LOOK INSIDE: An up close glimpse inside Wyoming’s first LDS Temple
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AFTON, Wyoming — It’s a dream come true for many Mormon residents of Star Valley, Wyoming.
Construction of the first The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple in Wyoming is complete, and residents can now see the interior of the building at an open house starting this Friday.
Usually church members of the LDS faith must have a temple recommend to enter the temple. The open house is the only time the public will be able to see the inside of the temple before its dedication on Sunday, Oct. 30.
“For years we’ve traveled to Idaho Falls and to Logan or different places to go to the temple. To have a house of the Lord, in our own valley right in our own neighborhood, I think it means so much for us spiritually,” chairman of the open house and dedication committee, Mark Taylor said.
The Star Valley temple was announced during a General Conference five years ago, and broke ground last April. The temple now stands 39 feet tall and with the spire and golden Angel Moroni is 123 feet tall. Its design has references to the Wyoming State Capital, the Afton Tabernacle, and other Mormon pioneer structures.
“This is very exciting. Star Valley is a rural community and many of our temples are built in larger communities than this, so it’s very exciting to have one here,” Executive director of the temple department Larry Wilson says.
The glass window on the outside of the temple represents the fireweed flower, a common wild flower in the valley.
Inside the entryway stands a restored, historic window from a presbyterian church in New York. It depicts Jesus Christ knocking on a door without a handle. This glass feature is at least 100 years old. Less than five LDS temples in the world have a piece similar to this.
Inside the temple is a baptistry, an instruction room, a bride’s room, a sealing room where people are married, and celestial room, which is representative of the serenity in heaven.
“We regard the temple as the holiest place on earth and as the place where we enter into the most sacred covenants or promises we can make with God. To have one of these in your own community is, in the eyes of members of the church, probably the best thing that can happen to the community,” Wilson said.
The Star Valley temple is joining the over 152 current operating temples in the world.
“It’s a thing of a lifetime, it will never happen in Star Valley, Wyoming again. It’s just really exciting, it’s amazing all the things that happen,” volunteer meal coordinator Julie Challis says.
The temple will be open to the public this Friday Sept. 23 through Oct. 8. A cultural celebration will be held Oct. 29 and will feature dance and music performances from local Mormon youth. The dedication of the temple is Sunday, Oct. 30.