Early in the history of the restored church the Prophet Joseph Smith advised converts to "gather to Zion." This meant joining with members when the church was centered in Kirtland, Ohio, later in Independence, Missouri, then Far West, Missouri, Nauvoo, Illinois, and in the Salt Lake valley. The admonition to gather is still in force today but the brethren have advised us that gathering in our day means assembling in the stakes of Zion and building up the kingdom where we live.

Many people suppose that we gather as members of the church because it enables us to support and strengthen as we associate with others who share common values and beliefs. It has also been suggested that gathering allows the Saints to educate and edify one another. These were good reasons to gather. They are good reasons to gather today. But the primary reason we "gather" is to build temples and enter those temples to make sacred, eternal covenants with our Father in Heaven.

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