But things have changed so much in the community that the local newspaper's editorial board — all members of other faiths — wrote a house editorial welcoming the new temple and explaining that President Gordon B. Hinckley visited Twin Falls in 2004 to select a site. "Collectively, we're proud that the church chose to build a temple here and that Hinckley personally picked the site. In so doing, he honored Twin Falls residents of every faith," wrote the editorial board.

Jeffrey Ackerman said the entire dedication experience has been an amazing thing.

"For our family, from a personal note, it has been unbelievable," he said.

The temple has also united local church members, living in 14 stakes in communities across south central Idaho, including Twin Falls, Jerome, Burley, Rupert, Ketchum and Hailey, he said.

Jolene Ackerman cried Saturday when 3,200 young performers filled the rodeo area of the Filer fair grounds. The simple thought that hundreds of teens from small communities across south central Idaho had come together to accomplish something huge made her emotional, she said.

"I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity most people don't get to have," added Alexandria of the cultural celebration.

And that was just the beginning.

Alexandria and her younger siblings each placed mortar in the temple's cornerstone. "When you get married in the temple, you will know you set some of the mortar," their mother told them.

And, finally, the entire family attended the dedication. It would be many years before her children would be old enough to be together in the temple again, Jolene Ackerman said.

Added Jeffrey Ackerman: "To be a convert to the church, to see my own family sealed in the temple, to marry in the temple and to have this opportunity (to attend a temple dedication) for my family is a rich blessing. It is deep and powerful and meaningful to the members of the church here."

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E-mail: sarah@desnews.com