LDS Conference Center - Image via Wikipedia
The first two sessions of the 181st Semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints have just concluded, and they were wonderful as usual! Here’s a brief recap of today’s Temple Announcements, including President Monson’s dramatic entrance. 
Continue reading
Painting by Fra Angelico "Christ's Journey To Hell and Release of Old Testamentary Persons, beginning with Adam" - image via Wikimedia
Where was Jesus for the 30-35 hours between His death on Friday, and His Resurrection on Sunday? The answer unlocks the mystery of death and gives us a glimpse of God’s Great Plan of Happiness for all of His children. Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Quorum of the Seventy stated:
“…the significance of what He [The Savior] did during those hours provides the doctrinal foundation for building [Latter-day Saint] temples across the earth. Furthermore, a testimony of what He did can greatly console those who mourn the death of a loved one.” Continue reading
Utah County
Yesterday I stopped off at my salon to get a broken nail fixed. As usual, a small TV in the back of the room was on. It happened to be queuing up the 6:00 news. Suddenly, I was hearing Utah would be getting another Latter-day Saint [Mormon] Temple! This is our state’s 15th LDS temple, and the 3rd for Utah County.
Payson Temple Site
The new temple will be located in Payson City, Utah - a growing rural community with population 17,500 located approx. 20 miles south of Provo City (home to Brigham Young University, and the Missionary Training Center). Payson is about a 1 hour drive south of Salt Lake City. This will bring the total number of LDS temples worldwide, already in operation or in the planning and construction phases, to 152.
Pres. Young
It is reported that Brigham Young, 2nd president of the LDS church, prophesied that a temple would one day be built in Payson. President Young often stayed at the John B. Fairbanks house on Main Street on his way to St. George.
LDS Gen. Conference
Amidst my joy at this news, I have to say, I was truly surprised. Usually, new LDS temples are announced during a session of the semi-annual General Conference of the church. It’s a moment of anticipation. The prophet comes to the pulpit, he smiles and talks just a little slower to savor the moment, and we all lean in closer to hear the ‘big reveal’. However, Payson wasn’t on the list last October. Not that I’m complaining – I think it’s fabulous! Way to go, Payson! Way to go President Monson for not waiting until April!
From the official announcement we read:
Artists’ renderings, the size of the temple, groundbreaking dates and other information will be released as they become available.
In other words, there’s still some mystery and anticipation remaining! At the press conference, President Thomas S. Monson stated:
Mt. Timp Temple
”Temples answer those soul-searching questions of the purpose of life, of why we are here and where we are going. They are sanctuaries from the storms of life and bless the lives of members of the Church who worship within their sacred walls.”
Video: Why Mormons Build Temples
LDS Tongan Temple
On Thurs. Jan 7, 2010 [Wed Jan 6 in North America] a baby boy was born in the LDS (Mormon) Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple. The circumstances surrounding this unusual occurance were nothing short of miraculous. Mormon Soprano has received permission from all parties involved to share the story with you, as told by Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”), serving as an LDS Sister Missionary Nurse in Tonga:
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“I went to the [Tonga] Temple last night. I had taken my watch off at home (something the brethern have asked us to do), so I ended up leaving 20 minutes earlier than usual, and arrived early, [about 6:30 PM] planning to attend the 7:00 PM session. As I was entering, the brothers at the desk said they needed a nurse urgently, and asked me to go into the waiting room!
Tonga Temple
“What I did not know at the time of my arrival is that the phones and internet had gone down at the temple, and no one could call out. The Acting [Temple] President had tried to find me, but no one knew where I was, as I am now working as a proseletyzing missionary. He began to fervently pray for me to come to the 7:00 temple session, and had just completed his prayer when I walked in the door.
“When I entered [the temple waiting room], there was the mommy sitting in a wheelchair in all her white [clothing] and she had already delivered most of the baby. I was very concerned about the baby, and felt the tremendous urging of the spirit prompting me as to what to do. I give all the praise to the Lord! I had to scoop him out of her [undergarments] and turn him over to get him to breathe, and then came that famous cry! They do not have twist ties in Tonga, so I asked for scissors, and elastic bands. I cut the cord and put the elastic bands on. All this time, Sister Clayton [a temple worker] was helping me, as she has had 8 children and many grandchildren! We lifted the mother out of the wheelchair and onto the floor where I delivered the placenta (afterbirth). It took a few pushes and I needed to help it along, but finally it came. In Tonga, the family takes the afterbirth and ceremonially buries it, so it was important to have it preserved.
proud parents with Sister Teni holding the baby
“The mother of the baby’s name is Ati. She is a teacher here in Liahona, and had just returned from BYU Hawaii where she had been taking a course. Her due date was set as February 14th, and she had seen her doctor the night before she came to the temple [with everything appearing on schedule]. She and her husband decided to attend a session at the temple together, where she went into labor without warning. Her husband was by her side the whole time of the delivery.
“I could hardly believe it, but the birth only took 20 minutes for all of this to happen from beginning to end! At this point, the ambulance arrived and took mother & baby to the hospital, and all was well! In the meantime, I noticed that I never got one drop of blood, or anything on me! I was able to wash up, get ready for the session, and attend just as planned!
Sister Teni, Mommy Ati & Baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale and Sister Clayton
“The next morning [Sister Clayton] and I went to the Hospital to see the baby. Mom and Dad were waiting for us. They [gave us a great honor] and asked us to name their baby. His name will be “Teni Keleitoni Temipale“, which is the Tongan translation for our names, [ten Hoopen & Clayton] plus the Temple.
“I joined the church 11 years ago in New York City, which has changed my life forever. This was another incredible blessing, to be of some small service in the Kingdom.
I have a testimony that the Atonement can heal all ills of this society, and the world! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With Love, Sister Teni (ten Hoopen)”
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Sister Teni’s life is also a miraculous story. She was born and raised in Canada, and moved to New York City in 1980. She joined the LDS Church in 1998, and three months after her baptism, travelled by train with her two boys to live in Utah. A little over a year ago, she chose to serve at her own expense as a single Senior Missionary. She was originally called to the Samoa mission, but one week before arriving at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah her assignment was changed to be the Missionary Nurse in Tonga. After arriving in Tonga, her mission President sent her to serve in Niua – more famously known as “The Other Side of Heaven“, and became the first white (palangi) single Sister Missionary to serve there. Delivering a baby at the Temple is just one of the many miraculous and unique experiences of her missionary service. She is beloved by the Tongan people:
[Sister Teni] is truly a remarkable and wonderful example of Heavenly Father’s answer to many prayers. The lives she’s touched, the miracle of her being here in Tonga, that’s another story all together! She has escaped near death, survived a typhoon [the Tsunami that hit Niua in September] nursed the survivors, healed and witnessed a true miracle, baptized families, delivered a baby in a Temple, and saved one person I know very well–literally saved their life. She is an answer to prayers, my very own Angel, and quite a few others feel that way, too!
- Sister Kathleen Peaua, a Latter-day Saint living in Tonga
We thank Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”) for her selfless service, and for sharing her story and testimony with us. We also welcome baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale to the world, and extend best wishes to his family!
January 4th is “National Trivia Day” in the USA. [You're welcome to play along no matter where you live]. It seems only appropriate I should share some interesting Mormon Trivia. So, here’s everything you need to know, and more, about:
Joseph Smith and The Angel Moroni
A large majority of Latter-day Saint (“Mormon”) Temples across the world have a gold-leaf statue perched on the top spire. The statue depicts a man in flowing robes blowing a trumpet. This recognizable Mormon symbol represents a heavenly messenger [angel] named Moroni, who appeared to the first Latter-day prophet Joseph Smith , visiting on several occasions. Moroni showed Joseph where the records of an ancient American civilization were buried, which were translated into the Book of Mormon. [extra trivia tidbit: the prophet Mormon which the book is named after and where Latter-day Saints get their nickname, was Moroni's father]
1840's Nauvoo "Flying Angel"
AN EARLY ANGEL:
The first angel placed on an LDS temple was the original Nauvoo Illinois Temple built in the 1840′s and destroyed by fire in 1848. The angel fulfilled a tri-functional purpose as religious symbol, weather vane, and lightning rod. This statue did not officially represent an angel Moroni. It was depicting a ”Flying Angel”, as inspired by Revelation 14:6,
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”
THE FIRST OFFICIAL ANGEL MORONI STATUE:
The Salt Lake Temple, dedicated in 1893, was the next LDS temple topped with an angel, and, the first to be formally identified as representing the angel Moroni. This statue was designed by an American Presbyterian sculptor living in Salt Lake City named Cyrus Dallin.
Cyrus E. Dallin, 1880
Cyrus Edwin Dallin was born in Springville, Utah, on 22 November 1861. His ancestors converted to the LDS Church in England and immigrated to Utah in 1851. Once there, however, Dallin’s parents joined the Presbyterian Church. As a child he loved sketching and modeling with clay. Eventually he studied art in Boston.
When LDS President Wilford Woodruff asked Dallin to create the statue, he declined, saying he “did not believe in angels.” President Woodruff was not deterred. He encouraged Cyrus to consult with his mother, a former Latter-day Saint.
The sculptor’s mother felt strongly that her son should accept the commission. When Cyrus repeated he did not believe in angels, his mother asked: “Why do you say that? You call me your ‘angel mother.’ ” She encouraged him to study LDS scriptures for inspiration, which he did.
SLC Angel Moroni Replica
Dallin’s design was a dignified, neoclassical angel in robe and cap, standing upright with a trumpet in hand. The original 40-inch plaster model was completed by 4 October 1891 and exhibited at the Salt Lake Fair. A full-size model was sent to Salem, Ohio, where the statue was hammered out of copper and covered with 22-karat gold leaf.
The 12-foot-5-inch statue stands on a stone ball on the 210-foot central spire on the east side of the temple.
Dallin’s reaction to his experience is enlightening:
“I consider that my ‘angel Moroni’ brought me nearer to God than anything I ever did. It seemed to me that I came to know what it means to commune with angels from heaven.”
(Levi Edgar Young, “The Angel Moroni and Cyrus Dallin,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1953, 234 as quoted)
OTHER SCULPTORS & ANGELS:
Today, nearly every Latter-day Saint temple includes an Angel Moroni statue. Since Cyrus Dallin, other significant sculptors have been involved in designing the statues:
LA Moroni - click to enlarge
1. Millard F. Malin created the 2nd Angel Moroni Statue, placed on the Los Angeles California Temple in 1953 (dedicated 1956) . His angel was cast in aluminum, and stands 4.7 meters high and weighs 953 kilograms. It has Native American features, wears a Mayan style cloak and holds the gold plates in his left hand. You can read a fascinating trivia article about this statue at Keepapitchin entitled “Angel Moroni’s Secret“.
2. Avard Fairbanks sculpted the third Angel Moroni statue which was placed on the Washington D.C. Temple, dedicated in 1974.
DC Moroni -click to enlarge
This angel was created as a one-meter model which was sent to Italy where it was enlarged, cast in bronze, and gilded. The finished statue is 5.5 meters high and weighs over 4,000 pounds (1814 kg). The Seattle Washington, Jordan River Utah, and Mexico City Mexico Temples each have a 4.6 meter casting of this statue.
Hill Comorah Monument
3. Torlief Knaphus is most famous for creating the Hill Cumorah Monument - [another Moroni statue] which stands atop the historic LDS site believed to be the location where Joseph Smith received the ancient Book of Mormon records [golden plates] from the angel Moroni. [Bonus trivia: This angel statue was the first designed holding the plates in it's left arm. Today, 5 Temples have an Angel Moroni statue depicted holding the gold plates in its left arm - Los Angeles California, Washington DC, Seattle Washington, Jordan River Utah and Mexico City] Located near Palmyra New York, just southeast of Rochester, this is also the site of the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant. Torlief created a second Moroni statue design which was eventually used for the Idaho Falls, Atlanta Georgia, and Boston Massachusetts Temples.
4. Karl Quilter studied under Avard Fairbanks, and sculpted his first Angel Moroni in 1978. Two sizes were made, one 3 meters high, the other just over 2 meters.
Quilter
These statues were designed to reduce the cost and weight of the previous Angel Moroni statues, in order to become a standard part of the temple architecture. These angels are made of fiberglass and covered with gold leaf. In 1998 with the construction of many new smaller temples, Quilter was commissioned to create a new angel. This angel was similar in design to his previous angels, but he gave Moroni a slightly more massive build, his left hand is opened, and his body is turned slightly showing more action. The photo attached is a 1998 design found on the Bern Switzerland Temple 2005 replacement Moroni. Quilter’s Angel Moroni design is found on well over one hundred (100) temples around the world. (J. Michael Hunter, “‘I Saw Another Angel Fly’,” Liahona, Aug. 2000, p. 12.)
FACING EAST or WEST?
The Angel Moroni statues are traditionally turned to face East, to herald the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. However, a handful of angel Moroni statues face West due to the orientation of the lots and the placement of the spires (or towers). These are the Seattle Washington Temple, Spokane Washington Temple, rebuilt Nauvoo Illinois Temple, and Taipei Taiwan Temple.
THE WHITE ANGEL EXPERIMENT
Photo shared by Jeff & Penny Richards
The Monticello Utah Temple is the only temple to have had a white angel Moroni. President Gordon B. Hinckley had envisioned all of the “smaller temples” to have a white enamel angel, however the Monticello experiment proved the white statue was too difficult to see, especially in cloudy weather. It was replaced about a year later by a larger, traditional gold-leafed statue, which remained the standard from then on.
TEMPLES WITHOUT AN ANGEL
Laie Hawaii Temple
For various reasons, eight (8) current temples do not have an angel Moroni. They are the St. George Utah, Logan Utah, Manti Utah, Laie Hawaii, Cardston Alberta, Mesa Arizona, Hamilton New Zealand, and Oakland California Temples.
ANGELS WITHOUT A TEMPLE
One of the most beloved and popular Angel Moroni’s during the early 20th century did not top a temple – but rather, it crowned the Washington D.C. Chapel.
DC Chapel, circa 1933
This Mormon congregation had the distinction of having the only chapel adorned by a golden angel Moroni (an exact replica of Cyrus Dallin’s Salt Lake City Temple Moroni). The stone used to construct the exquisite chapel was taken from a granite quarry in Utah and transported to the nation’s capital. Dedicated on Nov. 5, 1933, this beautiful and unique building served the church for over 4 decades, until it was sold in 1975 to the Unification Church. The unique Chapel Angel was removed at that time, and is now displayed inside the Museum of Church History in Salt Lake City.
[Extra Trivia: My father attended church in the Washington DC Ward Chapel during the late 1960s and early 70s. During that time, Dad served as a Ward Missionary Leader and credits many baptisms to their Angel Moroni. He recalls that visitors would be drawn to the beautiful building with the beautiful statue on a daily basis. They would come inside, and request to learn more about the church.]
ANGEL MORONI and LIGHTNING
The angel atop the newly constructed Oquirrh Mountain Temple was struck and blackened by lightning on June 13, 2009.
Angel Moroni damaged by Lightening 6-13-09
Many people enjoyed poking jabs at this incident, and/or trying to devise some sort of “sign from God” theory. However, the plain and simple fact is that being the highest point on a very tall building, all Angel Moroni statues are frequently hit by lightning. They each include a lightening rod to protect the building, which emerges from the top of the statues head, and they also include special varnish to protect against extreme weather.
It appears that this particular angel suffered from a fluke strike which bounced and caused scorching:
“The original Angel Moroni statue suffered damage when the June 13, 2009 bolt hit the lightning rod on its head and arced beyond that point.” – Deseret News Mormon Times
The poor damaged Moroni was replaced successfully. The new one included an extra lightening rod, for extra protection.
ANGEL MORONI and EARTHQUAKES:
The trumpets of the angel Moroni statues have been launched right out of Moroni’s grasp during earthquakes near the Santiago Chile Temple, Tokyo Japan Temple, and Apia Samoa Temple [see these Temple facts]
HOW MANY ANGEL MORONI STATUES?:
As of this publication date there are 130 Operating Temples, 8 Under Construction and 13 Announced – (click this link for monthly update). As stated above, 8 temples do not have an angel Moroni statue. That adds up to a lot of angel Moroni statues!
PLACING AN ANGEL:
The event of an angel Moroni being placed upon the top of a new temple is always a very exciting celebration.
VIDEO: The Helsinki Finland Temple Thursday, October 13, 2005.
Each Angel Moroni is a special symbol to the Latter-day Saints. They are a reminder of the miraculous and holy circumstances which surround founding events of the church, and a declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being available and declared to all nations of the earth.
I always welcome your comments! ”Don’t be mean, & keep it clean“! – MoSop
**Article updated on Jan 31, 2012 – Thank you everyone for your amazing and helpful comments, and info sharing! I have added additional photos and links to improve this popular post**
This video gives a simplified introduction to Mormon Temples. Learn the history, purpose and what takes place inside - all in just 3 minutes!
Find out more about Mormon temple worship at LDS.org/Temples
Read fun facts and see beautiful photos of Mormon temples around the world at LDSChurchTemples.com
Watch an indepth documentary about Mormon Temples
Learn more about Mormon belief at http://mormon.org/
This past weekend I was archiving files on my computer, and I discovered some photos I took in July 2008. One image in particular has captured my attention. If a “picture is worth a thousand words” then this one certainly tells a beautiful story. It symbolizes all that I am personally thankful for – evoking words such as:
God. Family. Home. Country. Freedom. Worship. Life, and Eternity.
I remember that walk. It was a beautiful late summer afternoon. I lingered, and eventually the light began to fade. As I walked past the cemetary, I happened to turn and look back toward the LDS Temple nestled on the hill. At that moment, I saw the rays of the setting sun shimmering through the American flag, and the temple prominently settled in the background. I snapped a photo. At some point I downloaded the image to my computer, and then forgot about it. Until today.
This photo makes my heart swell with gratitude. I am grateful to our forefathers who sacrificed everything, including their very lives to build a country where men and women would be free to worship according the dictates of their own conscience. Through their courage & determination, and with divine assistance, they made that dream a reality. Likewise, I am grateful for my Mormon ancestors who sacrificed everything, including their very lives, to build a haven in the West. They desired a place where they could worship according the the dictates of their conscience, and raise their children free from persecution, terror, mob violence and fear. Through their courage & determination, and with divine assistance, they made that dream a reality.
If those pioneers and forefathers could have seen into the future, to our day, what would they have thought? Certainly, they could be amazed at how our nation has grown, and at our advances in medicine and technology. They could marvel at all of our modern conveniences, our tall buildings and rapid transportation. However, perhaps they might see something less impressive, and disconcerting. They would see that beyond all of our surface comfort and wealth, there lies a collective soul in bankruptcy.
Where is our courage and determination? How are we safegarding the religious freedoms they fought so hard to establish and preserve? What personal sacrifices are we making on behalf of our future generations? What legacy are we striving to leave?
In general, as 21st Century beings, we have become so distracted by our “pursuit of happiness”, we seem to be forgetting the things that matter most.
Bishop Burton
The current conventional wisdom is that more is better and less is usually undesirable. For some, the pursuit to acquire more of this world’s goods and services has become a passion. For others, more of this world’s wealth is necessary just to sustain life or raise living standards to a minimum level. The unbridled desire for more often has tragic consequences…
It is hard to say no to more, when you can afford to say yes. Parents are rightfully anxious about the future. It is difficult to say no to more sports equipment, electronics, lessons, clothes, team participation, et cetera, when parents believe more will help children thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Young people seem to want more, partly because there is infinitely more to catch their eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimated that American children see more than 40,000 commercials a year. – Bishop H. David Burton, – “More Holiness Give Me” Oct. 2004
One of my favorite hymns was penned by the revered Evangelist composer Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876), entitled “More Holiness Give Me“. It is found in many congregational hymnbooks – including the Latter-day Saints. The song is written as a plea to heaven for a list of virtues.
P.P. Bliss
The virtues expressed in “More Holiness Give Me” fall into several groups. Some are personal goals, like more faith, gratitude, and purity…Others center on adversity, [such as] patience in suffering, and strength to overcome…The rest firmly anchor us to our Savior…more blessed and holy; and more, Savior, like Thee. More of these virtues is better. Less is not desirable.
As I gaze at my photo, I can hear this hymn clearly in my mind. There is a certain line that particularly stands out…”More Freedom From Earth-Stains“… I offer a prayer in my heart for my family, my country and its citizens whom I love so much, and for the entire world to receive More Freedom. Oh, how I pray we will seek more of holiness, and we will turn to the One who can cleanse, heal and protect us in this time of great need. The truth is undeniable:
More Holiness offers More Freedom.
An Arrangement of Phillip Paul Bliss’ hymn by Michelle Willis. Performed by the BYU-Idaho Womens Choir, directed by Kathryn Ricks Willis.
David A. Bednar
During the April 2009 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, apostle Elder David A. Bednar gave a talk entiteld: “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing“. Elder Bednar discussed the blessings of temple worship, and the challenges and opposition which often accompany this sacred form of worship. This video beautifully illustrates some of the highlights:
During the Saturday morning session of this month’s General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS apostle Elder Richard G. Scott addressed the subject of Temple Worship. This talk has had a significant impact upon our family. When we heard the following words, the message sank deep into our souls, and spurred us to action:
Elder Scott
“Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.”
Our family falls under the category of “living in the shadow of the temple”. Literally. A glorious LDS temple is within a 20 minute walk from our home, or a 5 minute car ride. Thus, Elder Scott’s words took on a personal meaning, and bore deep into our hearts. First, we felt the great need to Continue reading
There are many names and titles for Jesus Christ. One of them is ”The Light“. He is referred to multiple times in the scriptures as “The Light of the world“, ”The Light of Men” and “The True Light“.
In addition to Jesus being the light, those who choose to follow him are promised to receive a portion of his light individually and collectively, and thus also become a light to the world.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Although we cannot see Jesus physically right now, we can feel the warmth and power of his presence within us. 
Described as light, the power of Christ encompasses feelings and emotions which Continue reading
This video explains more about Mormon Temples, using excerpts of a talk given by apostle Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, candid comments from members of the church, and beautiful photography of both the inside and outside of temples around the world.
Mormon Temple worship and the ceremonies which take place inside are often a subject of curiosity and scrutiny. Because the worship which takes place in LDS temples is closed to the public, there is the potential for suspicion, rumor, misunderstanding, or inaccurate information. This is unfortunate. My website is designed to enlighten readers, to answer questions, and to build bridges of understanding.
Latter-day Saints wish the world to understand that our temple worship is not deemed so much as ”secret”, but rather “sacred”. In other words, it is something so special to us we keep it private and personal. In the temple, Continue reading
