We're blessed to have this magnificent Conference Center where weather is not a factor. "
President Monson said he is a great advocate for events such as these.
"You and your leaders have spent long hours preparing for this evening. You may at times have wondered if the final result will be worth all your efforts.
"May I assure each of you that any effort you put forth will be rewarded many times over," he said. "You have had the opportunity to mingle with youth from other wards and stakes, you have made new acquaintances and forged new friendships."
President Monson told the youth as they participate together they will be eliminating the weakness of one standing alone, replacing it with many working together. "Tonight will be a night you will never forget," he said.
As part of the celebration, youth honored Native Americans in Utah and early pioneers who entered the valley, settled the land and built towns and cities. Tributes were also paid to farmers, baseball and the cultural diversity of the Salt Lake Valley.
A military tribute featured youth choirs and a military honor guard and highlighted members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve who had given military service by showing their current and military photographs.
Greg Ballif, 15, of the Willow Creek 9th Ward, Sandy Utah Willow Creek Stake, said he was grateful to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"I wanted to do something that would show my love and appreciation for my Heavenly Father and for this new temple," he said.
Rachel Ostler, 16, of Mountain Point 3rd Ward, Draper Utah Stake, said the production was something she hoped to always remember.
"It is not something you can easily forget — putting on a huge production to celebrate your temple," she said.
President Monson promised all the youth that the memories of the event would be lasting and sweet, like June roses in the Decembers of their lives.
"Years from now you will be telling your children and your grandchildren about the opportunity you had to participate in this tremendous cultural celebration," he said.
