First Mormon Temple in Wyoming Is Dedicated

An apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated the 154th temple in the Cowboy State. Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated the Star Valley Wyoming Temple Sunday, October 30, 2016.

Downloadable video: Cultural Celebration b-roll | Elder Bednar SOTs | Cornerstone b-roll and SOTs

Elder Bednar, along with Elders Ulisses Soares, C. Scott Grow, Larry Y. Wilson and Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy, put the finishing touch on the exterior of the temple by placing mortar around the cornerstone. The traditional ceremony is held before the first dedicatory session to signify the temple is finished.

The temple and its landscaping are gorgeous said Elder Bednar. “It’s simple, it’s serene. In a world that’s filled with commotion, confusion, sometimes chaos; beautiful, as it [temple] is, this is a place of ultimate peace and serenity here on earth, so it will bless all who enter in powerful ways.”

After placing the first trowel of mortar around the cornerstone, Elder Bednar remarked, “We’ve got to have a Star Valley girl be the next one [to place mortar around the cornerstone].” To his wife he said, “Let’s see how you do, here.”

“I’m a product of this valley,” explained Sister Susan Bednar, wife of Elder Bednar. “I’m so grateful for everything that has been done, past, present and will be done in the future. I’ve had an opportunity to keep an eye on what’s been going on in preparation for this dedication and the work that has been done in homes where families have taught their children about the temple.”

Elder Bednar told the crowd, observing the cornerstone process, that Sister Barbara Perry, wife of the late apostle Elder L. Tom Perry, was in attendance. “She has more experience in doing this that any of us and is the most experienced Wyoming woman at doing this.” 

Prior to the dedication thousands of young Latter-day Saints performed in a cultural celebration honoring their state’s past and the history of the Church in Wyoming. The event, held at Star Valley High School, also celebrated the completion of the Star Valley Wyoming Temple.The temple will serve 16,000 members of the Church in Wyoming and parts of Idaho.

During a three-week open house, from September 23 to October 8, 2016, 78,000 people visited the temple.

Latter-day Saint temples differ from the meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered “houses of the Lord,” where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ceremonies that unite families for eternity. There are currently 153 operating temples of the Church worldwide, with 25 more announced or under construction, including the Star Valley Wyoming Temple.