Mormon Temple

Visited the new Mormon Temple that has just been completed in Gilbert. Sod was turned in 2010 and now, 4 years later it is ready to be opened. Before the temple is consecrated there are tours of the building. Once it is consecrated no one other than official Later Day Saints (LDS) will be allowed in.

The temple can been seen from a long way off on the freeway. It is huge and dominates the skyline. The parking lot is probably bigger than the town of Holland!

Mormons believe that the temple is the house of God, so it must be opulent; nothing is too good for The Lord. The temple is a holy place where each person can feel a closeness to God. 

The main construction materials in the temple are yellow/beige marble on the floors and door casings. Wooden furniture and some paneling. A lot of stained and etched glass for windows and railings. The one major theme repeated in floor mosaics and stained glass is the yucca plant and flowers. Nice to see the local flavour of the desert in the decor. The carpet as well as all the plush chairs and couches are in a light sea foam green. 

The grand entry has a huge marble floral medallion. Up a massive flight of stairs we entered the Baptistry. The baptismal font rests on the backs of 12 oxen symbolically representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The font is larger than a hot tub and allows for full body entry. 

The temple has many instruction rooms. This is where the congregation learns of the plans God has for them. 

There is a sealing room where a bride and groom would be married. They would seal their marriage not only for this life but also for eternity. 

The grandest room is the celestial room which symbolizes life for eternity. In it hangs an enormous chandelier full of crystals and three full sized stained windows. It contains many couches and chairs were a person may relax for contemplation. 

There are men's and women's change rooms were the church goers change from street clothes into completely white clothes for entering the temple. 

The obvious pageantry involved in this religion and temple-going seems very foreign to me. 

The grand entrance walkway up to the temple.

Getting closer....

Me in front of a waterfall.  Notice the sea foam green stained glass windows.

Kids playing in the staircase waterfall.

Temple top is an angel.  Kind of like the goldenboy?!?!

No pictures were allowed inside the temple, so the following photos are from a pamphlet.

Baptismal font.  Two stories tall.

The Celestial Room with the large chandelier.