To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are literally the
"house of the Lord." Temples are sacred buildings in which Latter-day Saints receive
instruction about the purpose of life and their relationship to God. There they take part in
religious ceremonies that reach beyond mortality, both for themselves and in behalf of
deceased ancestors. They also make covenants to serve God and their fellowman. Sacred
ordinances such as eternal marriage and vicarious baptisms for the dead are done only in
temples. These ordinances make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God
and for families to be united eternally
Many people are under the impression that
the interior of a Latter-day Saint temple is like a great hall or cathedral.
Actually, temples are made up of a number of rooms designed to accommodate
certain functions such as marriages, baptisms, and religious instructional
sessions. Inside the temple, Church members change into simple, modest,
white clothing before taking part in temple ceremonies. The white temple
clothing symbolizes purity and reverence
Will members of the public ever see the
inside of the temple?
A:
Yes. After the temple is completed, an open house (typically several days) is held for the
general public. During the open house, public tours are organized and information is provided
to answer questions and to explain the different functions and ceremonies performed in the
temple.
What is the difference between a temple
and a meetinghouse?
A:
Meetinghouses are open to all, and everyone
is welcome to attend the Sunday worship services and other activities
held there. After temples are dedicated, only faithful Latter-day Saints
may enter them. Meetinghouses are open and busy all day on Sunday, while
temples are generally closed that day. Besides Sunday services, meetinghouses
can be used for a variety of other activities such as a special dinner,
a youth activity, or even a community blood drive. Temples are used only
for sacred ordinances that bless individuals and bind families together
for eternity.
What will happen to the value of the property
around the temple?
A:
As visible symbols of honor and reverence to God, Latter-day Saint temples are built using the
finest craftsmanship and materials available. They are beautifully landscaped and maintained
and designed to complement the community.
Will the temple cause traffic and parking
problems?
A:
No. The temple is not designed to accommodate large numbers of people at any one time.
Since temple activity is spread out over the day, traffic flow is nominal. Ample parking is
available on site. During the groundbreaking, open house, and dedication, we work closely
with our neighbors to minimize the impact of the traffic and parking, and to ensure them easy
access to their homes and businesses.
