President Monson Announces Two New Temples in Arizona
SALT LAKE CITY 28 April 2008 Plans to build two new temples in Gila Valley and Gilbert, Arizona, were announced today by Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will bring the total number of temples to 139 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases.
“It is my personal priority to make sure members of the Church have access to the blessings of the temple,” said President Monson. “It is here where members learn of their divine origin and destiny, where they are strengthened spiritually as individuals and as families. Temples are sanctuaries from the storms of life.”
To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are the house of the Lord, the most sacred place on earth. Temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God's plan of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints' commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal spiritual growth and increases devotion to family.
There are currently two temples in Arizona: one in Mesa and another in Snowflake.
Latter-day Saint temples differ from the tens of thousands of local meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members’ relationships with God and their fellow man. They are closed to the public after they are dedicated.
My comments:
The church is growing by leaps and bounds here. When I first moved to Chandler, AZ six years ago, I was the Elders Quorum Secretary for Jim Anderson. Neither Jim nor I have moved in that six year period. We are now in different stakes. My ward has been split, or had the boundaries changed at least three times in the last six years. It's great to see new temples being built here. I've heard unsubstantiated rumors of where the Gilbert temple might be built. If the rumors are true, it will be about five minutes from my home. I am grateful for temples and the ordinances that are performed inside them that link generations and help the Lord to accomplish His work and glory.
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6 comments:
My sister told me the temple is going to be built on a ten-acre plot on the southeast corner of Pecos and Greenfield--due south of the Eagle's Aerie School where we met!
Hi Marsha,
That is the same rumor I have heard. I live right off of Pecos a few miles west of Greenfield.
My daughter lives in Mesa and from what I remember (I'm directionally challenged), isn't Mesa and Gilbert pretty close to each other? I am in Utah and have to travel 2 hours to Manti. Boy, do I envy (rightous envy) you.
Mesa and Gilbert are pretty close to each other. It takes me about 15 minutes to get to the Mesa Temple, and if the new temple gets built where it is rumored it will, that will decrease my commute from 15 minutes to 5. There has just been tremendous home growth, and with it, church growth in this area. The Mesa temple is always crowded.
There doesn't seem to be a place where I can post general questions about temples and other things. Maybe you could set up a section for people like me with questions. :-)
I'm wondering why the temple is secret? Doesn't Jesus love all and welcome all? I find it very hard to imagine Jesus standing at the temple, asking for a card to get in, and having secret rituals. So, why should people do the same?
Also, I saw a picture of a temple with an upside down star on the top of the arch. Does this have any significance?
I heard that people must marry in the temple, so you then become gods after you die. SOmething about your own planet? Did I hear correctly? How does this work with Isaiah 44:8 where there is no God besides Him?
Thanks for your help in clarifying! :-)
-Your favorite Anonymous person :-)
Hey Anonymous,
It's been a while, welcome back. Most members of the church wouldn't describe what happens in a temple as being secret, but rather sacred.
Whereas God does love all of His children, there are blessings reserved for those that follow His commandments. In the New Testament, in Matthew 17 we read of an experience that only Peter, James, and John were invited to. It was a very sacred experience, and it wasn't to be shared with everyone. So we can clearly see that Jesus does reserve certain experiences for certain people.
Heavenly Father wants all of His children to receive the blessings of the temple. They are available to everyone. If you want to go through the temple the first step you need to take is to find the missionaries that live close to you, give them a call and listen to the message of the Savior that they have to share. If you listen with a sincere heart, open mind, and pray about what you are being told, Heavenly Father will let you know that they are teaching His doctrine. As you follow this path into the waters of baptism and remain a member in good standing you can eventually go into the temple for yourself. I hope to see you there someday.
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