July 14, 2000
The LDS Church's women missionaries on Temple Square have a new look.
Religion Specialist Carole Mikita explains.
It will effect women missionaries not only on Temple Square, but those women missionaries who staff visitor centers associated with other temples or historical sites.
Church leaders say the look is more professional. Church spokesman Michael Purdy says it also makes it easier to identify them.
Temple Square remains the number one tourist destination in the state. For a number of years now, the LDS Church has assigned young women as missionaries there to greet visitors.
Beginning this week, they have a new look. Instead of floral prints, they are dressing in solid light-colored blouses and dark skirts.
Their mission president says it simply presents a neater appearance to the public.
President Winwood, President, Temple Square Mission: "DRESS FOR SISTER MISSIONARIES HAS BEEN A TOPIC OF CONVERSATION AROUND THE MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT FOR A LONG TIME, AND WE'VE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT IT ON TEMPLE SQUARE IN THAT, WE SIMPLY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MORE PROFESSIONAL, CRISP LOOK FOR THE MISSIONARIES, AND ONE THAT IS MORE RECOGNIZABLE."
If it seems more like a uniform, that's also the idea, taking emphasis away from how they look to what they're doing. It's also just easier.
The sister missionaries say the new look is neat and professional but it also makes it a whole lot easier getting up in the morning.
Sister Lewis, Temple Square Missionary: "IT'S ACTUALLY SO MUCH EASIER IN THE MORNING. IT'S JUST EASY TO (GET) A LIGHT TOP, A DARK SKIRT OR A JUMPER. YOU JUST WAKE UP AND THAT'S ONE LESS WORRY IN THE MORNING TO WORRY ABOUT."
It also moves their look in the same direction as the young men who are missionaries, with their required dress code of dark suits, white shirts and conservative ties.
Sister Lewis: "I THINK IT PUTS US ON A HIGHER LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM AND IT JUST HELPS US TO BE EASILY RECOGNIZED BY OUR GUESTS."
You are probably wondering about the expense of wardrobe changes for these sister missionaries. Michael Purdy says the LDS Church will provide clothing for those who would be burdened by the cost of buying the new apparel.
