Deseret News | LDS temple in Rexburg dedicated by Pres. Monson

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LDS temple in Rexburg dedicated by Pres. Monson

scottmartin | 1:00 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

I AM BLESS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH IT BEING US
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.

Anonymous | 1:51 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

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.

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. :)

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 ï¿½ you are a pseudo intellect.

Your quotes regarding the Church and its members are little ï¿½sound-bites,ï¿½ you picked up from the movies (e.g., Tim Robbinsï¿½s obtuse comment from Shawshank Redemption), thatï¿½s 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 ï¿½ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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2 photos

August Miller, Deseret News

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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LDS temple in Rexburg dedicated by Pres. Monson

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LDS temple in Rexburg dedicated by Pres. Monson