Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication

We have had a very exciting weekend here in Utah. Several months ago the first presidency announced that the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication would be broadcast on Sunday the 23rd of August in two sessions. And what was really strange, was that all church meetings on that day in Utah would be canceled so that members could attend either of the dedication sessions. I think it emphasized how important Temple's are to the Lord and that they truly should be the center of our lives.


Sunday morning Pam and I attended the 9:00 am session, but we had to be there much earlier. I was at the stake center at 7:30 am looking over everything. Our instructions indicated we should ensure our chapel was secure and clean and beautiful. We had done all we could to ensure all of those things were in place so that our stake center would be an extension of the Oqurrh Mountain Temple. People began arriving as early at 7:45 am and by 8:30 am the chapel was full and we were well back into the cultural hall. When we locked the doors at 8:45 am we had over 720 members in attendance.


It's always wonderful to see the Prophet and he arrived with a small party of dignitaries and right at 9:00 am the session began with President Monson conducting. We heard from Sister Lifferth of the General Primary Presidency, followed by Elder Paul Johnson and Spencer Jones of the seventy. We then heard a wonderful talks from Elder Bednar of the twefve followed by President Uchtdorf. Finally the dedicatory prayer was delivered by President Monson. Such a beaufiful and spriitual prayer. A multi-stake choir provided the music and they were beautiful.


In the afternoon I returned at 1:30 pm and we went through the same routine concerning the building, ensuring it was clean again and set up for another session. We had high councilors at each of three doors checking recommends or dedication tickets and by 2:45 pm we had over 400 in attendance. President Monson again presided and conducted and was joined by other general authorities and general officers of the church. We heard from Sister Silvia Allred of the General Relief Society Presidency, followed by Elder Paul Sybrowky and Elder Craig Zwick. Elder Zwick was Travis' mission president in Chile. Finally we heard from Elder Ballard of the twelve, followed by a wonderful, tender address by President Monson. President Eyring delivered the dedicatory address, which was the same prayer as in the morning. Again another equally wonderful choir provided the music.

With the Oqurrh Mountain Temple commencing operations today, it makes 130 operating temples throughout the church. I hope and pray that we all take advantage of temples near our homes and enjoy the work taking place within for ourselves and our ancestors. Pam and I made a commitment many years ago to attend weekly and for the most part we have accomplished that goal and plan to continue to do so. It has made a tremendous difference in our lives.