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New LDS temple unlike others in the area

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Its a beautiful building | 8:29 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

it's a beautiful building and should be appreciated for that if nothing else.

if there was a story about a new beautiful catholic cathedral no one would say they were mad it was built... it would be a blessing to have a new edifice to color our surroundings.

Hate Mongers vs LDS | 8:33 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Are always present at Temple Dedications and Open Houses. Satan rages in their hearts. Read 1 Nephi chapter 14 in the Book of Mormon. It is all explained there long before any Latter Day Saint temples were built. Remember, our Savior died for these unworthy individuals as well as for good, dedicated Latter Day Saints so that they may also stand before the judgment seat of God and make an accounting of themselves. Glory be to God in the Highest, Peace on earth good will to men....is our creed.

Great Story | 8:48 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

With all the trouble and challenges our world is going through right now, I find peace in the attending the temple. I look forward to the day our children choose to go and feel the same way my wife and I do.

I look forward to moving within walking distance...

Comments continue below

Luke | 8:51 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

We are a blessed people indeed.

Chris | 9:35 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

With all the nonsense going on with the economy and the rest of the world. It's nice to see this wonderful Church growing and giving aide to millions around the World. It's always a blessing when the Church adds another Temple! Nice to see!

Z | 9:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Believe me, the ridicule here is nothing in comparison to the unadulterated rage that occurs on the trib comment boards. However, it's worth noting the instructive words of Bro Maxwell. I quote:

"Some eager individuals lecture the rest of us about Church doctrines in which they no longer believe. They criticize the use of Church resources to which they no longer contribute. They condescendingly seek to counsel the Brethren whom they no longer sustain. Confrontive, except of themselves, of course, they leave the Church, but they cannot leave the Church alone. Perhaps in their mockings and beneath the stir are repressed doubts of their doubts. In any case, given the perils of popularity, Brigham Young advised that this ï¿½people must be kept where the finger of scorn can be pointed at them.ï¿½

Therefore, brothers and sisters, quiet goodness must persevere, even when, as prophesied, a few actually rage in their anger against that which is good. Likewise, the arrogance of critics must be met by the meekness and articulateness of believers."

Jess | 9:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Fools mock, but they shall mourn.

Catholic | 9:48 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It appalls me that so many people are saying such terrible things about this LDS Temple. I am, and forever will be , Catholic. I love my Faith, I believe in the precepts of my Faith. But I would never heap the ridicule on anyone, that is being being done to the LDS people on this board. I have LDS friends who WANT to come to Mass to see "what everybody is talking about". They have no intention , nor would I seek to convert them. The same holds true of any LDS Temple. I would like to visit one, prior to dedication, just to see what they are like inside. I am quite sure the LDS have more class and dignity than to try to use this visitor period as a proselytisng tool. I congratulate the LDS people on their new Temple. Please come visit the Cathedral de Madeleine when you can. Peace to All.

Jessica | 9:53 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

What a beautiful temple! I can't wait till it opens!

Hmm. | 9:58 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Striking, modest edifice. Just wish it was in more modest location. With the surrounding mansions, I can see why some feel it gives an appearance of materialism.

Will | 10:09 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Maybe this blog seems like an angry post to some of you folks out there, but it's quite mild in comparison to some of the other blogs on LDS on the internet. However, we have some pretty mouthy LDS members on here as well. I think everyone just needs to calm down.

Marge | 10:22 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to say to each one of you that I have thoroughly enjoyed the comments form both LDS and from non LDS. It really lets me know where we need to work hard as good LDS to help those who are less fortunate. We are such a blessed people and need to open our hearts to those who are angry and need our blessings. It would be nice if we LDS people could learn to try to hold our tongues and always keep a smile, with good behavior, and our composer while writing verses while blogging.

Good day and goodnight. God bless us with patience.

K | 10:44 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

The number of the temple refers to how many there actually are, not how it ranks among the others.

The size and services/ammenities offered in the Temple are of great importance. For instance renting Temple items aren't available. If you traveled a distance expecting to be able to purchase something to eat while you are there, you are going to be disappointed. I would think Temples built in different locations would vary in size based on the population.

I'm Catholic and it makes perfect sense to me why those points were made in the article.

Another building for practicing one's faith is a good thing.

I am no where near an Open House of a new LDS Temple. I wonder how long your open houses are? I know you want to use the facility but a bit of time to allow those normally not permitted would be nice.

Sincere question. What happens at a wedding where your sister is getting married and you come and your kids can't go in? I've seen the wedding shots of the family outside the building and they often include pictures of kids, but they aren't old enough to go inside?

Re: K | 11:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

When my sister-in-law and her husband were married in the temple, my wife and I went in and our kids stayed with my sister (who was a teenager) during the ceremony. Temple ceremonies are not very long. The kids waited in the waiting area and were able to be part of the photos.

As for your question on Open Houses - usually 3 or 4 weeks as I recall before the temple is dedicated.

Still a member | 12:54 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would feel better if i saw the LDS church building some shelters for the homeless or opening up soup kitchens or having medical clinics for those who've lost jobs like some other churches do. Yeah, the LDS church says they contribute a lot to charity, but compared to how much they take in, it is nothing. We wouldn't need as many missionaries if we were more engaged to doing good to all mankind, not just members. Sorry, just don't have the same feeling since i saw the Prop 8 campaign was waged with lies, distortions and fear mongering.

Re: Still a Member | 1:39 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The LDS Church is a MAJOR supporter of the St Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in downtown Salt Lake. The church also makes MAJOR contributions to the homeless shelters in the city and state. Sounds like you need to follow the news more, and complain less. And the missionary program is designed to help all mankind, not just members!

Anonymous | 1:51 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would not enter the temple because it means nothing to me. I do not cannot will not accept Mormonism. Going there would be depressing for me and I do not want to be depressed.

Anonymous | 2:09 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I would like to respond to Still a member. The LDS are always the First to respond to any Emergency. They give far more in charity then any other Church. No other then God himself condemed Homosexuality. All Great Civilizations were distroyed by immorality and sin.
Greece and Rome come to mind. Will we be Next?

Dan | 3:06 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I feel bad about the comment I wrote and would like to repent...I really just wanted to say that the draper temple is so Glorious and cant wait to tour it..I live in Logan and have the privelge of having a temple here..I moved form Twin Falls Idaho and they just recently dedicated that one and I had the oppurtunity to attend the open house... AWesome the spirit is so strong...those who are negative...I challenge you to attend the open house..I challege you my friends...I love you all...haters or not...GOD bless..."Forgive me for I am a Sinner"

Ing | 3:47 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I dunno, but I wouldn't be surprised if the LDS church does a lot more in-the-trenches work than most of us realize.

Not from around here | 3:47 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I saw a couple of comments made about location and traffic and it made me sad. I went inactive when I lived in Salt Lake and never gave myself the chance to be grateful for the number of temples there were. Now I have to drive 2 hours to get to the closest temple and before it was built had to drive 5 hours. Be grateful for the blessing of having so many temples available to you and stop whining about traffic patterns.

Jan from South Africa | 4:25 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

As the scriptures say " there must needs be opposition in all things" Let the demons rage. Until the light of truth strikes these comments will be made. I have been a member since 1956 and rejoiced when a temple was built in Johannesburg. Controversy also raged in the area but is now a well known landmark in the ciry. Rage on Toper and cohorts your day of reckoning will come. The gospel is on the earth and will endure no matter what you say. I as an individual when I read these things am reminded of the words of the Saviour when He hung on the Cross. Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing

Robert - St. George | 4:37 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I welcome another Mormon Temple to Utah, to anywhere. I am not LDS. I am originally from Arizona. I have always loved the Mormon Temple in Mesa. I just wished the city would improve the area around it. I am excited to know the Mormons are building other temples in Arizona. They will improve Phoenix and Gilbert. I too don't understand the negative talk about Mormons. I have always found them to be wonderful friends and neighbors. And now living in ST. George I am surrounded by them and love it.

Leone K. Hatch | 5:22 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Another awesome House of the Lord and beautiful tribute to our Father in heaven and His son Jesus Christ. I appreciate their love for all of us, their children on earth, for restoring the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in building temples that we may be families together forever. I love them for their love and for caring about us so much.

jw | 5:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Still a member;;;
Really? I know of no other church that contributes more to the wellbeing of others and especially non members than the LDS church. Why are you making this a $$ issue? The church looks after the spiritual well being of people as well as the temporal. When was the last time you checked the church news or the Ensign and saw how much humanitarian aid the church does? Or doesn't fresh water, education, glasses, wheelchairs, homes, immediate disaster aid, etc count? As for your last comment. Goodness. Take a closer look at what happened before and esp. after the vote and i think you can see who were out of line. I don't believe there was any lies, or distortions, but if there were, does it compare the the violence, destruction, and vandilism that took place by those you apparently support?

Word up Jess | 5:49 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Amen to Jess's comment. N'uf said. Christ always did* have a way with words. *(does have)

Re: Still a member | 6:00 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Lies? Distortions? That you believe the church doesn't have shelters, food kitchens, or medical clinics for the needy is "the" distortion. You write as though you've seen the accounting ledgers, but I'll put it in simple terms for you: The LDS church has one of the LARGEST and most COMPREHENSIVE humaitarian aid programs in the ENTIRE world. They actually provide aid to foreign governments during disaters, war, and other crisis situations. Millions and millions of dollars in goods, time/service, and infrastructure improvement are spent freely by the LDS church on behalf of needy people across the world. But as you will unwittingly attest, they can't save everybody.

about: Still a member | 6:06 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

remember: 5 were foolish, and 5 were wise.
oh, and also remember: he never came back out and opened the door unto the 5 foolish

Member from FL. | 6:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

All I can say is love it or leave. You will answer for your actions later. The Temple is the most sacred building ever built on the earth. Things you know nothing about should be kept to yourself. If you love God and his Son Jesus Christ you will keep your comments to yourself.
Just remember we pay for every little thing we do here on earth and for every hurtful and hateful remark that we make.
We will all be judged at a later date and that date is not far off so if I were a lot of you I would repent and ask for forgivness from the Lord so that you can stand before him and be humbled before him and be forgiven for your sins.

LDS Texan | 6:18 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

It's a beautiful House of the Lord. I'm in Houston and grateful for our Temple.

Matthias H. | 6:29 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The cool art is, that we as members have financed the temple through our tithes and therefore it doesnt really matter what others think how that money is used but what we as members think.

An quite honest, i would rather wear my old clothes, eat a little less fancy, skip vacation, dont have a brand new car, walk to work, even go without TV or even electricity for that matter. I think a temple of the lord is much more worth to a meber of the church then many conveniences of life and even most necessities.

Greetings from Germany

DennyG | 6:26 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Many of you feel "obligated" to share with pride opening of this new temple.
I'm sorry, it's design is a mess. It is a very ugly building.
It's also 2 too many temples along the Wasatch Front. The other two are working at about 30% capacity as it is. This is a financial ruse to make the world think the church is actually growing.

Swamp Fox | 6:36 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

The church actually does more charity work than most even begin to know about. They use items stored at distributed storehouses which is collected during times of calamity and is usually first at the scene of any tragedy (hurricane, flood, earthquake, famine, etc). It is done as it should be, with quiet dignity and without bragging or press releases.

This is also used on a daily basis to feed those who have lost their jobs or are otherwise in need. Dr. Laura and others have done reports on the quality and efficiency of this process. The church doesn't do what other churches do because they are already doing it. They are filling another need behind the scenes and without much credit (obviously).

Departed? | 6:58 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Departed from the Church Joseph set up? I think not. Both Joseph Smith and Thomas Monson are working together on the same project. Building the kingdom of God on the earth. We need to be involved in the same work. Much of that work is done in the temples. This Draper Temple will greatly advance the work Joseph still wants to go forward. If you've left the church, then leave. If you still need to be here, then welcome back. We miss you. BE NICE OR BE GONE!

since | 7:08 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Since this is "news" in the utah section of the forum I will respond. I do not respond as a Christian to the things in the Mormon news section as it is none of my business to comment there.

Mormon temples look like Stalin-styled buildings. Monoliths, not uplifting architecture. They look like fortresses. The first time I saw the one in Boise I thought it was part of a theme park.

Really. It must be function because it sure isn't pretty. No glass, no curves, etc. Architecturally, Stalinesque.

Step back now, and look. Not with the eyes of believers, but as a human coming across the building. Looks like something out of Prince Valiant.

As to why people should come and see, etc., there is a primary difference in visiting Christian churches and Mormon temples. You can only visit the temples when they are not consecrated, dedicated, and not during "business." In Christian churches the services are open to everyone, sinners if you wish. Thus the two choices are not equal. In one you get what the public relations dept. wants, in the other you get to see if as it operates, weddings, funerals, etc.

Fundamental, critical, significant difference.

AZ Reader | 7:11 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

re: Z | 9:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Thanks so much for sharing Elder Maxwell's quote. From that I was able to find the talk on LDS.org ("Becometh as a Child"). That alone made the effort to read through these comments (even the negative ones) worthwhile.

RE: Still a member | 7:29 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

the church contributes a great deal to with homeless and those who have lost jobs. There are employment centers all over the world to help people get basic training and find jobs. As for soup kitchens, anyone can get any amount of food that they stand in need of by talking with their local bishop. So not just a single lunch or dinner but a two weeks supply of food if they are going hungry. And for medical clinics the church is constantly donating money to provide medical care around the world. They donate $3 million just for measles and since then have continued to donate to help with medical problems all over the world and donated more large sums in 2005 and 2006 to help vaccinate the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania. All those things you mentioned are currently being donated to in great numbers via monetary funds and/or volunteer hours, locally and all over the world.

Eddie | 7:38 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

It's been fun reading the "Good, Bad and the Ugly."

I'm smarter than everyone else | 7:46 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I think I'm smarter than everyone else including leaders of the church. I know better how they should spend their money and build their buildings. I certainly know better than they do about how to defend the family. Because everyone knows its better to not hurt the feelings of deviants than to uphold the right of children to have a mother and father.

Just kidding. I love temples. They constitute the final and full fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham made 5000 years ago. It is a blessing to live in a time when the Lord's long promised blessings are being fulfilled. There is no better blessing offered than the blessings and protection of temple covenants. They're even better than the benefits of soup kitchens.

EN | 7:49 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Ya I enjoyed making the stain glass windows with Tom Holdman, mainly because they were easier then Rexbourg, lol, but i stilled enjoyed building windows for rexbourg

Saul's vs Paul's | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Once, the Apostle Peter questioned the wisdom of Jesus when the Savior allowed a woman to bathe his feet in her tears and then anoint them with expensive oil. He thought greater good would have come from selling the oil and giving to the poor. He said, "To what PURPOSE is this WASTE." Christ then proceeded to teach him that you will always have the poor with you but only for a short time will they be with Him. The woman, in fact, "hath wrought a good work upon me" Jesus declared.

Many can't see the purpose of the temple but we know it to be a house of the Lord where we draw nearer to him. Others may think the money would be better spent elsewhere but we know that good works are wrought in the temple.

Also, if you are curious about why we must pay for or rent clothing or "god won't listen to us", read about the ceremonial clothing made for the tabernacle of Moses's time. The priest had to wear some specific clothing to approach the Lord in the Holy of Holies or to offer any sacrifice. Pray always. In the temple, observe the ceremony.

to Catholic | 8:15 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Thanks for your comment! I think you are spot on. I am active LDS living in Arizona, but I lived in Provo and Salt Lake both. I actually chose my apartment in SLC one block south of the cathedral because I loved the sound of the bells. I've been to mass, to amazing concerts there, and I was delighted to tour it when there was restoration work being done in the early 90's. I remember gathering with some friends who taught at the MTC with me adn driving up to see the restoration work - I knew one of them would love climbing up the scaffolding and seeing things up close. I hope you will likewise enjoy visiting our temple and that you will feel the friendship I have always felt at the catheral.

Kitchy | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

You both are wrong, don't quote scriptures if you don't know them:
Matt. 7: 6
6 ï¿½ aGive not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
3 Ne. 14: 6
6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
D&C 41: 6
6 For it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast before swine

duachais | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

When the temple in Portland, OR was built there was a great deal of angst over parking and whether the neighborhood would be able to handle a building of that size, etc. Instead it has become a beautiful landmark in the city. The neighborhood is amazing, and has become a wonderful place to live and work. Yet the temple site remains one of the most peaceful and lovely, with those who are not Mormon coming to enjoy the landscape and spirit of the area. We are looking forward to getting a temple where I live now, Philadelphia, and I look forward to what this blessing will do for the area that has been selected for the temple. The temple is for all who are members and non-members, it is our choice whether to enjoy the benefits.

Anonymous | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

I have read all the comments and am saddend by what I have read. The Temple is wonderful place to go to get away from all this negativity. It is our choice to be a part of it or not. I have not been a member all my life so I know both sides. I would always choose to partake of something that has made me a better person and brought my family closer together over all the horrific goings on in this world. But it is my choice and only my choice. That is the beauty of it. I will travel to see this new beautiful place that will be home to so many faithful saints in Draper.

Ticky Tacky | 8:41 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

All of the temples built since the 1970s have either looked like World Fair pavilions or Soviet era monuments. They all seem to be from the same cookie-cutter mold. Enough of the same! Its hard for me to get excited when they have become so commonplace. The earlier comment about the fiberglass Moroni statues on top of them all is right on.

To: Still a member | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

If you put your efforts into finding out about all the humanitarian aid the church gives you would feel differently. Also you could join "Mormon Hands" a volunteer group that goes to areas that need help and gives of their time to help those in need. My son this last summer went to Peru with AYS. They with 23 other teenagers worked to rebuild an orphanage. Roof, septic tank and cement sidewalks. The church gives help to all in need. It isn't just for our church members, but those of all faiths. So before you are quick to judge, put on a pair of old jeans and get a shovel and HELP!

ME | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Three of the most sacred experiences I have ever had have taken place in the temple. These are feelings that cannot be replicated or conjured from my mind. I've asked for repeats and the memory grows brighter. They are not the imaginations of my mind, but truly beautiful and impressive experiences when the Lord has manifested to me that what is done in the temple is true, eternal, and of Him. Thank you Father for thy temples.

So Formulaic | 8:46 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

Is it just me, or does this monstrosity look like the Idaho Falls temple sitting on top of the Mesa temple? Aren't there ANY Mormon architects who can design something new?

LeeLee | 8:50 a.m. Jan. 10, 2009

WOW! I didn't realize hate was so strong in Utah!
We've been warned that "in the last days" Utah would become a hated,corrupt and evil place. Are there more non members and apostates in Utah now?
Brothers and Sisters in the Gospel....you are wasting your time argueing with these non believers! You are only feeding into their evil designs.
Please remain focused!
Prophecy is only being fulfilled.

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