“Temples Throughout the World,” Friend, July 2002, 36

Temples Throughout the World

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, … and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths (Micah 4:2).

When Lorenzo Snow was the prophet, there were only four temples, and all of them were in Utah. He knew that one day temples would dot the earth. In 1899, he prophesied, “The time will come when there will be Temples established over every portion of the land.”* There are now temples in 32 countries of the world.

In 1955, President David O. McKay dedicated the Swiss temple. It was the first temple in Europe, and it served members from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and France. In other temples, temple workers presented the endowment. Since those who would attend the Swiss temple spoke different languages, the Spirit directed President McKay to present the endowment as a film. It was recorded in several languages so everyone could be taught in his or her own native tongue.

Today, temples bless Heavenly Father’s children all over the world. Nearly all temples present the endowment on film and in different languages. People can visit temples in other nations if they do not have a temple nearby, and temples are being built in more and more countries. In 1997, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “We are determined … to take the temples to the people and afford them every opportunity for the very precious blessings that come of temple worship.”†

We can prepare to receive temple blessings by being valiant Church members. We can help more temples to be built by increasing faith throughout the world—by preparing to serve missions, by being examples, and by sharing the gospel with our friends.

To remind you that Lorenzo Snow prophesied that temples would cover the earth, cut out the picture, then fold it accordian-style along the white lines.

Then look at it from the right side to see one picture, and from the left side to see another picture.

Illustrated by Mark Robison