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PHOENIX, Ariz. — Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a new temple Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona.
President Thomas S. Monson presided over the dedication of the temple, which becomes the 144th in the world.
During the temple's cornerstone ceremony, President Monson applied some mortar, before visiting with some children, asking their names, and encouraging them to someday serve a mission.
Ashlyn Hurst from Surprise, Arizona said it was a special moment, especially for her daughters.
"I hope it is an experience they will never forget. They got to say hello and give a high five to President Monson and President Uchtdorf," said Hurst.
For others—the dedication was a time to reflect on having a temple much closer to their homes.
There are 450,000 members of the Church in Arizona. It will be a great blessing to the 16 stakes that are on the west side of the Phoenix Valley and this will be their home and their temple.
–Elder Kent F. Richards of the Second Quorum of the Seventy
"It is amazing to know the prophet is inside dedicating another House of the Lord and having another temple in Arizona is amazing" said Jessica Lauricella. Church leaders say the temple in Phoenix will help fill the need of a growing membership of Latter-day Saints, in Arizona.
Elder Kent F. Richards of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, who is the Executive Director of the Temple Department said, "There are 450,000 members of the Church in Arizona. It will be a great blessing to the 16 stakes that are on the west side of the Phoenix Valley and this will be their home and their temple."
Elder Richards added, "This is the fifth temple in Arizona and of course the Tucson temple has been announced and will begin sometime in the next year or so."
Saturday night, 4300 Latter-day Saint teens participated in a cultural celebration, to honor the Church's heritage and history in Arizona.
Today's dedication is the first of what President Monson has said will be six temples dedicated in the next year—including the temple in Payson, which is nearing completion.
