Open house to begin for new LDS temple in Meridian

A new temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been completed in Meridian, Idaho and preparations are underway for a month long public open house, which will be run similar to the open house last summer for the renovated Idaho Falls Temple.

The Meridian temple is the fifth temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho and the 158th worldwide, with a temple planned for Pocatello in the near future.

The Meridian Temple is somewhat unique in that the design is based on older temples of the church in Alberta Canada and Hawaii.

“This is a modern interpretation of arts and crafts architecture with a bit of art deco,” Tom Coburn, temple department director said.

The interior features a baptismal font, instruction rooms and sealing rooms where marriages are performed. LDS apostle Quentin L. Cook led the media tour.

“When people have been as faithful and made as many sacrifices as the saints in this area, then it’s a special blessing,” Elder Cook said.

LDS church members are excited to have this new temple so close.

“It provides a great opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and figure out how to be better,” Deb Bowden said.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the LDS first presidency will preside at the dedication November 19th.

The public open house runs from October 21 through November 11.