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PHILADELPHIA — On an overcast day in Philadelphia, when the top of the skyscrapers were hidden in the fog, Latter-day Saints gathered in the heart of the city to dedicate the Church's newest temple.
"I was baptized in this city because that was the only font we could get to from New Jersey, so to me, this is especially significant that the Lord would have granted this house to you wonderful people," said President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This weekend's dedication of the temple coincides with the 229th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution that occurred just a few blocks away at Independence Hall.
“The feeling that the Lord had His hand in that wonderful, momentous event that led to the founding of a nation. To me, to have a house of the Lord near a place where such important things — the whole foundation of our country — came, I believe, under the inspiration of God,” President Eyring said.
Construction on the long-awaited temple began five years ago, and Sunday was a moment Latter-day Saints in Pennsylvania had been waiting for.
"I love the city of Philadelphia and the Founding Fathers, and I know they laid the groundwork for this beautiful temple," said Philadelphia resident Tanya Smith.
Inside, the temple's design has a flavor of Philadelphia's history and heritage — specifically the late 1700s.
The prominent new temple also reflects the growth of the LDS Church in this city, which was founded upon the belief of religious liberty by William Penn, whose image and influence is still felt in Philadelphia today.
“We have just added Moroni to the skyline of Philadelphia, and it adds beauty and it adds vitality to this beautiful city. This is the cradle of our democracy,” said Cherry Hill, New Jersey Stake president Vai Sikahema.
The temple is symbolic of Philadelphia's past which Latter-day Saints believe will give the city a brighter future.
Contributing: Xoel Cardenas
