By Ravin Robertson
Change is literally in the air for the Ogden Temple.
The addition of an Angel Moroni statue to the building is among the major changes occurring this fall in an effort by LDS officials to get more couples to marry in the temple.
Church officials hope that new pedestrian routes, more formal landscaping arrangements and the off-white refinishing of the top spire to make the Angel stand out will make this temple a more popular destination for weddings.
'We always want our temples to be an appealing place for people to choose to start their lives,' said Church spokesman Dale Bills to the Associated Press.
Ogden City Planner Greg Montgomery said that these renovation plans came in part from discussions by both LDS and city administrators to help downtown Ogden become more urban than suburban.
Montgomery also said that a new plaza containing islands of plants and shrubs would serve as a park for the temple and the elderly and college-age residents of apartment buildings located across the street.
New pedestrian routes that encompass the temple is another change that will take place since the general design of the grounds make it impossible for people to walk around the temple.
According to Montgomery, the new sidewalks will give the grounds a more formal look and tie in with the pedestrian routes, making access to the grounds easier since people have to walk through a parking lot.
The low volume of marriage ceremonies allows more personal attention from workers at the Ogden Temple.
This element appeals to many couples because it adds significance to the day.
Suzanne Herrick, 50, of Ogden, Weber County, said that when she was married in the Ogden Temple 26 years ago, 'The workers were wonderful. I remember that I was very nervous and they were so calm and angelic when I got there.'
Herrick also said, 'They took such great care and time, very loving and gentle. It was like I belonged there and they made it very personal.'
Renovation of the fountain and improved sprinkler and drainage systems are also planned.
Work has not officially started because administrators are waiting a few weeks until plans are finalized said Coke Newell, LDS Church Media Relations Officer.
Newell also said that the Church coordinated efforts with the city of Ogden, working through the necessary channels to make these changes.