By Jessie Elder
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated its 122nd temple Sunday in Newport Beach, Calif.
?It was unbelievable,? said Brynne Cardall, an Orange County, Calif. resident who attended the first of four dedicatory sessions.
Cardall said she felt a feeling of unity with the other Orange County saints.
?It feels like home,? she said. ?It?s so specified for us.?
Cardall said church President Gordon B. Hinkley, who directed the first session, told church members they would see if this was a wise investment based on their attendance.
The construction of a temple in Newport Beach is good news for the 50,000 members in Orange County who no longer have to fight traffic to the San Diego Temple.
Prior to the dedication of the temple, volunteers gave guided tours to the public during the open house for nearly a month.
The dedication was also preceded by a cultural celebration Saturday night at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim where several youth sang and danced.
Church officials were unavailable for comment.
The Newport Beach Temple was announced April 21, 2001 and ground was broken August 15, 2003.