Temple Update

Groundbreakings

President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, made a surprise visit to the Palmyra New York Temple groundbreaking. “This is where the First Vision occurred, and I think it appropriate that we build a house of the Lord on this ground,” President Hinckley said. “I regard this temple as perhaps the most significant, in one respect, in the entire Church. It was right here in the Sacred Grove where it all began.” The Church’s 100th announced temple will be built atop a hill overlooking the Sacred Grove.

During the groundbreaking, President Monson quoted essayist John Rushkin: “Wherefore, when we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight, nor for present use alone; let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for.”

Construction work has begun on nine more temples. Ground was recently broken for the following temples: Adelaide Australia, Baton Rouge Louisiana, Louisville Kentucky, Medford Oregon, Montevideo Uruguay, Palmyra New York, Suva Fiji, and Veracruz México. In addition, the Copenhagen Denmark Temple will become the Church’s second temple constructed from an existing building. Originally dedicated in 1931, the Priorvej Chapel in downtown Copenhagen was recently rededicated as a temple site in preparation for extensive renovations required to convert the building into a temple.

Nauvoo Temple Donations

The First Presidency sent the following letter dated 23 April to be read aloud in sacrament meetings in the United States and Canada:

Many individuals have shared their desire to make a contribution toward the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.

Those who wish to contribute financially toward the rebuilding of this temple are invited to do so. However, priesthood leaders should not conduct fund-raising efforts or establish assessments or goals for this purpose.

Those who would like to donate should indicate Nauvoo Illinois Temple on the Other line of the donation receipt. Wards will then transfer these funds by check to Church headquarters on a monthly basis.

We commend you for your devotion and faithfulness and anticipate the blessings that will come through the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, which has such a historical significance to the Church.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (left) and President Thomas S. Monson participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Palmyra New York Temple. (Photo by Annette Lein.)