The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced dates for a public open house prior to the dedication of the new Draper Utah Temple.
Following media and dignitary tours, the public will be invited to visit the Draper temple beginning Thursday, 15 January 2009 through Saturday, 14 March 2009. All temple visits exclude Sundays.
After the open house, the Draper temple will be formally dedicated on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 20-22 March 2009. A total of twelve dedicatory sessions will be conducted over these three days.
The Draper Utah Temple will serve approximately 60,000 members living in the Draper area.
Latter-day Saint temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered "houses of the Lord" where Christ's teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. In the temple, Church members learn more about the purpose of life and strengthen their commitment to serve Jesus Christ and their fellowman.
The Draper Utah Temple was announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley, former worldwide leader of the Church, at the Church’s October 2004 General Conference. It will be the 129th operating temple in the world and the 12th in Utah.
Formal temple work will commence at the Draper temple on Monday, 23 March 2009.