By Taylor White
White granite from China, limestone from France, and makore wood from Central Africa are just a few of the exotic materials found inside the new Draper Temple.
Construction of the temple was announced by the late President Gordon B. Hinckley in the Church”s October 2004 General Conference. Groundbreaking commenced in August 2006, and finally opened its doors to the public in mid-January.
The Draper Temple has a local feel to it, featuring beautiful paintings, sculptures, stained-glass and murals, all of which were created by local Utah artists.
When asked what made the Draper Temple unique to them, David and Mary Stanley of Sandy said, “The Draper temple is our temple. It is the first temple since I was a young boy that is being dedicated in our area.”
Mary Stanley feels a very personal connection to the Draper temple. “Our stake Presidency urged the members in the area to give some of their time and talents to the Draper temple open house.”
“I am reminiscent of the saints in Joseph Smith”s time that literally built the temple with their bare hands. The least I can do is to help others feel and experience the special spirit found only within the sacred walls of the temple,” Mary Stanley said.
Dee and Mildred Elder of Sandy where specifically impressed by the temple”s color scheme. It features natural and earthen tones, as well as cattails.
“I was struck by the colors and d?cor in the temple,” Mildred Elder said. “I have never seen a temple quite like it. The gorgeous chandelier and murals in the ordinance rooms were the most beautiful that I had ever seen.”
Draper is Utah”s 12th functioning temple, and the world”s 129th. The new structure will service over 50,000 members, the church announced in a press release.
The formal dedication will be held March 20-22. Until then, visitors are invited to continue touring the temple. The Church requests advance reservations be made, by visiting www.lds.org/reservations, or calling 1-800-537-6181 or 801-240-7932.
