NAUVOO, ILLINOIS — Lura Lynn Ryan, first lady of Illinois, called the Nauvoo Temple "a wonderful addition to western Illinois" following a visit today to the newly reconstructed historic building.
Indicating that she considers herself a religious person, Mrs. Ryan said that visiting the temple was "something I felt that I had to come and do."
She and her husband, Illinois Governor George H. Ryan, are noted for their efforts during more than twenty years of public service to preserve the state’s rich history and culture. Mrs. Ryan has been instrumental in the planning of the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to be built in Springfield, Illinois.
Commenting on the historical significance of the Nauvoo Temple, Mrs. Ryan called it a building that "brought our history back to the original that we had here in Illinois." She commended the Church for reconstructing the sacred edifice as part of the "great heritage here in this state."
Also known and honored for her extensive efforts and contributions to encourage tourism in Illinois, Mrs. Ryan expressed her view that the citizens of western Illinois "should be honored that [the temple] was brought back to the area."
The first lady also commented on the high quality of the construction, furnishings, artwork and other decor, saying that everything about the building was clearly "done with love and caring."
Mrs. Ryan, mother of six and grandmother of 14, is an advocate for children and early learning. The Church’s emphasis on family caught her attention.
Latter-day Saints believe that marriages performed in their temples unite families for eternity. The first lady took special note of the mirrors on opposing walls in one of the temple rooms used to perform marriages. Seeing themselves reflected infinitely in the mirrors, couples and families get some sense of what it means to be together forever.
After looking in the mirrors, Mrs. Ryan observed, "You can look and see where you’ve been and where you’re going, and that, I think, really educates people ... and it gives you a wonderful feeling."
Elder Donald L. Staheli, president of the Church’s North America Central Area, and his wife, Afton, hosted Mrs. Ryan during her tour of the temple.
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