 HISTORY OF THE SALT LAKE TEMPLE Even though the sky line of Salt Lake City is well recognized for the Salt Lake Temple right in the middle, many people who come to Temple Square know very little about this magnificent building. It is especialy beautiful at night when it glows like a crystal castle in the darkness of the night. It was not always so. After the pioneers came to Utah, Brigham Young struck his cane to the ground and pronounced "Here we shall build the Temple to our God." This happened on July 1847 just days after the arrival to the valley. It took pioneers 40 years to finish this Temple. They worked tirelessly to finish it so they would have a place to worship according to the commandments of the Lord. The Salt Lake Temple was not the first Temple the pioneers built, but it is one of the most well known. More information about the Salt Lake Temple TEMPLES IN GENERAL "The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends mortality. Our work here is but a shadow of greater and unimaginable things to come." -Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Today the Latter-Day Saint Temples dot the earth. Jesus taught us that there is Resurrection and life after death because of His Atonement. The temples built are dedicated buildings to the Lord. The difference between temple worship and regular Sunday worship is that everything performed in the temple binds not only for this time,but for all eternity and everything performed in chapels or Meeting Houses binds until death. So for example if a marriage is performed in a chapel it will bind the married couple until death parts them, but if a marriage is performed in a temple such union will continue beyond the grave and such family will be eternal in nature. There are currently 134 temples around the world, with new ones being continually built. Each one is dedicated as a House of the Lord. Temples are the most sacred and holy places on earth. Whenever there is a prophet on the earth, since the time of Adam, temples have been built so the ordinances of salvation could be administered. What a blessing temples are to the people of this time. For more information about the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints read any of the following books: When visitors come to Temple Square many of them are curious about the Temple. Many of them are disapointed that the Salt Lake Temple is not open to general public. Everytime a new temple is built there is a short period of time before it is dedicated when it is opened to anyone and people can see the beautiful interrior of the Temple and learn more about it's purpose. The South Visitor Center exhibits are exellent introduction to the imporatnce of the Temples in our day. The sister missionaries also are ready to answer any questions or provide a tour specific to Temples and Eternal Families. If you are not able to come to Temple Square you can buy this Temples Magazine, it showcases pictures from the inside of the Salt Lake Temple and features articles about ancient and modern temples and their purpose. It is a perfect publication to satisfy your curiosity: | WHAT OTHER VISITORS SAID ABOUT THE SALT LAKE TEMPLE ALASKA (Christian) I enjoyed the tour. It was very enlightening. The temple with all the weddings and the sealing of man and wife for eternity moved me. LOUISIANA (Methodist) This has been an experience that I will cherish. Your temple is beautiful. JAPAN (Unlisted) I'm amazed by the power of the pioneers who built such beautiful buildings here such as the Tabernacle and Temple. UTAH (Catholic) I was totally amazed as to how the Temple and everything else made me feel at peace with my Heavenly Father today. WEST VIRGINIA (Baptist) This is a very beautiful Temple. I've never seen anything like it. And the sister missionaries as so helpful and knowledgeable. CANADA (Unlisted) The Temple is beautiful. Everyone here is so kind and freindly. I'm really impressed by the Mormons.  Temples: A Photographic Journey of Temples, Lands and People  Newport Beach Temple Panoramic  23 North American Temples  Look to the Temple  The Temple: Where Heaven Meets Earth |