PAYSON, Utah – Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the church’s new temple in Payson Sunday morning, and local members were invited to watch as they sealed the final cornerstone into place.
“Symbolically, we are all creating our own temple with Jesus Christ being the cornerstone,” said LDS Temple Director Kent Richards during the ceremony.
They placed mortar around a final cornerstone, and inside were cherished items related to the Payson Temple.
"There are documents and other items within the cornerstone that all have significance with the temple," said Janet Frank with LDS Church Public Affairs.
Afterward, children in the audience were invited to help finish sealing the stone, and the choir sang hymns.
"It was gorgeous. The singing definitely had a powerful effect on it,” said Madi Deitz, a member of the LDS Church from Salem.
Local members of the LDS faith say they’re glad to finally have a temple in their community.
"It's very exciting and it's just brought a different feeling to our town and just our stake and our whole area,” Kirsten Harmon said.
Thousands of youth performed in a cultural celebration in Provo Saturday night in conjunction with the dedication, click here for details.
While an open house was held during which the public could tour the building, now that the temple has been dedicated only members of the LDS Church in good standing who have a recommend are allowed inside.
According to Mormonnewsroom.org, "Latter-day Saint temples differ from meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses of the Lord” where Jesus Christ’s teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow man."
