Detroit Michigan Temple
Detroit Michigan the capital of automobiles is now home to a Mormon Temple. The temple is located near Woodward Avenue, a road built in 1815 by the Prophet Joseph Smith's uncle. Joseph Smith
probably traveled along this same road on his way to Pontiac, Michigan,
where relatives lived. Maybe he knew that the site would one-day house
a beautiful house of the Lord. The temple features a classic modern
single spire design constructed with Imperial Danby White marble
quarried in Vermont.
At the Detroit Michigan temple groundbreaking, on October 10,1998,
Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy talked about families, explaining
that they are "ordained by God."1 It is through the LDS (Mormon temple) ordinances that families can be together forever.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that every
person lived with Heavenly Parents before they were born here on earth.
We came to earth to receive a mortal body and be tested. "By obedience
to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, each of us may return to the
presence of God, where we will live eternally in a family organization." 2
The eternal family is made possible through a special temple
ordinance called a sealing. A sealing marriage is performed in the
temple through the power of the priesthood and seals a man and wife as
well as their children together for not only time but for eternity. But
a sealing ordinance doesn't guarantee that a family will be forever.
The Mormon Church
explains that, "For sealing ordinances to remain in effect, a husband
and wife must love and be faithful to each other throughout their
marriage and continue to follow a course of Christian service and
commitment throughout their lives."
During the Detroit Michigan temple groundbreaking Elder Jensen gave
four suggestions for families that attended. He suggested that
families: "Pray that temple construction will progress on time and
without injuries or undue delays; hang a picture of a temple in the
home where children will see it and think, Someday I will go there;
gather family histories, perhaps starting simply by asking family
members questions and writing down the answers; and obtain a temple
recommend and always carry it worthily." 1
At the groundbreaking Elder Sorenson of the Presidency of the
Seventy explained that temples are important not only because of what
people see and hear during the temple ordinances, but also because of
the feeling that people receive while in the temple. That feeling is
the Holy Ghost testifying that the things learned in the temple are
true.
Before the dedication of the Detroit Michigan temple, the sacred
building was opened to all those who wished to see it. About 28,000
people toured the temple seeing the beautiful architecture and
furnishings as well as learning about the purpose of Mormon temples.
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Detroit Michigan temple
on October 23, 1999. The Mormons in the Michigan area are so grateful
to have a temple close. President Hinckley said, “We too are happy that
it has been erected here and dedicated and that the work of the Lord
now goes forward here in this part of the earth.” 3
In his dedicatory prayer President Hinckley blessed that all those
that entered may feel the Spirit and have their thoughts turned to God
and His Son. “May this structure shine as a bright and welcome light, a
refuge from the storms and stresses of the world. May it be a house of
peace and love and faith, where Thy children may find respite from the
toil of their daily lives.” 3
For more information about Mormon temples visit the sites below:
History of Mormon Temples
LDS (Mormon) Temple resources
BBC - Religion & Ethics - Mormon Temples
Manhattan Mormon Temple New York City.com : Arts & Attractions ...
LDS Temples - Mormon Temples - Salt Lake Temple
Teachings About Mormon Temples
USATODAY.com - Mormons open temple doors to
share beliefs
(1) News of the Church, Ensign, Jan. 1999, 77
(2) Church Newsroom. Families Can Be Together Forever. http://www.lds.org/newsroom/mediabook/0,15571,3881-1---1-43,00.html
(4) News of the Church, Ensign, Jan. 2000, 74
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