By Taylor White
Thousands of Utahns watched Sunday as the Draper Temple was dedicated as the 129th holy house of the Lord.
President Thomas S. Monson conducted the 12th and final dedicatory ceremony for the Draper Temple. Speakers of the session included A. Roger Merrill, the Sunday School General President, Elder Lance B. Wickman of the Seventy, Elder Jay E. Jensen, Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and President Thomas S. Monson. All spoke about the various aspects of temples, and how they can positively affect the lives of those who attend them.
In Merrill?s talk, he expressed his love for the temple and everything that takes place inside it. He also explained how everything done in the church points to Christ?s atonement, especially when it comes to the temple.
?Dressing in white clothing while inside the temple symbolizes the purity we can obtain if we use the Lord?s atonement in our lives,? he said.
Elder Wickman urged listeners to stand in holy places like the temple, so that they can find peace in their lives.
?We can find the peace of the Lord by attending the temple regularly,? he said. ?As we do, our eye increasingly becomes single to the glory of God.?
Elder Jensen stressed the importance of temples because attending them helps members gain an eternal perspective.
?We do not always see life clearly,? he said. ?When we attend the temple, we become touched by the master?s hands, and we are able to see clearly and afar off.?
Elder Nelson reminded listeners that the work that goes on inside temples is vital to God?s divine plan.
?Temples are an essential compliment of the restoration of the gospel,? he said. ?We need our dead to be made perfect.?
Before the dedicatory prayer was given, President Monson told listeners to ?remember the importance of this day? so that it can live on through the generations.
President Monson also reminded listeners that the temple can serve as a beacon in their lives. It can help to guide us through life?s storms, and bring families closer together.
As the dedicatory prayer was give, President Monson dedicated the Draper Temple as a house of righteousness, where sacred ceremonies would take place.
President Uchtdorf then led the congregation in the Hosanna shout, where everyone within the reach of his voice stood and welcomed the new temple.
The Draper Temple will serve approximately 60,000 members that live in nearby areas, and will be the newest dedicated temple until the Oquirrh Mountain Temple is dedicated on Aug. 16.
taylwhite@yahoo.com