Deseret News | Oquirrh Mountain Temple: 'It's a wonderful thing'

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Oquirrh Mountain Temple: 'It's a wonderful thing'

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Anonymous | 6:35 p.m. May 20, 2009

Onward and Upward!

Chachi | 11:58 p.m. May 20, 2009

This might be a good time to remember President Hinckley's opening remarks from the October 2005 General Conference, when he announced this temple. The name was announced later, at the groundbreaking.

"We have previously announced a new temple in the southeast quadrant of the Salt Lake Valley. We have two other excellent sites in the west and southwest areas of the valley through the kindness of the developers of these properties. The first one on which we will build is in the so-called Daybreak development, and this morning we make public announcement of that. You may ask why we favor Utah so generously. It is because the degree of activity requires it."

He then described other temple projects throughout the world. The Church apparently anticipates enough continued growth in the Salt Lake Valley to warrant yet another temple in the not-so-distant future.

david jay | 7:25 a.m. May 21, 2009

What a beautiful building!

Comments continue below

MRMR | 8:03 a.m. May 21, 2009

IF we want to help the deficit why don't we start taxing the LDS church PROPERTY tax, not only the LDS church, ALL churches!!!!!!!!! that might help the Utah state deficit !! The LDS church is VERY rich and has enough money to pay property tax, even if they didnt, the church would demand their people to give more of their money to make up for the taxes.

Eye of the Beholder | 8:16 a.m. May 21, 2009

Beautiful? It looks as common as a McDonald's with its fiberglass Moroni surrounded by fiberglass ward house steeples.

Student | 8:20 a.m. May 21, 2009

Tour explains what beliefs? Polygamy yes or no? Black priesthood yes or no? Word of Wisdom advice or commandment?

Just want to help | 8:37 a.m. May 21, 2009

So are you saying we should tax the LDS Church's property tax? You seem confused. Do we need to send someone by to check up on you?

InAZ | 8:37 a.m. May 21, 2009

What a exciting story! This great work will progress.

Granite from China? | 8:50 a.m. May 21, 2009

It's sad they had to build it with granite from China. I guess all the sour grapes lawsuits over using their own granite to build the Conference Center made them hesitant to try to use it again. Too many religious bigots in the backyard.

Anonymous | 9:03 a.m. May 21, 2009

It looks identical like all the other temples Ive seen...

Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. May 21, 2009

I prefer the architecture of Cathedrals and even missions. Temples are cold stone fortresses.

Anonymous | 9:19 a.m. May 21, 2009

WOW!!! another one, change the name from latter day saints to 7-11 because they are on every corner.

To anonymous | 9:27 a.m. May 21, 2009

I also much prefer the architecture of cathedrals and missions, but the temples are very beautiful inside. The real beauty comes from the clean and peaceful feeling you get when you're inside. But I speak only for myself :)

VF | 9:28 a.m. May 21, 2009

What a beautiful Temple! It is the spitting image of the Boston, MA Temple. The current President of the Boston Temple, Kenneth G. Hutchins, was the stake president at the time who took President Hinckley to the property on the hill in Belmont, which is the tallest hill in the Boston area and which the church already owned and had done so for about 20 years.

President Hinckley later dedicated that temple in the year 2000, the one hundredth temple in the Church.

President Hutchins later later retired as a police chief, was released as Stake President, served three years as a mission president, and just as his mission was ending President Hinckley called him to be the new Temple President. We love these blessings so.

Big Al | 9:30 a.m. May 21, 2009

To Eye of the Beholder @ 8:16 am
Boy, I would like to visit the McDonalds you've been eating at. That would be some "common" looking fast food restaurant!
To Student @ 8:20 am
If you're still asking questions and don't understand the Church's stance on polygamy, blacks and the Priesthood, and the Word of Wisdom, I advise you remain a student and pay closer attention.
To Anonymous @ 9:03 am
This temple is one of the plans the church has recently used, but "identical like all the other temples I've seen?" This new temple looks nothing like Salt Lake, Provo, Mt. Timpanogus, Idaho Falls, Boise, Denver, Washington, D.C., New York City, etc., etc., etc., You need to get out more.

Frank Castle | 9:33 a.m. May 21, 2009

According to the accompanying photo, Its built w/ granite from China. Oh, the irony.

Will 'The Church' be criticized for not buying American or praised for being part of the One world order I mean global economy?

The name leaves alot to be desired IMO. I personally don't associate the name Oquirrh Mountains with upward mobility.

Chachi | 9:34 a.m. May 21, 2009

To MRMR: This is not an article about whether churches should be tax exempt.

To Student: The purpose of the temple tour is to explain the temple. What do those other questions have to do with a temple tour? But I'll answer them for you. Polygamy--no. Blacks get the priesthood--yes. Word of Wisdom--originally guidelines; later became a commandment under Brigham Young.

To the various architecture critics: You're entitled to your opinions, but come to the open house before passing final judgment.

May I help you? | 9:35 a.m. May 21, 2009

MRMR, FYI, the church spends millions of dollars providing emergency food and clothing, educational opportunities for free, medical training, medical supplies and better living conditions of thousands of people, both local and aboard, EFFECIENTLY. they would even feed and cloth your sorry attitude if you were dire straits. Eye of the Beholder! McDonald's is one of the most successful organizaitons in the world, you don't have to eat there, but your invited to enjoy our fiberglass, . Student, you flunk, you have failed to look at both sides of the argument, we believe in the Lord's directive in what he wants, not what you claim to think you know. We respect your right to not believe as we do, but we don't need to take pot shots at you because you don't believe as we do.

Why? | 9:36 a.m. May 21, 2009

So was this multi million dollar temple built because all the other utah temples are filled to capacity 24 hours a day...or some other reason???

re: Anonymous | 9:03 a.m. | 9:42 a.m. May 21, 2009

You really need to get out more!

Hey Anonymous | 9:19 a.m | 9:53 a.m. May 21, 2009

We would, but Africa, Europe, Asia, they haven't made it to each corner yet.. ; )

Scott | 9:54 a.m. May 21, 2009

I am an active LDS member and I can guarantee that they did not explain LDS beliefs beyond anything very superficial. I was not prepared for the temple ceremony and I had been a member all my life.

Design | 9:56 a.m. May 21, 2009

Many of the more recent temples are similar in exterior design and layout. This is a cost saving measure the church employs. Rather then having to uniquely design each and every building, use the plans to save from having to create all new for each building. The interiors and features usually are unique to each though still.

Oh, and to Anonymous @ 9:16, take a look at the San Diego temple. It was designed by a man who's specialty was cathedrals. It's kind of interesting when you look at it in that perspective.

MJH79 | 9:57 a.m. May 21, 2009

Anonymous @ 9:16. It sounds like you have never been in a Cathedral.

To the detractors | 9:57 a.m. May 21, 2009

I sincerly feel sorry for all the people who feel they have to make derogatory remarks regarding the LDS church. It only proves that in order for you to feel any sort of intrinsical value you have to degrade others. In fact, most of you probably refer to yourselves as christians.

Didn't Christ teach to love your neighbor? Does showing love include making derogatory comments? If you really are christians why don't you practice what you preach and show love to others in spite of the differences that exist. The world would be a much better place if we all lived that way. Too many in all religions do not practice what they preach.

OC Guy | 9:58 a.m. May 21, 2009

I attended the Newport Beach temple open house. It was the first "guided" tour of any facility (houses of worship, museums, government facilities) I ever experienced in which NO QUESTIONS could be asked whatsoever.

I could understand the "don't talk in sacred places" rationale for not talking inside the temple, though the guide disregarded her own advice to us and continued to talk during our interior tour.

The tour originated and ended at the adjacent stake center. During the trek across the parking lot to and then from the temple, the guide rather nervously occupied every single moment with her monologue and said several times, "there is no time for questions." Even when our group had to pause for say five minutes to allow groups ahead of us to enter the temple, she kept talking and talking to prevent anyone from raising their hand to ask a question because "there was no time".

The overall impression I received was that of paranoia of any visitor asking a controversial question that might reflect negatively on the LDS Church. I have never before or since toured any facility, religous or otherwise, where no questions were allowed.

OC Guy | 10:06 a.m. May 21, 2009

PS should have added that I attended other temple open houses (such as Jordan River temple in October 1981) which were "self guided". You started in the locker room and visited an example of each type of room (baptistry, endowment room, celestial room, etc.) and there was a placard at each room that explained the function and use of that room. A volunteer couple was stationed at each room to be sure no one went beyond the velvet rope barriers, but they did not give talks, they were there only as monitors. The rationale was that this was a sacred space and NO ONE talks during the tour.

Fast forwarding to Newport Beach temple open house, each tour group was guided by a leader who spoke the entire time, both inside and outside the temple. Her objective seemed to be to fill the entire time with her monologue so that no one had time to ask a question. Compared to the silent Jordan River tour, the process in Newport Beach seemed odd because our guide was talking a mile a minute inside the temple, so her request that WE not speak in this sacred space rang a bit hollow.

Non-Mormons | 10:11 a.m. May 21, 2009

You do realize that even though this Temple is a multi million dollar project that it is bought and paid for. There is no lien on it nor is there any money that is owed. All constructions costs of the Temple have been paid.

The Church has not practiced pologamy for over a 100 years. Blacks have held the Priesthood since 1978. The Word of Wisdom as stated by others was done as a guideline but later has become a commandment.

We believe in constant revelation from our Father in Heaven as he speaks through the President of the Church, Thomas S Monson. We know that many of you don't believe us and that many of you may never. However, before you decide the building is ugly and such you really should take a tour of it and see what it is.

to OC Guy | 10:16 a.m. May 21, 2009

I'm sorry that you had that kind of experience. I've never been directly involved with a temple open house or dedication, and being a member and having plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the temple, I haven't felt a need to ask when I've been touring one. If you have any LDS friends, feel free to ask them questions about the temple - the more (friends you ask, as well as questions you ask) the better, since some church members are more cautious than they need to be about talking about the temple. I'm sure you can find every last detail about them online, but finding a member who you can trust and will talk to you might be more enlightening.

re: OC Guy | 10:21 a.m. May 21, 2009

Not everyone who volunteers to help at a Temple open house is knowledgable about every facet of the Temple. Could it be that she was not comfortable enough to answer questions that she might have been asked? I don't know either.

Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. May 21, 2009

Temples in the Salt Lake Valley have become as ubiquitous as Taco Bells in LA.

just me | 10:25 a.m. May 21, 2009

To the Detractors...

What's with all the negativity, *YOU* should be the one loving the neighbors, everyone has an opinion. Just because someones opinion isn't along the lines of how Wonderful/Perfect/Shining/Great the Mormon Church is, doesn't mean they are out to get the church for bitter/bigoted/ect reasons(shocking, I Know)

Let me put it this way (at the risk of starting another debate)... No one on this comment thread hasnt said anything worse about the Mormon Church then what Mormon members have said about the Gay/lesbian community on other threads...

Chachi | 10:33 a.m. May 21, 2009

OC Guy, I'm sorry you had that experience at the Newport Beach Temple. I assisted at that open house and answered visitors' questions in the stake center after the tours. I think it's safe to say that your experience was the result of the particular tour guide you happened to be with. They're just volunteers, and sometimes they aren't particularly adept at PR.

Anonymous | 10:40 a.m. May 21, 2009

It was not Brigham Young who made this a commandment.

"Adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom was not made a requirement for entry into LDS Church temples until 1902. However, even then, church president Joseph F. Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple. Around the turn of the century, the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom were not strictly adhered to by such notable church leaders. Anthon H. Lund, a First Counselor in the First Presidency, drank beer and wine; Apostle Matthias F. Cowley drank beer and wine; Charles W. Penrose, who also served as a First Counselor in the First Presidency, drank wine; Relief Society president Emmeline B. Wells drank coffee; and church president George Albert Smith drank brandy, for medicinal purposes. In 1921, church president Heber J. Grant made adherence to the proscriptions of the Word of Wisdom an absolute requirement for entering the temple."

re: Anonymous | 10:23 | 11:01 a.m. May 21, 2009

The difference is that you can actually get to a Temple in the Salt Lake Valley.

slappy of the wasatch | 11:25 a.m. May 21, 2009

re: Anonymous | 10:40 a.m. May 21, 2009

You forgot about J Golden Kimball.

Another Temple Another Moroni | 11:46 a.m. May 21, 2009

Looks like the media interest is a bit sparse... Could it be because the temples are so common and there is no reason to cover it anymore?

Wow! | 12:01 p.m. May 21, 2009

I am kind of bothered by all the imported materials to build this temple! What ever happened to supporting the local area's natural beauty? When I last drove by this temple I was hoping the exterior wasn't the final product, now I see it was. The outside is ugly, but I'm sure the inside is beautiful. I just wish we would simply a little.

Super Sally | 12:15 p.m. May 21, 2009

Long live religions of all kinds! I need the humor!

Lewis Black | 12:34 p.m. May 21, 2009

re: Super Sally | 12:15 p.m. May 21, 2009

Amen, Sister.

to Chaci | 12:34 p.m. May 21, 2009

OC Guy here. Yes, you could ask questions after the conclusion of the tour inside the stake center.

However, one could not ask any questions during the tour that would be heard by the others in your group. You could only ask questions in a non-group setting at the stake center after the group had disbanded. The modus operandi seemed to be to prevent any questions, embarrassing or innocent, from being heard by the group.

The tour group seemed to be a mix of active LDS members, curious onlookers, and nonmembers such as myself who knew enough about temple ordinances that I didn't need to ask any questions. I attended the tour with Catholic friends who had never toured a temple before.

My friends' fifth grader did manage to blurt out one question: "I have [eleven year old, unendowed] friends my age who are active church members who could not attend their older brother's temple wedding? Why did they have to wait outside?"

The guide and her husband said they did not know the answer to the question and suggested he ask inside the stake center.

OC Guy | 12:39 p.m. May 21, 2009

And yes, I already knew the answer to his question (only endowed members with recommends may witness a temple sealing, and an eleven year old can't be endowed), but he came up with it on his own.

It wasn't an "embarrassing Mormon history question" about race or polygamy, it was a sincere question of why his friend, an active Mormon, could not attend his own brother's wedding. From his Catholic viewpoint, that a family of active members would be divided on a wedding day, with the children excluded, seems highly unusual and not at all family-oriented.

This wasn't a "negative" question but it seemed to be precisely what the guides were dreading might be asked.

We're all just volunteers | 1:33 p.m. May 21, 2009

People you meet guiding the tours at the temples are volunteers, Church members -- regular people, not PR people, not practiced public speakers. Some may be normally shy, normally reticent and uncomfortable in what may be their first guiding experience ever. But they are there doing their best. Some will be better guides and some will be average and you may even get one you think is not so great (I hate to say terrible). But if you ask around, you'll definitely find someone more than willing to talk your ear off about temples and the church in general.

familiar spirit | 2:02 p.m. May 21, 2009

If what that Catholic priest said was true? he needs to be exorcized.

amazed at the comments | 2:43 p.m. May 21, 2009

I am amazed at comments. It is OK for people to think the building is not pretty, or feel that materials should be local, or even that Temples are not as beautiful as some cathedrals. The Lord directs the building of these edifices, they are to be working buildings. Comments show a lack of knowledge on some level. Parishioners of the Mormon faith pay a tithing, it will ALWAYS be 10%. But, like in every other religion, only a small portion of the members provide offerings that sustain the greater population of the church. It would be nice if ALL religious commenters paid a full tithe to their respective churches. Think of the good all that money could do in the hands of all the different religious charities. Being prolific is the point. We want to cover the earth with temples. Every human is to be given the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Accept or disbelieve at will. Also to OC Guy: as stated in the article only the tours given by the Church leaders offer a question and answer session. ALL other tours are "silent". If you have questions seek the correct source for answers.

only in america | 2:51 p.m. May 21, 2009

to all: You find what you look for. If you look for things to be wrong you will find them. If you are looking for good things you will find them. "Ugly" "Common" and "7-11" are all there if that is what you seek.
13 million members are proud of the temples.

To: Familiar Spirit | 3:08 p.m. May 21, 2009

I've been in some cathedrals where I have felt the same familiar spirit or in other spots. Does that mean I should be Catholic? The point is that everyone of us have been in many places on this planet where we feel a different presence that is comfortable to us. The Holy Ghost is able to speak to all of God's children when you have an open mind.

take tour yourself | 4:23 p.m. May 21, 2009

It is one thing to build a temple, another to know what should go on inside---any church can build a temple or chapel or cathedral but to know what should go on inside is another matter. Jesus went to the temple often.

few churches had Black leadershi | 4:30 p.m. May 21, 2009

I would like to know what churches had Black leadership prior to 20th century, please someone tell me, I'll listen, in this matter the LDS church is similiar to all the others (and other similiarities exist between all churches). If the church isn't divine, it would be a good thing to be excluded. If it is divine, wait for God's mercy and blessing to come. In Matthew 10 (or is it Acts 10) we see the gospel taken to non-Jews, before that time I would not have had gospel offered to me since I am not Jewish; we don't know God's timetable. Some nations and people get gospel before others; we don't know why. One thing I do know is Black people are prospering in our nation today ( see current US president) more than any other time, and that is a good thing, in fact they are in many ways (culture, talent, wisdom and humanity) surpassing many white people, and I would say the same for the Hispanics----God loves poor humble people and He makes them His elect.

Guide | 4:41 p.m. May 21, 2009

I was a temple tour guide at the Rexburg, Idaho temple. As we took groups through, we gave brief comments at the different places we stopped and occasionally people asked questions which I was glad to answer. But because of time constraints, it was impossible to go into great detail. Logistically, with so many people taking the tour, taking extra time during the tour to answer questions would be impossible. That is why there were people in the stake center that could answer further questions. It seemed like the best alternative. The Twin Falls Temple tour was similar to the Rexburg Temple but the Draper Temple was "self guided." I don't know who decides what kind of tours to have at the different temples. But, each experience is a learning experience. The church can then try to improve on the next one.

It's easy to be critical of the guides but none of them are professional. Many probably have never done anything like this before. Some will do a better job than others. Give them a break. They are making an honest effort. Some criticisms sound like someone is desperately trying to find something to complain about.

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