In a media briefing on May 7, Church leaders and local youth spoke about the soon-to-be dedicated Syracuse Utah Temple, emphasizing how the new temple will expand access and encourage regular worship.
Reporters were invited to hear from two youth from Syracuse and Church general authorities before touring the temple ahead of its public open house beginning May 10.
Elder Kevin R. Duncan, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church’s temple department, and Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, addressed the media following messages from the two local youth who will benefit directly from the temple’s proximity.
Once dedicated on June 8, the temple will be the 22nd operating temple in Utah, and the first in the world built with two baptistries.
Parker Lundberg, a high school senior who participated in the media day, shared that “the hardest thing about going to the temple is finding available appointments before or after school.”
Church leaders hope the baptistries will encourage more temple attendance — particularly among the youth of the area.
“I’ve learned that as I take the time for the temple, I’m blessed in all that I do,” Lundberg said. “I’m happier … and that’s because I’m closer to my Savior through attending the temple.”
Lundberg, who recently received his mission call to Denmark, is preparing to attend the temple for his endowment before leaving.
“It’s such a beautiful, exciting thing,” he said. “I’m just so ready for the temple to be dedicated!”
Elder Duncan emphasized that the construction of the temple aligns with the Lord’s desire for His children to focus more on temple worship.
“The Lord wants us to do this now — to attend the temple more, be there more,” Elder Duncan said.
He also promised a significant increase in youth temple attendance in the area due to the temple’s convenient location.
Although nearby temples are not far, high levels of participation among members led to the decision to build a temple in Syracuse.
“The more we can be in the House of the Lord, the better equipped we are for life,” Elder Duncan said.
That spiritual impact, he explained, is at the heart of the Church’s efforts to build more temples both locally and globally.
“The vision that we gain in the temple is that everything is going to be OK,” Elder Duncan said. “In fact, because of the temple, it’s going to be perfect in every possible way.”
Sister Yee also spoke about the increased opportunities the temple brings, especially for women seeking a deeper connection with God’s priesthood power.
“When the prophet has said that the sisters can change the world, he’s serious,” she said. “And how do we do that? Through experiencing the blessings of the temple firsthand through temple worship and time there.”
The public open house will begin Saturday, May 10 and end Saturday, May 31, excluding Sundays. The temple will be dedicated on Sunday, June 8.
“Let’s invite everyone we can to come as many times as they want to see the temple over the next three weeks,” Elder Duncan said. “Invite your colleagues and friends to come feel what you feel.”
For those interested in attending the open house, click the link here.