TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - If you are a regular driver on Skyline and Ina, you have seen a large, imposing building coming out of the ground. It is the new Temple from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, restricted normally to just members of that faith but we have a chance to give you an inside look.
The location is meant to catch your eye---and your thoughts. Members of the Mormon Church use their Temples for quiet contemplation and solemn ceremonies.
This one will serve 33 thousand Mormons in Southern Arizona. Before, their nearest temple was in Mesa.
Elder Larry Wilson oversees temple construction all over the world.
He says, “As they drive by, I would hope they would be inspired to think about how they might improve in their individual lives, a bit better because of the beauty of the Temple and the surrounding grounds and what it is inviting people to do which is to become better, more caring, more service oriented, better citizens of their community."
Photography is restricted in the sacred space so the Church provided images that give a taste of the carefully crafted interiors.
Baptisms in the Temple are to join the spirits of ancestors into the church.
The Sealing Room is for marriages in the belief marriage seals a couple together for eternity.
The Celestial Room is for meditation with splendor designed to make one feel closer to God.
Once the building is dedicated August 13th it will be just for church members but from June 3rd to June 24th (except Sundays) you can join in organized tours. Reservations are required. You can learn more about the Temple and book tour reservations them at this link.
Gary Rasmussen is planning for 100 thousand visitors. About 80,000 slots are already reserved.
"It's really our gift to the community to show them the inside of the Temple, what it looks like. We're very proud of it. It's very attractive and also a very peace bringing kind of a location."
After dedication, the next chance for a tour is when the temple is renovated---in about forty years.
