Ground broken for Star Valley Temple
Ground was broken for the Star Valley Temple on Saturday.
The weather had been threatening, but clouds began clearing as thousands of people gathered for the event.
Several leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as government officials were there for the ceremony. Speakers talked about the significance of having a temple in Star Valley.
“As we watch the walls of this temple raise heavenward, I know that the spirit will increase,” said McKell Allred, groundbreaking committee chairman. “We will never be the same. This valley will never be the same.”
The ranking official from the LDS church, Elder Craig C. Christensen, said it’s unusual for a temple to be built in such a sparsely populated rural area. He said it was a tribute to the Mormon pioneers who established the valley.
“This is a unique thing,” Christensen said. ” To me it’s a gift. It’s a gift of God to the great heritage that’s here.”
The crowd bowed their heads as Christensen offered the dedicatory prayer on the land.
“May the transcendent beauty and the inspiring vista bless the greater community, including those not of our faith, and become a cherished landmark to all who live nearby, or who will visit this magnificent valley,” Christensen prayed.
Latter-day Saints in Star Valley said this was a very special and emotional occasion
“My ancestors were from here,” Nancy Stevenson said. “”I grew up here. My great-grandfather always said there was going to be a temple here someday, so this is really a touching day for me.”
After the prayer, was the ground was broken, first by the officials, and then everyone who wanted to do so was invited to turn a shovel full of dirt. Faithful Mormons said it was a memorable experience these they will cherish for years to come.
