Deseret News | LDS Church announces plans for two new temples in Arizona

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LDS Church announces plans for two new temples in Arizona

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Merrideth | 9:58 p.m. April 27, 2008

I am only ten minutes from the new temple. I am so happy and proud and hope my husbands postition in the church grows now that the new temple is so close.

RE: Inquiring Minds......yes aga | 10:01 p.m. April 27, 2008

So it is clear that the earliest Christians continued to pray in the temple. When released from prison by an angel, Peter and John were commanded to go to the temple to preach (Acts 5:19-21). ï¿½And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christï¿½ (Acts 5:42). Later, we read that Paul shaved his head in Cenchrea ï¿½for he had a vowï¿½ (Acts 18:18), meaning he was a Nazirite. The law of the Nazirite (Numbers 6:5-21) required that, at the conclusion of the period of oneï¿½s vow, one had to shave oneï¿½s head and offer various sacrifices. Consequently, arriving at Jerusalem, he went with others to make those offerings: ï¿½Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of themï¿½ (Acts 21:26). He later declared, ï¿½Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the templeï¿½ (Acts 24:17).

RE: Inquiring Minds | 10:06 p.m. April 27, 2008

It was during this time that, as Paul said, ï¿½when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a tranceï¿½ and saw Christ (Acts 22:17-18). So, in sum, Jesus did NOT abolish the temple, though his sacrifice ended the offering of animals in sacrifice in the temple. The temple remained, as it was originally intended (read Solomonï¿½s entire dedicatory prayer in 1 Kings 8), a place of worship, where Christï¿½s followers continued to pray long after he had ascended to heaven. BTW, Joseph Smithï¿½s dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple (D&C 109) is, in part, patterned after Solomonï¿½s dedicatory prayer, and both mention prayer in connection with the temple. Solomon frequently referred to people praying toward the temple and asking God that when they did so, he would hear and answer their prayers. Sorry for the lengthy posts, I hope this helped.

Comments continue below

Grandmax5 | 10:27 p.m. April 27, 2008

What about Wyoming? They are the only state in the midwest without a temple.

Complaining Kids? | 10:29 p.m. April 27, 2008

Wow, very interesting - and somewhat disappointing, honestly - to read some of these comments. Some of you folks in NW Phoenix sound like my kids fighting over who got the last Oreo out of the package. "No fair - Jimmy had 4 and I only got 2..."

RE: RE:Inquiring Minds | 10:31 p.m. April 27, 2008

Sorry 'RE: Inquiring minds'. Didn't help so much. Christians do build nor pray in temples, perhaps mormons may take that route with the different flavors of mormonism but christians, well not so much. Thanks for trying though you put a lot of effort into your post but you will see what you want to see for your own needs and that is the mormon way.

Inquiring Mind | 10:32 p.m. April 27, 2008

To RE:,

Thank you for such a thorough response. I will take some time to digest it all. Do you have sources for these insights, or did they just come from you? (In other words, are there some reading recommendations you can make where I can find all these explanations?)

Thank you again.

BJ | 10:50 p.m. April 27, 2008

There are 56 stakes in Phoenix Metro: 41 East Valley stakes to just 15 West Valley stakes (unless you consider Scottsdale & PV part of the East Valley, in which case the ratio would be 44 to 12). There are 16 stakes in Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek alone, so I can totally understand why Gilbert was selected. Besides, the prospect for future growth is much greater in the East Valley (particularly the Southeast Valley. I hope it will be a large temple, even larger than the Mesa temple; otherwise a 3rd East Valley temple may be needed soon!

RE: RE: | 10:58 p.m. April 27, 2008

I don't need to present such a thorough response as if you look in your heart you will find the answer. I could take you through the end of days with tit for tat but let's just say we agree to disagree--sound like you might be a bit conflicted and looking for direction but I'll let you walk that journey alone. In Closing I will say I am right and you are wrong and that is enough for me to sleep tight tonight. Good night my friend.

Charles Bailey | 11:05 p.m. April 27, 2008

To Enquiring Mind:
"Can you show me in the Bible where marriages were performed in ancient temples"

I don't think we can in the Bible as it exists today. That LDS practice is based on modern revelation. We believe that we live in the "dispensation of the fullness of times" when many glorious truths have been restored for the benefit of God's children. The practice of marriages in the temples is related to the restoration of the sealing power of the priesthood by the prophet Elijah in 1836 in the Kirtland temple. We believe this was a fulfillment of a prophecy of the prophet Malachi. (see Malachi 4:5-6)

Why Gilbert and not Tucson | 11:25 p.m. April 27, 2008

There are many reasons, but it's not unprecidented. South Jordan has two temples. But let's face it, Tucson simply does not have the activity. The Gila Valley (population 13,000) has more temple recommend holders (I know a stake clerk there) than Tucson (population almost 600,000). You know what, I live in Gilbert and I don't know any Mormon from Tucson. I know more Mormons from Communist China.

Thatcher: Proud of our Humility | 11:28 p.m. April 27, 2008

Years ago, I spent a couple of hours in the home of Elder Oaks and after learning I was from Thatcher he said, "Outside of the center stakes in Provo, Thatcher has the strongest stake in the Church."

How do you like them Angle Orchard apples, Safford!?

Beth AZLDS | 11:30 p.m. April 27, 2008

Heavenly Father has shined down on the valley again. I wish those from neighboring communities were not jealous of us or our belonging and just happy a new temple is here for all. Someday if they are diligent they will have a Temple in their neighborhood as well.

Have Patience. | 11:43 p.m. April 27, 2008

Personally, I am so geatful to have the Temples in the state that we have.
Yes, Gilbert/QC does have a huge concentration of members in the Valley. And that is definately important in determining where a Temple will go.

We in the West Valley will get our Temple in time. The growth out here in Surprise in fantastic. Our ward just split after membership grew upwards of 800 and was just too big, now we are at just over 500 with new families moving in almost weekly.

To hear people saying that we need more Temple Attendance, this is true. Most of do what we can. It does take a full day for us to do a "Temple Day" and and when this includes having to find Childcare (not all of us have family close)its tough. We would LOVE to do more Temple work, but do what we can.

QC | 12:22 a.m. April 28, 2008

The Gilbert temple is going right next to an area
that used to be named Higley. We moved out to Queen Creek when it was a little farming community...not even a stoplight in town...everyone in Gilbert and Mesa used to really make fun of it. Gilbert annexed everything in sight including the land across the street from Queen Creek. Now everyone is moving here and out beyond into Pinal county. I'm happy about the temple...seven minutes away and we can spend our old age working in it. It will be centrally located for many, many members. We've been meeting with five wards to a building, crowded parking lots, shortened meetings.
Jesus Christ ended sacrifice because he came to earth to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and sorrows. The early sacrifice on the porches of the ancient temples was to remind them that Christ was coming to save us all through His atonement. Now we need temples to help us remember that he came and to make covenants to remember Him and keep His commandments.

Ryan L. | 12:30 a.m. April 28, 2008

I've got to say that a my wife and I are overjoyed to have a temple in the Gila Valley. Especially with gas prices being what they are. I know that other communities have been waiting just as long as we have and all I have to say is: Be patient, its all in the Lord's time. Congrats to Gilbert and I expect to see several more announced for the Metro area in the next few years. What I havnt heard is whether we'll get a full sized temple or one of the new compact designs. Either one is fine by me but I know we'll be getting a lot of visitors from Mexico now that they won't have to go as far as Mesa. It's all good, we are all very happy and look forward to the extra blessings.

Why Jealousy? | 1:29 a.m. April 28, 2008

Bob, I feel sorry for the words and feelings you have about the new temples--but I feel even more sorry for those who have responded to you in evident anger. People, what's the problem? In our hearts first and foremost. Let Bob and others vent and work through what's in theirs. And maybe take a good look at what's in YOURS while you're at it.

Temples aren't built for proud and jealous people. They're built to help us overcome both these "natural man" qualities, among others, while applying the atonement of Christ in our lives. May we all be BETTER people rather than WORSE because of them. And may we ALL someday get the temples we deserve--as demonstrated by our willingness to attend them often, worship the Savior, and obey His Gospel by trying harder to become more like Him.

Rhetorical question: Can we do that by giving in to any degree of jealousy and strife over who gets what temple?

Paul | 3:58 a.m. April 28, 2008

Great news, the more temples the better

SJ Bobkins | 4:39 a.m. April 28, 2008

If you rob for money you go where the money is, in banks. If you build a temple you build where the members live. Maricopa County has 4 million+ residents, 10% are members of the LDS Church. The Gila Valley has less than 40,000 residents, even if all were LDS, the numbers favor Gilbert, which has 210,000 residents, 7 stakes, a very active membership, 37% are LDS. Sadly the Mesa Temple is located in the very worst portion of the East Valley, crime wise. It isn't safe to be there after dark. The temple was built in the 1920s. Its architecture is not compatible with current needs. Southern Idaho has 270,000 members with temples in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and in Twin Falls. Temples are no longer being built for large populations but to give areas with sufficient members opportunities to frequently use the temple. In situations where there are small numbers of members, geographic distances from other temples area is a leading consideration. I hope this answers many of the questions on temple location.

nrly | 6:52 a.m. April 28, 2008

I am so thankful we will have 2 more Temples here. My grandparents had to travel from the Gila Valley to Mesa to go to the Temple, my grandfather grew up with President Spencer W. Kimball, and the Saints in that valley have wanted a Temple there for years, prayers are being answered, Wonderful.

For JR | 7:12 a.m. April 28, 2008

You are incorrect about the tracking. It wasn't a perfect science however they kept a sheet at the front desk and wrote down the name of the stakes in the temple district and added tally marks for each person who walked through the door from that stake. Kind of an old way to do things, but it worked. They then submitted that information to Church Headquarters.The temple recommends did give the name of the stake and ward you were in, so you might not have known they were tracking but they were.

John Hoopes | 7:31 a.m. April 28, 2008

My family has lived in the Gila Valley for 5 generations;I am from Thatcher. I believe that in the 1800s an apostle (I will have to do some research to find out which one) told the people to build a dam on the Gila River, not a road, and they would prosper and someday have a temple. They built the road instead. But the curse has now been lifted--they are getting a temple and they are now prospering. I am very happy that they are being so blessed.

Father Michel Dovnowski | 7:51 a.m. April 28, 2008

We are very happy our Church of Jesus Christ neighbors in Gilbert will have a beautiful new temple soon. Gilbert is a wonderful city with tremendous cooperation within the Christian community. The LDS are an important cog in that community. As I was looking at newspapers all across the west, I noted this piece on my city. Gilbert needs a beautiful place, a central point to attract visitors, the temple will be a peaceful place to fill that need. I know there will be many local visitors to the newly opened temple, when visitors are invited.
Our local Catholic community looks forward to that day.
Peace in Christ.

Wiley Old School | 8:31 a.m. April 28, 2008

Thank you Father Dovnowski!

Re:Re: Inquiring minds | 8:42 a.m. April 28, 2008

My lengthy post was not intended to cause you to raise your defenses, only to shed some light, scripturally, as to the reason for Temples yesterday, today, and tomorrow. As for 'Christians don't pray in Temples', you do not believe that Christs apostles were Christians? There is nothing I can tell you or show you that would convince you that the LDS Church is the one true Church of Jesus Christ, that must come from asking God, in faith, with an open heart and mind, without the influence of the worlds stigmas. Of all the Religions I've belonged to, I can say that I know that the LDS Church IS the true Church of Jesus Christ. I do not say this pridefully or arrogantly, it just is. I was raised to believe the Book of Mormon was evil, full of blarney. I now know that those assertions were born out of fear and ignorance. Falsehoods about the Church were spread as if they were the truth. It is up to LDS members to give non members the information, it is then up to the individuals to objectively seek the truth. Peace be with you always.

Aussie | 8:44 a.m. April 28, 2008

To Inquiring Mind?
Glad to help out however I am not sure if I should feel offended about being referred to as a "Utah Implant". I would have considered myself as a resident of one of the "nations" referred to by Jesus in Matthew 28:19; and having accepted the gospel, repenting and being baptized, I would now be by your definition, a "Jerusalem Implant".
More correctly I regard myself as "no more [a] stranger and foreigner, but [a] fellowcitizen with the saints and of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).
It seems that others more knowledgeable than myself have given you excellent references but you still remain perplexed on the matter. Here is some additional counsel that will serve you well in this matter and in all your search for truth.
Besides and "inquring mind", you also need an inquiring heart. Through the Holy Ghost, if you are sincere, you will come to a knowledge of truth. Read the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9-11.
If the Spirit is not teaching you, the truth will appear as foolishness to you.
Again, best wishes in you search for truth, especially as you try to understand the purpose for temples today.

AZ guy | 8:44 a.m. April 28, 2008

I have never heard anyone in Gilbert talk about a temple or request one in the 10 years I have been here. I have never even contemplated it. I thought 'Mormon Legend' when I heard it yesterday.

A friend of a friend had some property in Snowflake that was considered for the temple. President Hinckley himself chose the sites under contemplation, so I can only assume the same was true for Gilbert and Thatcher/Safford.

I have heard the rumor of a temple in N. Peoria and hope that it comes soon as well as Tucson. Permitting or design issues may be different for each community and that the Gilbert site may just be farther along in the process. Elder Bednar told the saints in Tucson a couple of years back in a Q&A that, as far as a temple goes, that we should just do what we are taught to do and everything will take care of itself.

To Sj Bobkins.... | 9:30 a.m. April 28, 2008

What was your post supposed to answer? It sheds no light on anything.

I find it interesting that all of you have these "statistics" at the touch of your fingers to "justify" why a temple is going up somewhere and not someplace else.

It is safe at the Mesa Temple after dark. Who are you fooling?

I am shocked at all the bickering going on here. I bet if Pres. Monson was to review these posts by "faithful" members, he'd be shocked and disappointed.

It's unfortunate that we live in the "now" age. If satisfaction can't be obtained instantly, we moan and groan. If I can't drive 5 minutes to the temple to show my gratitude to the Lord, then that's an injustice!

Maybe a little humility folks? Gratitude for anyone? I haven't moved in 7 years and I've been in 6 wards, 2 temple districts (soon to be 3rd), 3 stakes (current stake is 12 miles away driving through 3 other stakes and 2 other cities). Can any of you explain that? Until recently, we drove 22 miles roundtrip to church, passing X number of churches along the way.

Maybe we should all be grateful for our temples!

To For JR | 9:34 a.m. April 28, 2008

Can you name the temples that did what you say happened? You know, keeping track of who attends from what stake? In every temple I've been in, I have never seen what you are describing.

Yes they keep numbers of how many are actually in the sessions, etc, but it's someone like the ward clerk who has a counter at the door from the chapel leading to the endowment rooms.

I think the Lord knows who's attending and from where they hail, don't you? I also believe in the 5th Article of Faith. The Lord knows what He is doing and where He needs His temples.... I have full faith and confidence in revelation for these needs...

To Inquiring minds respondent | 9:37 a.m. April 28, 2008

You gave a noble attempt to answer some of the questions. However, given the limitations of this system, answers would actually be better from someone in person.

That's why so many suggested she take it to the Visitor's Center, missionaries, LDS neighbors, etc.

Again, noble attempt but the limitations here don't do it justice...

Amused | 9:55 a.m. April 28, 2008

I am amused by those complaining about driving across town to go to the temple. I live in the Kansas City area (where we have 6 stakes). For our ward temple day (a Friday) we left our house at 5:15 a.m. Drove 3 hours 45 minutes to St. Louis (where they have 4 or 5 stakes). We left the temple at 12:30 p.m. After stopping for lunch and gas, and driving the 250 miles along a highly trafficked and pothole laden I-70 we arrived home at 5 p.m. Normally, we would have stayed at the temple a little longer but we had a school event for one of our children that night. We would love to have a temple across town in Independence!

Kay Bee | 9:59 a.m. April 28, 2008

I love to see the continued growth. We really need to see a temple in Northern Colorado or Southern Wyo. Every temple is a tribute to the faithful saints of that area.

Anonymous | 10:06 a.m. April 28, 2008

I'm so excited about the new temples in az! I agree, I believe that the temple was decided to be placed in Gilbert to relieve the congestion of the Mesa Temple.(its so great that we can say that:0) And to some of us it might seem like a better idea to put the temple somewhere else not so close to the mesa one, but it obviously wasn't to the Lord. All I know is that Pres. Monson is a prophet of God and I have full faith in him with out any questioning.

awise | 11:11 a.m. April 28, 2008

Just so you know, the land was donated. And if it wasn't the right place then they wouldn't build there. Many things make "more sense" in our eyes-but un/fortunatly we don't see as the Lord sees. We are just excited that we are getting another temple in this state!!!!

soakblue | 12:19 p.m. April 28, 2008

I live in the "mission field" part of the Valley of the Sun -- the west valley. I admit my first thought after hearing that two new temples would be built was "yes--at least one will be for the west valley!" Then, after the locations were announced, my reaction was "Gilbert??? Is it too much for the residents of Gilbert to cross over the US 60?" (I am ecstatic for the Gila Valley btw.) HOWEVER, numbers are numbers, and the Mormons tend to congregate in the east valley, and that apparently warrants another temple. I've come to terms with it, and am happy for the east valley residents -- especially for those in prices-have-dropped-through-the-floor Queen Creek. This is a silver lining, I suppose, to being stuck in QC. Now it we can just get the 202 completed, the Gilbert Temple may actually be closer for us!

soakblue | 12:49 p.m. April 28, 2008

Re: Complaining Kids?

Your personal attack is uncalled-for.

Inquiring Minds Respondent 2 | 1:00 p.m. April 28, 2008

I believe I answered the questions point by point with scriptural references. If there is a question I missed please feel free to tell me. From my experiences, I've found that asking a LDS neighbor who does not know the answers presents a reason for non members to say 'how can you agree with something that you can't explain'. Missionaries is a good thought though......we all need to know our scriptures much better in order to answer these types of questions. I believe my answers were more than noble attempts....line upon line, they were/are scripturally correct. The initial poster should speak with missionaries or knowledgable members who can answer the questions scripturally in person.

"Stuck in QC" | 1:04 p.m. April 28, 2008

Soakblue, if by "stuck in QC", you're talking about the *traffic,* sure. Why somebody can't fork over some cash to widen some of these roads and relieve the congestion is beyond me. The people who are responsible for fixing the traffic problem in Pinal/Maricopa Counties and QC proper keep waiting for each other and/or somebody else to take responsibility. And don't even bring up the beyond-abysmal housing market. :)

But if you're talking about the *people*, some of the best people I've ever met live right here in Queen Creek. It amazes me that there are as many stakes in Queen Creek as in Tucson. They deserve a temple--along with every faithful member anywhere else who will routinely attend one! (Tucson at some point, too, I'm sure! Just come to the temple, folks!) :)

So if I've got to be "stuck" somewhere, what better group of people to be stuck with? :)

To soakblue | 1:14 p.m. April 28, 2008

Complaining kids was right on. It wasn't a personal attack, it was constructive criticism for those who are wallowing in their mire at the fact that a temple isn't going to be built in Peoria right now.

Who knows, maybe one will be announced next week.

But if you actually read some of the comments from people claiming to be from the West Valley of the Sun, you'd know that the comment was johnny on the spot.

As Nephi told his murmuring brethren, the wicked (in this case, the complainers) take the truth to be hard and more than they are able to bear.

Buck up folks, there is still plenty of time for many more temples to be built in the Valley of the Sun!

Rich Crockett | 1:31 p.m. April 28, 2008

I am truly saddened. I knew the day would come, but not as soon as it has and not in the way it has. Shame on all of you for your holier-than-thou attitudes and for questioning a Prophet of God! Are we not lead by revelation? Are we not taught to follow the Prophet of God? It has been prophesied and we are seeing the prophesy fullfilled that even the most "righteous" will question the church leaders and they will start to question their own testimonies. I hope each of you that are upset about these wonderful announcements will lay your pride aside and continue to serve in the temples no matter how far the travel is and accept these announcements as the word of God to His saints today. God bless all of you!

soakblue | 1:47 p.m. April 28, 2008

Re: "Stuck in QC"

I was just talking about the traffic / housing situation. The people I know from QC are great. I've heard the city council there has made building more church buildings a pain. I feel your pain. Luckily here in Phx, the city council rubber stamps just about development, from church buildings to adult bookstores [sigh...].

Re the complaining kids remark -- I'm not defending the complainers; I'm simply calling you out for making an unwarranted personal attack. Stick to the issues. No reason to make it personal. And don't forget -- the west valley will ALWAYS be closer to Utah! :)

re soakblue | 2:05 p.m. April 28, 2008

Ummmm, that's exactly what Complaining Kids was telling all the complainers....If you took it personally, so be it. Again, the comment was right on the mark and by your defensiveness it must have hit home....

as for being closer to Utah, be careful what you wish for....better yet, who cares? Remember, stick to the issue

Bob Answer I | 2:20 p.m. April 28, 2008

I hate to break it to you, ldslady, but growth in the East Valley is more due to flight from Mesa than from missionary work. No complex calculations are involved in deciding where temples are located. Temple locations in foreign nations are largely determined on geography and how loud and persistent area authorities, mission presidents, and stake presidents are in pushing for a temple. Temples in the US are selected on the same basis with added attention to one or more of the following criteria: 1)active membership population; 2)tithing worthiness; 3)LDS historical significance of the area; 4)members who are willing to donate significant land or money to the church. The GAs are very intelligent and spiritual people, who put on their pants one leg at a time, like we all do. God blessed them with minds and expects them to exercise reason and discretion as they guide and manage the church. Perhaps some divine guidance is given on temple-site locations, but I would not be surprised to find out otherwise.

re awise | 2:20 p.m. April 28, 2008

The grapevine I hear is also that the land in Gilbert was donated. Was it President Pugmire? No matter who it was, good for them and God bless them. What a blessing it will be for many in the area in the future.

If it is at the location the rumor mill is speculating, then it will be at Greenfield and Pecos and right off the 202.

soakblue | 2:23 p.m. April 28, 2008

Re: re soakblue

I'm not complaining so how would I be taking it personally?

I was trying to make light of the situation re the proximity to Utah. It is a separate issue, but it is still an issue -- not a personal attack.

re: Bob Answer and I | 2:25 p.m. April 28, 2008

I am transplant that is not from Mesa and I know many who are in the same boat, but it is true that a significant amount of the 'growth' in the area is just people moving around from other places like Mesa. Many from my church congregation grew up in Mesa.

2nd most popular place transplants come from CA so they could upsize their house and downsize their mortgage. It make for ugly traffic, but I can't blame them-I would do the same.

Bob Answer II | 2:29 p.m. April 28, 2008

To ldslady: Centers of high LDS population are always going to create more tithing funds for the church. Simple math tells us that if you take an area where the members make higher per capita tithing contributions than other areas, more tithing is going to be collected than from areas where the members have a lower per capita income. The members in the former area are not more righteous nor more tithing worthy than the members in the latter area--the total tithing paid is simply more. Nothing infuriates me more than members who happen to have been blessed with money who believe that somehow they are more righteous than those who have not received similar blessings and the converse that members who struggle financially must not be keeping their covenants or commandments. Talk about false doctrine! Obviously the members of the Gilbert area will have higher temple attendance than those members on the west side--the temple is minutes from your homes. If they didn't, I would be worried. Do you really believe that the members in other areas of the city do not pay their tithing and do not attend the temple regularly?

Bob Answer III | 2:38 p.m. April 28, 2008

Even if North and West Phoenix have fewer total numbers of members than Queen Creek and Gilbert, we are far more in number than Safford and Thatcher. Sorry, I can't swallow the statement that Queen Creek and Gilbert are "special areas". I don't believe they are any more special than any other area. I believe the scriptures say that God is no respecter of persons. Ok...I guess the scriptures also call certain lands "chosen lands" or "choice lands", so perhaps some geographical areas are "special". To the gentleman who used to live in the Gila Valley area: Several years ago I flew or drove from a remote city (at least 8-10 hours away) to Phoenix once per month to go to the temple, so don't lecture me on faith or commitment.

Lee | 2:41 p.m. April 28, 2008

Rumour is...
The land in Gilbert has been donated. I am sure that the land in the Thatcher/Safford was acquired at very low cost also. Perhaps the secret to building a temple in the west valley is to donate the land...

Christine Taft | 2:42 p.m. April 28, 2008

The Book of Mormon was said to have been translated "by the gift and power of God" and is "the most perfect of any book on the face of the earth." However, it has been changed some 4,000 times in the last 170 years.

I make and end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu.
Adieu?How could a French word be translated from Reformed Egyptian hieroglyphics into English? And Why?

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