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LDS temple in Rexburg dedicated by Pres. Monson
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Anonymous | 1:51 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Ok
LaMarr Hedley | 2:36 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Maybe we'll see it next time on the way through to Elko or Reno or jackpot.
Comments continue below
Lori | 3:14 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I was so touched at the open house to see the wheat stalk motiff. My
grandfather grew wheat on his farm just 10 miles north of the temple. Some of
my best childhood memories are of grandpa's farm. Both grandma and grandpa
loved the temple. I am so happy for those people in the Rexburg area. As a
family we wished we could have been there today.
Nevermo | 3:15 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
How many times in the last 4 months (Romney's run) have you seen "13
million member church" in print? Way too many. Remove the dead (before 110
years) the converts that left the church & non (never) practicing Mormons
& the figure is likely around 4-5 million.
Re: nevermo | 3:38 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
That number only includes LIVING members. And it's the news... how many
times have they "printed" messed up Britany's sorted details?
Let it go.
Mona | 3:40 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Nevermo, if someone has left the Church officially, i.e. had their name removed
from the records, they are not counted among the 13 million. Neither are the
dead. Non-practicing members are counted, because they are still in the
membership records. There is a continuous pattern of people becoming active, or
lapsing into inactivity. There is no separation in the records between the
active and inactive, and it would be impossible and ridiculous to determine on
any given day how many are active or inactive, as it changes daily. Why do you
even care to separate the two groups in the membership rolls? Other churches
and organizations don't bother with that. You have too much time on your
hands.
Relocatesd Southerner | 4:01 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I'm in agreement with the last two posts. When other churches post their
membership numbers, they don't include those who no longer affiliate, never
attend, or only attend once in a while. They include in their number ALL of the
members on their rolls. When I was growing up in the South, if you attended SS
in one of the Protestant churches three weeks in a row, they automatically put
your name on their SS rolls (and other church records) without any effort
whatsoever on the individual's part. I wonder how many of those are
included in official church rolls of other churches. Why are people who choose
to live here in Utah, where the LDS church is the predominant religion, so
critical of it and all the good it brings? The Catholic and Baptist churches
were predominant where I grew up, and I always looked at all the good they did
in the community and did not fuss about reporting of their news in the local
papers since so many of their members lived there and found it newsworthy. They
were my friends and neighbors, and I didn't begrude them their right to
worship how they chose.
Congrats to Rexburg | 3:56 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
May the temple there help strengthen families and be a source of spirituality
and inspiration to all. I'm actually surprised with Ricks/BYU-Idaho that
there wasn't a temple built there sooner.
Melissa | 4:29 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Having a temple close by will be so nice. The Rexburg Temple Dedication was such
an amazing experience for many people, including myself. Some of my ancestors
were the first ones to establish the Rexburg area and I'm so grateful for
them. Having prophecy fulfilled is so amazing and I believe there will be more
prophecies fulfilled in the future. Being in the presence of a newly called
prophet/president and two apostles of the Lord was amazing as well. I know that
this temple in Rexburg was put here to fulfill prophecy declared by President
Wilford Woodruff. May the Lord bless those that attend.
fdg | 4:46 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I don't know why nevermo should care as his name is probably not on the
roles anyway. I have never seen a person who has been in the church and is now
out that didn't try and put the blame on someone else and not accept the
responsibility on them selves. It seems like you are always ripping on the
church for every thing it does. Why dont you keep quiet or move to some other
area of the country where you can find another cause to find fault with.
Nevermo | 4:49 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Mona- my issue is that with the recent focus on Mormons (like the 2002 Olympics)
the church seems to always manage to get their inflated numbers in the news. The
true fact is that many members leave- send a letter to their Bishop announcing
their leaving & choose not to jump through all the hoops (& years) to
get off the rolls. Inflated numbers make the church seem a lot bigger than it
really is: the downfall to this is when curious folks (maybe potential members)
resarch this, they find that the membership count is NOWHERE near accurate, thus
turning them away from further investigation.Using the churches logic- I'm
a millionaire. I've averaged over $50,000 a year in income, for 22 years.
Am I a millionaire? Not even close. My point is & was; you can make numbers
look very attractive, but if it's not true, it will be discovered with a
little bit of inquisition.
Nevermo | 4:58 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Relocatesd Southerner- I never said the predominant church did no good. I'm
not fussing about the reporting of their news in the local paper.I don't
begrudge them of their right to worship how they choose. I simply call foul on
an outright lie. Get it?
me | 5:50 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I being in the RS Pres have to count those you have not had their records
removed. Once their records are removed we can't count them anymore
because they are NOT there. So the count is accurate. Is it wonderful to know
that the church is growing and that the Gospel is being shared around the world.
The Lord has commanded us to share...we are sharing through our Temples,
Members, and Testimonies.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Michael-New Zealand | 6:18 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
People who beguile and begrudge are sad sacks and are bored. These poor people
know it and have envy in their hearts. Pray for them and assist them to find the
Lord and God The Father. Some will, you know; as we all have been weak and tired
from time to time! Mormons will always find it rough or it would not be the True
Church of Jesus! Most people who make a fuss about the church know little or
nothing about it only what bored, I guess if we knew why they are more
interested in us, we would
Nat | 6:14 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
If you fear something, you're more likely to be critical of it, not seeing
the good it brings. I grew up in a very VERY diverse area where there were many
denominations and churches all working in the community. If someone found out I
was LDS, it was more of a novelty than anything. It wasn't until I came to
Utah that I've felt picked upon, targeted and demeaned because of my
religion. If you didn't like Catholics, you wouldn't move to Rome.
Likewise, if you don't like Mormons, why on Earth would you move to Utah
and then complain that you encounter the religion and it's members? I
don't understand it. There's plenty of other places to live if you
want a more secular environment.
I think it's wonderful that the people of Rexburg and the surrounding towns finally have a temple. It's about time. :)
I think it's wonderful that the people of Rexburg and the surrounding towns finally have a temple. It's about time. :)
Anonymous | 6:50 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Grateful to have been able to attend and help at the Open House. We attended
with some non-member friends. They were impressed so we hope it touched their
hearts and will think about having the missionaries teach them more. Also the
dedication was wonderful. Pres. Monson will surely keep up the pace and be a
wonderful Pres of the church.
Nevermo | 7:00 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Jeez- are you really this obtuse? Again, I never claimed that I didn't like
Mormons, didn't like living in Utah, don't think the church has any
benefits. Please show me where I've said that. It's like you're
programmed to deflect, divert and NOT answer the question. All I'm doing is
disputing the membership numbers the church is claiming. It's not like I
accused Joeseph Smith of being an adulterer.
why bother | 7:08 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Please explain to me WHY you folks read any articles about the LDS church if you
hate it so much. Why do you even care if there are 13 or 13 million. Maybe we
should ask for the hundreds of millions of dollars spent around the world on
whomever has had tragedy or needs their lives improved. The people who read
about this care. They would even help you out if you needed help in your life
even if you don't deserve it.
Ken H---------------Oregon | 7:41 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I attended the open house in Rexburg, and was thrilled with the beauty and
workmanship of this new Temple. It is a blessing to the faithful Saints,and a
fulfillment of Prophecy. President Hinckley was there today in our hearts! We
pledge our love and support for President Monson. I for one promise to strive to
be a little better each day. This is the Lord's work and his church.
TeamLaws | 7:52 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Way to go "me"!
AZ Texas | 7:56 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Somehow with all our declining numbers, we need more temples and are building a
chapel a day.
tlfarns | 7:52 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Michael-NZ you are really brain-washed. I would recommend you getting some
professional help, especially in regard to your "true church of jesus"
comments. Provincial minds perpetuate the need for someone with intelligence to
step in help you folks
Juan | 8:26 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Nevermo, please provide your facts that prove your lie.
daniel | 9:03 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
to: Jaun ...No one has to prove anything on here.
Nice Temple dedication. It's a beautiful Temple.
To Nevermo | 9:07 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
I'm a stake clerk living outside the state of Utah. Getting your name
removed from the records does not require "hoops or years." One
letter, 30 days (less if you request it). Not that I'd encourage it, just
setting the record straight. While there are members who don't wish to
attend church on a regular basis, few deny the doctorine outright and/or harbor
angry feelings enough to get their names removed.
MoForever | 9:19 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Hey Nevermo � you are a pseudo intellect.
Your quotes regarding the Church and its members are little �sound-bites,� you picked up from the movies (e.g., Tim Robbins�s obtuse comment from Shawshank Redemption), that�s original. In fact, I bet your one of those great Americans who really loves guys like Mr. Robbins. I recommend you worry about your own salvation � get a life.
Best
MoForever
Your quotes regarding the Church and its members are little �sound-bites,� you picked up from the movies (e.g., Tim Robbins�s obtuse comment from Shawshank Redemption), that�s original. In fact, I bet your one of those great Americans who really loves guys like Mr. Robbins. I recommend you worry about your own salvation � get a life.
Best
MoForever
Rexburg Man | 9:23 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
What a wonderful opportunity to attend the Rexburg temple dedication. A great
feeling of peace was there. President Monson is a genuine man that is very
loving. It was a treat to have this dedication of the Rexburg temple be one of
his first official acts as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ. What a
beautiful house of the Lord!
Robo | 9:24 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
There are currently about 13 million living members of the church, each in
various states of activity. That is a fact, not a lie. I think there are about
25,000 wards and branches in about 3,500 stakes. An average stake has about
3,500 members. Do the math. The church does not deny that many of their
members are not terribly active at any given time. Activity levels vary by
location, being as low as 20% in some areas and as high as 70% in others,
probably averaging about 50%. However, the church keeps no official records
regarding who is active or not, although that would be known by each of the
bishops throughout the world. And it doesn't take years to get off of the
rolls of the church, just enough gumption and common respect to write the
letter, and go see the Bishop to assure him that you understand what it is you
are requesting and it is what you want. You will be removed in about 30 days
from that time. Although we don't go around asking people if they want to
be removed, they are certainly welcome to seek that out at their initiative.
A guy... | 9:36 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
tlfarns - why are you so concerned that someone has stated his belief that the
LDS Church is the "true" church? Its an opinion and a statement of his
belief. Don't demean someone because you disagree with a comment they made.
I've always liked the LDS church's article of faith that says "We
claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our
own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how,
where, or what they may." Its a statement that really needs to be applied
by people of all faiths.
Dear Members | 9:54 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Just accept the fact that some people find happiness in life by attacking the
Church. Our job is to defend it without attacking back. If someone is so
concerned about the membership in the Church, tell them what we know and then
ignore that person if they continue to be unreasonable. Avoid the spirit of
contention. Vindictiveness and meanness in our dialogue only hurts us. Accept
the fact that we will be hated by some, loved by some and ignored by many.
On the more important matter at hand, how wonderful that nother temple has been built! I look forward to visiting Rexburg soon.
On the more important matter at hand, how wonderful that nother temple has been built! I look forward to visiting Rexburg soon.
ET CA | 10:41 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Wheat stock?? It's spelled "stalk." Spell check isn't
everything; writers still need to know basic spelling and English. Many words
sound the same but are spelled differently.
ABlockAway | 10:45 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
Ok, lets just stop the discussion that has nothing to do with the Rexburg. Take
that elsewhere.
I am extremely excited for this temple and have been looking forward to it for a few years. I have participated in almost every aspect of the temple and now have such a deep relationship with it. The groundbreaking, the Moroni raising, the open house, the cultural celebration, the dedication. And now this week, going to do baptisms in it for the first time. It's such a wonderful blessing and I'm excited to live so close because I know I won't always have such a blessing.
I am extremely excited for this temple and have been looking forward to it for a few years. I have participated in almost every aspect of the temple and now have such a deep relationship with it. The groundbreaking, the Moroni raising, the open house, the cultural celebration, the dedication. And now this week, going to do baptisms in it for the first time. It's such a wonderful blessing and I'm excited to live so close because I know I won't always have such a blessing.
Harriet | 11:36 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
What a blessing it is to have temples. Those who do not attend, can't
possibly know of the great peace and joy which is found by serving within those
holy walls. Temples bring purpose and meaning to life. They help give us
direction and peace. Quibbling about church membership numbers has nothing to
do with the sanctity and beauty of temples. How thankful I am to be a temple
worker. How thankful I am that the Lord has provided places on earth which the
Lord may call "home." The article in the Deseret News about the
Rexburg, Idaho temple dedication focuses on THE TEMPLE. HOw I appreciate those
whose comments reflect their love and respect for the building of temples. May
we all be filled with gratitude for what the Lord has provided, instead of
introducing other issues which are NON-RELATED to the article. We have a living
prophet. We have apostles, reflective of Christ's day. May we
count our blessings for the time in which we live that all of these things are brought about. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and I KNOW IT. How thankful I am for temples and for the Gospel.
count our blessings for the time in which we live that all of these things are brought about. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and I KNOW IT. How thankful I am for temples and for the Gospel.
Anonymous | 11:53 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008
To nevermo, tlfarns.
I know the LDS Church is the true one and I know there are some people out there who have the same knowledge. I respect your opinion and appreciate the fact you give it. Some people try to clarify your point, if you don't accept it, that's your choice. That's why there is something called free will. But don't even dare to say that I am brainwashed because the same way you have the right to give your opinion, I have the right to give mine.
I like the blogs as a way to share your opinions but there's no need for criticism, labeling, bigotry,a and ridiculize. We are supposed to be civilized people. It's time to start showing some respect.
I know the LDS Church is the true one and I know there are some people out there who have the same knowledge. I respect your opinion and appreciate the fact you give it. Some people try to clarify your point, if you don't accept it, that's your choice. That's why there is something called free will. But don't even dare to say that I am brainwashed because the same way you have the right to give your opinion, I have the right to give mine.
I like the blogs as a way to share your opinions but there's no need for criticism, labeling, bigotry,a and ridiculize. We are supposed to be civilized people. It's time to start showing some respect.
Mona | 12:20 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Nevermo--Please cite the research that shows the membership numbers in the LDS
Church are "NOWHERE near accurate". I have run across plenty of
critical articles about the LDS Church, but none claiming inflated numbers.
Also, it is not unusual to read articles about other churches or organizations
that quote their numbers--for instance, "40-million American
Catholics" is a phrase I see from time to time.
As has been explained by others it is fairly simple to have one's name removed from the records. As a former RS president I know first-hand that once the 30-day waiting period is over, the name is removed the person is no longer ministered to as before, because they are no longer Church members.
My daughter attended the Rexburg Temple dedication today and was deeply moved by the addresses and the Spirit that was felt.
As has been explained by others it is fairly simple to have one's name removed from the records. As a former RS president I know first-hand that once the 30-day waiting period is over, the name is removed the person is no longer ministered to as before, because they are no longer Church members.
My daughter attended the Rexburg Temple dedication today and was deeply moved by the addresses and the Spirit that was felt.
Former Ricks College student | 12:32 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
I was a former Ricks College student when President Eyring was president of the
college. I am soooo excited for the good, hardworking people of Rexburg and
surrounding areas to have a temple. I love the area where it is. I will always
have a soft spot in my heart for this area, the people and the school. I was
able to visit the temple while still under construction. I wished I could have
been there for the dedication. My heart was there. I'm so glad Elder
Bednar was able to be there.
Bill | 8:58 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
The Church announces its membership size from time to time. The news media
re-publish that fact to an annoying degree. Don't blame the Church--blame
the annoying media reporters.
Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
OH! it is all so wonderful. I am so happy! It is such a blessing and so
beautiful. I just cannot believe how happy this has made me and my family. We
are so blessed. It makes life so nice. Thank you Thank You! We are such a
blessed people. Have a happy day. I am happy too. :o))))
L | 10:37 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Many interesting comments- a lot of which have nothing to do with the article,
but I will fall in that same trap to reply to some thoughts expressed.
I am a Ward Clerk of 15years (in & out of Utah) and have participated in removal of some names from the membership rolls. Some have been by personal request and others have been because of individual actions that were committed by the member.
We really try hard, and I think that we do a good job at keeping accurate & up-to-date membership records. The numbers are not important, the individuals are. It does not change my testimony whether there are 1 million or 12 million members. I have been where I was the ONLY LDS boy in my High School.
I personally know of one person(a relative)who is on the membership rolls of two different demonations. He does participate in each regularly(like alternating weeks) but the important thing is that he loves and respects the good members of each faith, and I believe they feel the same about him.
There are so many things more important to worry about instead of numbers, and we should concentrate on promoting good whenever/wherever.
I am a Ward Clerk of 15years (in & out of Utah) and have participated in removal of some names from the membership rolls. Some have been by personal request and others have been because of individual actions that were committed by the member.
We really try hard, and I think that we do a good job at keeping accurate & up-to-date membership records. The numbers are not important, the individuals are. It does not change my testimony whether there are 1 million or 12 million members. I have been where I was the ONLY LDS boy in my High School.
I personally know of one person(a relative)who is on the membership rolls of two different demonations. He does participate in each regularly(like alternating weeks) but the important thing is that he loves and respects the good members of each faith, and I believe they feel the same about him.
There are so many things more important to worry about instead of numbers, and we should concentrate on promoting good whenever/wherever.
BG | 3:02 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008
Truly a beautiful Temple. It is wonderful to have another one to attend. Thanks
Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008
It is all a part of the Mormon agenda to take over the USA and brainwash the
whole nation
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LDS President Thomas S. Monson applies mortar to the cornerstone at the dedication of the new Rexburg LDS Temple in Rexburg, Idaho, Sunday. At right is temple project manager Chad Richards.
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CLOSE TO HOUR LORD.WE ARE VERY LUCK HAVE TEMPLE BECAUSE WHEN WE ARE DOWN ON HOUR SELF WE ARE LUCK TO HAVE OTHER BROTHER AND SISTER TO HELP OUT.