Temple open house

[August]

So, in a couple of weeks I'm going to have the chance to attend a temple open house in Draper, UT. Any thoughts on what I should expect, or details I should look for? How do you feel about temples in general, what do they mean to you?

[skalenfehl]

I don't think I've been to an open house yet. I missed the one in Bountiful when it was built. I couldn't tell you what to expect other than to be sensitive to your feelings going in. The Spirit may well speak to you if you are open to it.

As for what is inside the temple, you will likely be taken on a tour throughout and given explanations of what the rooms are for and what ordinances are performed inside, such as baptisms for the dead, sealings and the reasons why some things are built the way they are.

It's quite fascinating, especially if you're familiar with the Old Testament. When does this take place? I may try and make it as well. To me, temples are sacred places apart from the world outside. They are like sanctuaries, where the adversary has no power or claim therein. It's a very peaceful place where you can experience revelations and great personal experiences while serving the Lord.

[Lbybug]

i went to the alberta temple open house...but that was when i was in grade 3 (1989 i think). all i really remember is having to put little booties over your shoes. and that it was really quiet, talking in whispers only. and that the temple was huge and beautiful. I don't really remember a description of what the rooms were, just that they told you waht the rooms were. I remember standing in the sealing room and watching the mirrors go on forever. that was cool.

[BenRaines]

We went to the San Diego open house. There was a huge tent outside for people to read about the beginnings of the LDS church and lots of ropes like you see at the bank to lead you along the line. To keep the carpets clean they have you slip on shoe coverings before you enter the temple doors. This is more of a maintenance issue than anything else. All along the way in line there will be greeters, missionaries, people to answer questions, etc. You will wind around through almost all the areas of the temple. You will see the sealing rooms where eternal marriages are performed and families are sealed for time and all eternity. You will see the baptismal font on the back of 12 oxen. The baptismal font is set below ground. They will talk about how the temple was constructed, materials used, etc.

All in all a very good experience for LDS member and non member alike. Also a good chance for LDS families to take their children so that they can see what going to the temple is like.

Ben Raines

[Palerider]

I hope you have a great time.....

[Honor]

I'm looking forward to going. While I have been to the temple, I've never experienced a temple's open house. I'm glad you'll have the opportunity to go! I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are when you go. Please let us know!

[blueglass]

On 1/25/2009 at 5:47 PM, BenRaines said:

We went to the San Diego open house. There was a huge tent outside for people to read about the beginnings of the LDS church and lots of ropes like you see at the bank to lead you along the line. To keep the carpets clean they have you slip on shoe coverings before you enter the temple doors. This is more of a maintenance issue than anything else. All along the way in line there will be greeters, missionaries, people to answer questions, etc. You will wind around through almost all the areas of the temple. You will see the sealing rooms where eternal marriages are performed and families are sealed for time and all eternity. You will see the baptismal font on the back of 12 oxen. The baptismal font is set below ground. They will talk about how the temple was constructed, materials used, etc.

All in all a very good experience for LDS member and non member alike. Also a good chance for LDS families to take their children so that they can see what going to the temple is like.

Ben Raines

The white shoe coverings counter to the tour guide script has rich significance, see exodus 3:5, isaiah 52:7, ephesians 6:15.  It's a huge missed opportunity for world religious unity and peace in which thousands wear white shoe coverings having your "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace".  

[NightSG]

On 1/25/2009 at 11:42 AM, August said:

So, in a couple of weeks I'm going to have the chance to attend a temple open house in Draper, UT. Any thoughts on what I should expect,

Don't expect free coffee.