On Sunday, March 20th, the Provo City Temple was dedicated. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were able to participate by satellite as they gathered in various local churches throughout Utah. We were among that throng here in Magna, Utah.
Several years ago the Provo Tabernacle was destroyed by fire. All that remained was the brick walls that were built with great sacrifice, over 100 years ago by the pioneers. The tragedy was felt deeply by the local saints. Now, fast-forward to today and see the transformation of those walls into a beautiful temple. Those who watched the progress witnessed a marvel in engineering. The outside walls were reinforced from inside. The whole building was placed on stilts as the earth beneath was removed. The entire inside was renewed.
Speakers at the dedication spoke of the Parable of the Provo City Temple. Just as the building itself was renewed, transformed, so we can also be changed, renewed, transformed as we attend temples that are built to open the gates for Heavenly Father’s children to return to Him. It is there that we gain knowledge, increase in wisdom, and receive saving ordinances. This glorious blessing is available to all God’s children.
I found this poem, originally written for our grandchildren, expressing our joy in temple service:
The highest place of learning, of service, and of love,
Is found within our Father’s House. Temples teach us from above.
Like when we climb a mountain, and see earth from on high.
Minds are touched with the splendor of earth, sea and sky.
When we go unto God’s temples, we serve beyond ourselves,
For our ancestors; their joy and eternal wealth.
We seal them as families for all eternity,
Giving all loving souls equal opportunity.
We hear the sacred covenants and we become renewed,
As sacred, holy ordinances are performed and reviewed.
We bask within the spirit that rules time and space,
And find our true connection within this holy place.
We want you to know how much we care for you.
Temples are the highest place to learn what’s pure and true.
Children, please prepare yourselves in worthiness and love,
To serve in sacred temples of our Father up above.
p.s. Temples are earth’s highest universities of our Lord’s eternal love.
Salt Lake City Temple
