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Carole Mikita reportingThe new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traveled to Idaho early this morning to dedicate a new temple.
President Monson had a little trouble getting there in the fog. It was so thick, the 57,00-square-foot building couldn't be seen even from a block away.
President and Sister Monson flew from Salt Lake to Pocatello and then drove to Rexburg. As the choir rehearsed, church leaders arrived for the dedication. First came Elder and Sister Nelson, followed by Elder Bednar and his wife. Then came the much-anticipated arrival of President and Sister Monson.
The new church leader spent a few moments with us. About the temple, he said, "It's beautiful. It's a great blessing to them."
President Monson began the cornerstone sealing with a little mortar. Other church leaders followed, then came the children. The highlight was a little red-headed boy President Monson saw in the crowd.
She's right. There's gold throughout the temple's bride's room, sealing room and celestial room. Wheat, symbolic of Idaho's agriculture, can be found in the stained glass windows. The interior also has painted murals with Idaho landscapes.
The temple, to Latter-day Saints in the Rexburg area, is an answer to countless prayers.
Wilma Jensen, a resident of Teton City, Idaho, said, "I had an opportunity in the celestial room with President Monson, and it was just the most beautiful experience that I've ever had."
Thousands came for the dedicatory services, but that crowd didn't compare to the number of people who showed up for the four weeks of the temple's open house.
An estimated 205,000 visitors came for that event.
Dev Patel told us, "I came up here hoping it would be great, and it totally blew me away, every single bit of it. It just exceeded our expectations."
The temple officially opens tomorrow, and we understand there are a number of weddings already scheduled.
