Kevin Shelley, a 10-year resident who first came to New York as an intern from Brigham Young University, has spent the last 16 months juggling space for eight wards inside the building. Part of that time members were literally meeting amid the rubble of reconstruction as remodeling was under way. "It was so worth it. I never heard any complaints because everyone just sacrificed to get things done."

Francis Adams and her husband, Garry, brought their two children, Garry Jr. and Marchandt, from their home in Queens to see the dedication. They wanted to underscore the importance of LDS belief in eternal life and families "sealed" together forever by temple ordinances. Adams, who called the faith's missionaries after seeing a TV commercial about such beliefs and eventually joined the church, said she "can't wait to come back to do the ordinances."

The unity of purpose among Latter-day Saints also impressed Garry Adams, who spoke of of the memory the dedication will create for his family and their hopes for the future. "It's awesome. There are no other words to really express it. This is just a wonderful time for all of us."

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com