Local family has strong connection with Idaho Falls temple

For Ethel Peterson, the rededication of the Idaho Falls temple is something that brings her joy. In 1945, she and her husband were one of the first couples to get married in the temple.

“I was a little worried that day because it was a little stormy,” said Peterson who added that the ceremony took 4-8 hours. While Peterson doesn’t remember a whole lot about that day now, at 92 years old, her children and grand children have kept the tradition of marrying in the temple alive and well.

Nan Hancock, Ethel’s daughter, is one of her children that also married in the temple “I also had a daughter that married in the Idaho Falls temple and it’s been carried down,” said Hancock. While the family was one of the first to wed in the temple, Peterson’s grandson Brett Peterson and his wife were one of the last couples to get married before the temple closed for the renovation.

“It’s a special place,” said Hancock as she held back the tears. Hancock said she took her mother to the open house this week in Idaho Falls and the big changes she noticed were the size of the rooms.

The Idaho Falls Temple Open House continues through May 20th, and the temple re-dedication will take place June 4th. If you’re interested and would like tickets, they are free of charge by clicking this link.