London Temple Celebrates 50 Years

More than 500 members met on Sunday, September 7, 2008, in a special devotional to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the London England Temple by President David O. McKay (1873–1970).

Elder Patrick Kearon, Area Seventy, presided over the meeting. Seven previous temple presidents were also in attendance.

Graham Dunn, current temple recorder and second counselor in the Crawley England Stake presidency, quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith: “It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given” (D&C 128:9).

Current temple president Michael Fagg noted the impact the temple has on the community and testified that “the temple truly is the house of the Lord, and He’s invited us to join Him there.”

The fireside was attended by the leaders of both the West Sussex and East Sussex County councils, along with Lord and Lady Teviot, who are both highly involved in family history work. Lady Teviot serves as president of the Federation of Family History Societies.

A special display was set up in the foyer of the meetinghouse showing archive photographs of the building and dedication of the temple. The photographs were also published in a program given to everyone who attended.