Deseret News | Rome LDS temple, four others announced

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Rome LDS temple, four others announced

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KRB | 1:37 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Wow! I served in Italy 20 plus years ago. What a dream come true to see a temple go up there in Roma. The Italians are such wonderful people and are deserving of all the blessings a temple will bring. I couldn't be happier for them. Tante Auguri.

Douglas C. | 1:39 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I don't think that the time is right for a temple in Independence, MO; perhaps the Temple will go in another section in the Greater Kansas City area; there are two Kansas Cities. one in Mo. and the other in the State of Kansas.

Cornelius | 1:42 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Lets not forget that the church owns extensive acreage at Adam-ondi-Ahman. A place where Joseph Smith also dedicated a temple site in October 1838.

Comments continue below

MoJules | 1:50 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Due to health lately, we have not been able to attend the temple. We are in the St. Louis area and our home teachers are ordinance workers. They said that a lot of people have had to quit as ordinance workers because of the high cost of gas. When I worked at the temple, I remember many from the Kansas City area and most of all, the groups of polynesian youth. They came in droves and were very reverent, Kansas City has earned this temple and this last week, my husband and I decided we needed to work towards being ordinance workers the first of February.

I do not believe that this Kansas City area temple will be the one that we are eager to see, but I do believe that it will be a way to prepare for that temple. Good heavens, how many temples are in the SLC area? I use to attend church where there were two buildings on one lot, I do not doubt that the church will one day find a need for a 2nd temple in that area nearby.

I do know that I need to improve on my part, all temples are important.

David | 1:54 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I'm surprised Far West hasn't been mentioned yet; we already have cornerstones there... maybe it's too far away to be practical for the KC Saints, but I'm under the impression that it will be built eventually. Maybe now's the time.

Cuoco Da Wyo | 1:55 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

My, how far the church has progressed in Italy! What a great day for the saints there and in the regional countries that will be able to take advantage of it!

Kansas Transplant | 1:57 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I live in the Kansas City area and am thrilled by this mornings announcement. If I had to bet I think that the temple might be built in Overland Park, Olathe, or Lenexa. Those are the nicer quote-on-quote upscale areas within the KC area for those of you not familiar. There is a new stake center going up near the K10-K7 interchange and so maybe it will be built there but who knows? That is just a guess. Hallelujah that we don't have to drive to St. Louis or Omaha any longer to attend the temple. That is a very exciting thing.

SpySmiley | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

You're 2008 years too late. Christ's only true church, the one founded by His command to St. Peter, was established by Christ himself:

"And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
-Matthew 16:18

Kansas city member | 2:15 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Adam-ondi-Ahman is way to far to be considered the Greater Kansas City Area. And Nauvoo is more than sufficient right now for that area.

the more that I think of it, the more I lean towards the Olathe, Overland park area in Kansas. There is a great number of members in that area, and it helps many of the Kansas residents that have to travel very long distances for a temple.

Dave Welch--Omaha | 2:21 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I appreciated Pres. Acerson's phone interview comments as quoted in the article. All of us that served in the Italy Padova Mission (including Pres. Acerson) '76-'78 will remember the mission vision art map that travelled the mission. It hopefully-- maybe even selfishly--depicted a temple in Florence.

Those behind the LDS missionary effort decades ago in Central and South America marvelled that it seemed to be taking as long as it did for things to get moving. Similarly, I have been amazed that the italian missionary effort and fruit like a temple have taken as long as they have (three decades) to develop to this point.

Kansas Transplant | 2:21 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

This is so exciting that a temple is being built in the Kansas City area. We relocated here from the Denver area about 6 years ago and realize the sacrifice it takes to visit the house of the lord. Now we can't use distance as an excuse any longer. This is a very exciting time. As for location, my money would go on Olathe or Overland Park. Those are the quote on quote "well to do" areas in the greater KC metro area.

kathyn | 2:42 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I'm old enough to remember when I knew the locations of every single temple. Now I can't keep up. It is just a thrill that so many temples are being built all over the world. Truly no unhallowed hand can stop the work of the Lord. We are so blessed in these latter days.

Re: MoJules | 2:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I agree that this temple won't be the Far West/Adam-Ondi-Ahman temple that everyone is looking forward to, but I have no doubt that this will be an incredible blessing to those in the area. Temples are supposed to dot the land, and I've always been taught that in due time, there will be several temples in that area of the country. We're on our way!

And for you, I truly hope that you and your husband will be able to serve as ordinance workers. Good luck!

Daughter in Utah | 2:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

We must all remember that all of this speculation as to where in "the greater KC area" is just that - speculation. The temple will go where the Lord wants it to go - not us. We are living in a truly special time when prophesies are coming true! Temples are truly being built everywhere. As a convert from the Catholic faith, I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams that there would ever be Temple in Rome! Now, there will be another religion that will be making "pilgrimages" to Rome! I'm hoping that eventually they will announce a Temple in Tucson AZ! What a great day!

old Nick | 2:49 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I think the church should move their headquarters to Rome!

kb | 2:58 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I guess that it might be a little outside of the "greater Kansas City area", but I think that a temple at Farr West would be awesome.

Q | 3:05 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

When I was a pup, I remember we had a Granite Furniture calendar each year that had temples on it--at the time there were only 15 temples--almost one for each month. Within my lifetime it seems like we might see so many temples that they could make a calendar with a temple a day on it! These temples announced today will bring the total to 145...that's amazing.

I gasped and got chills at the announcement of the Rome Temple too--I remember being on my mission in Frankfurt, and companions and I looking at a map of Europe and guessing which countries would get temples next. We kept dismissing Italy with "it'll never happen"...it looks like "never" has finally come.

I'm very excited for all five of the temples announced today--it makes me realize that I need to take advantage of my proximity to so many temples a bit more frequently.

Anonymous | 3:06 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I can't stop thinking about the Italy Rome Temple! As a past missionary who lived and served in Rome, I am so greatful and excited by this news. The members and missionaries have worked so hard for this to happen. What a miracle and what an answer to prayers. I can't wait for the dedication!!!

L | 3:07 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I got the idea that the giggles were about Rome. Could you imagine the Catholic church announcing they would build a second Vatican in Salt Lake City?

That's what I thought that was all about.

All Knowing | 3:12 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

We are all waiting for the first temple to be announced in North Korea!? Any predictions....?

KC,MO saint | 3:18 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The KC temple is very exciting to the KC saints. We are by far the biggest metro that has to travel over an hour to a temple, and we have to travel nearly 3 hours to Winter Quarters (small temple), 4 hours to St. Louis. This temple will surely help the growth of the church in KC/Lawrence/Topeka. I honestly felt like a temple here was long overdue. Philadelphia and Rome, very exciting as well. Philly will benefit greatly from that temple.

Obviously, the long-awaited Far West and Independence temples are still in the distant future, but a KC temple certainly helps in preparation...

RE: old Nick | 3:27 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Yeah, and the Catholics should move their headquarters to...Orem, Utah.

Indiana | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I too am a convert from Catholicism.... I did think someday we would see the building of a Temple in that area because of the prophecies that state that Temples will dot the land... That prophecy is definitely coming to pass. I pray our Roman brothers and sisters both within and without the church will welcome such a great event and that those without will come to a great knowledge of the marvelous miracle of the restoration...

Blessings and deep gratitude to belong to the restored Church of Jesus Christ. He is himself the rock and builds His Church upon the rock that is revelation....

PhillySoccerFan | 3:50 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Does anyone know where the Church might own land in the Philly area?

Mark Anderson | 4:05 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I am so excited for the Saints in Italy. They've worked very hard for this!

Italy Milan 1990-1992

Asaph | 4:10 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I predict Far West - 50 miles from KC. Already a monument there and, like Nauvoo, a great idea! I hope it happens, as I am moved tremendously by the possiblity..

Claycomo | 4:15 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Maybe they will put the temple in the Power & Light District, or even along the river next to Harrah's

L'Italia nel cuore | 4:16 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Although I live in the States the news of a temple on my homeland just made my day. We have been waiting for a temple in Rome for so many years! The church bought a big piece of land in Rome a few years ago and all the Saints in Italy were anxious to hear this announcement. A temple in Italy requires at least 5 stakes nationwide and now there are 6. It will definitely help the saints from the islands to go more often and to pay more reasonable prices. It will also be closer to people in eastern europe and north Africa.
Forza Santi in Italia!

Bush To the Last Breath | 4:18 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Where is Calgary and why does Canada get another tmeple when they did not support the inspired war in Iraq? Are there any Republicans up there?

Rose Holladay | 4:27 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

When will they open a temple in Lehi?

Re: Rome??? | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The Rome temple won't be just for the Italian members of the church, there are many countries in the area that have to travel as far away as Switzerland or Estonia in order to visit the temple. This will be a great blessing to many members in Western Europe.

Good work. | 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I am pleased that the members are ignoring the trolls. Good job. This is a time to rejoice. I think the gasp was a little more for Rome because of the cute look the prophet got on his face and the change of tone. He was expecting a reaction and it actually took a couple of seconds to hear the gasp. I think we were all stunned.

Ringraziamo Dio per il Profeta | 4:35 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I am experiencing problems posting my comments so I apologize for any repetition. The news of the temple in Rome was only a matter of time. As an Italian LDS who now lives in the US I cannot even start to tell how happy I am today thinking of all the saints in southern Italy (where I come from) who have to face long and expensive bus trips to get to Bern. There are not many members in Italy but there are wonderful people that take the church very seriously. When I got married I had to travel to Frankfurt, Germany in order to be sealed to my husband. A minimum of 5 stakes was required and now there are 6 stakes in Italy. The church bought a big piece of land in Rome a few years ago so we were all waiting for this announcement. In a country where opposition to the church is still alive and strong this is indeed a great and happy day.

Forza Santi in Italia!

Mark Oakey | 4:42 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

What a great thing for the people of Italy. I heard from my former mission president,(Conforte) that out of all of the temple sessions done in Bern, 75-80% are done by the Italian members.
Catania 87-89

OC Surfer | 4:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

To Rome???, btw Vernal already has a temple

I agree that the Kansas City will be built on the Kansas side in Overland Park or Lenexa area.

For the temple in Rome, it'll be cool if the Pope actually toured the temple during their open house.

I'm sure the Rome Temple will serve more areas than just Italy and serve as a catalyst for accelerated future growth. The Church is planning long term benefits on this one.

Italy Rome Missionary | 4:47 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

What an incredible blessing for the Saints in Rome! I am going out to the streets for my dancing now!

(And Vernal's had a temple for years...)

To Rome??? 4:02 | 4:47 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

It will serve more than just Italy...

Re: Huh? | 4:48 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The church membership is growing every year. It may not be by huge leaps and bounds, but it's steady. We get another one million members roughly every three years. It's the 4th-largest religion in the United States, and it has a 9.6% US growth rate (with a 10% international growth rate). A simple google search will show that.

It's true that some members are leaving the church, but the amount of people coming in is more than the amount of people drifting away. The church is building new chapels and temples because the buildings we currently have are not enough in number to sustain the membership growth.

Heath | 4:55 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

It is all about appearance and wanted to be one of the big players. Unfortunatley this is a waste of money and resource. There are many many more deserving areas. I would say this should be rethought. It is almost embarrassing and will haunt us.

Anonymous | 4:59 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Thank you Moessers, I almost forgot. You remind me to put my trust in man, not God. Wink wink!

Dan Forward | 5:01 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Vernal, Utah, with a population of 8,400 has had a temple for eleven years now.

We should not think that the temple in Rome is only to serve those members who live in Rome. If you consider the surrounding countries who have to travel great distances now, it is quite appropriate.

Anonymous | 5:04 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I don't know about you guys, but I felt the Spirit so very strong and never like this before, when these Temples were being announced. The Lord does indeed love HIs children!

Anonymous | 5:07 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

It won't be independence because there is plenty of instruction given by the prophets that this temple will be built by the Lamanites posterity. Plus plenty more destruction has to happen before this temple will be built according to vision by pres woodruff. Now Far west has already been dedicated by Joseph Smith on APril 26 193x. Adam ondi ahman also was to be a temple site as well. These are my two guesses but it could be over by Olathe as well, But I am sure it will not be Independence.

Utah Iggle Fan | 5:20 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Hurrah for Philly!

Cordoba Temple | 5:33 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

As a former missionary to Mendoza Argentina, I felt a wave of gratitude sweep over me and I wept as I heard of the temple announcement for those blessed people in that area.

I was in the Conference Center and my impression was that the gasp was for the Rome announcement but I was still reeling about Argentina. I had to look up the other three because all I could think of were those two.

North Korea? | 5:41 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Regarding the comment about when a temple would be announced for North Korea, I think we all recall President Monson's admonition for all of us to petition the Lord to remove the obstacles that are presently preventing the Gospel from being preached in all the world. Lets follow the Prophet and do what he has asked us to do.

ChrisD | 5:45 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

Coordinates of most likely site:
41ï¿½58'14.02"N
12ï¿½32'42.09"E

Listed as Ente patrimoniale chiesa gesu cristo s.u.g., V. SETTEBAGNI 376 , 00138 Roma (RM).

Pretty little villa situated on a slight hill above the freeway. If they put the temple there, it will be very visible to the traffic, sorta like in San Diego or Washington DC

Brighamite | 5:48 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The church would have to be growing. If the church were not growing or were actually shrinking, there would not be so many new temples being built at an exponential rate. The church is a very financially responsible organization. It takes a lot of money to build new temples. If the church were not growing or were shrinking, there would not be enough money to build new temples because there would not be enough money coming in from tithing to pay for them. The church would eventually go bankrupt if it kept up that practice for very long. This is just wishful thinking on the part of the nay sayers. The church is growing exponentially and temples have to be built exponentially to accomodate the work.

Correct me if I'm wrong.... | 5:49 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

The church does not own the temple lot in Jackson county.

Does someone know something I don't?

Anonymous | 6:00 p.m. Oct. 4, 2008

I for one don't want to speculate what "greater Kansas city area" means. I'm just glad temples are beginning to dot the land. I heard a few years ago that most members now live within 4 hours of a temple. I'm sure that number is increasing as more temples are built. I remember hearing stories as a child, of members who would sacrifice just about everything they owned and travel at great difficulty just to attend the temple once in their lifetime to receive those ordinances. What a blessing it is nowadays to travel in ease and comfort to receive these blessings.

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Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

Five new temples were announced in the opening session Saturday of the 178th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gallery (2 photos)