For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Mormon temple towering over the Capital Beltway’s outer loop is opening to the public again. However, it’s not a long-term event.
Mormon Temple opens again
After around 50 years, the Mormon temple is allowing visitors again. “We have been waiting so long for this opportunity,” stated Anne Golightly, the director of communications on Monday. With half of the renovations finishing in July 2020, the temple would have welcomed the public if not for the untimely pandemic. The elders of the church now find it relatively safer to allow people inside. Additionally, on Monday, there was a tour for the reporters. With the renovations, they are hoping to restore it to the original design.
Crossing a bridge enclosed in glass to enter the main temple, is “a sign that you leave the world behind, all the commotion that has been out there in the world. You cross over the bridge into a place of peace,” stated Kathryn Colton. She and her husband Ket are co-chairs of the Open house committee. What you see next might be surprising if you’re not a Mormon but have been to other cathedrals. The temple, centered on a celestial room makes it symbolic. “The intent is to lift your view toward God, to lift you. “The intent is to lift your view toward God, to lift you,” explained Colton.
More on the interiors and the church
The Mormon temple is mainly filled with smaller rooms, each having a purpose. Additionally, it does not have the high ceilings and marble flooring associated with most cathedrals. The hallway and rooms are covered with plush carpet and furniture, aiming to absorb sound and make the atmosphere quiet. “The one thing I was surprised by, there’s not a big room like you would see in a church,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. Gov. Hogan was also attending the first tour.
According to David Bednar, a church elder, “the purpose of temples is to help us draw closer to God”. The Mormon temple is closing on Sunday. The regular Sunday services are held at Meeting Houses, i.e., other churches. This is because this temple is reserved for weddings and milestone events. This helps in forming a closer connection with God on special days. “A temple is a dedicated sacred space where only those most sacred ceremonies will take place,” said Elder Kevin Duncan. Duncan is the executive director of the temple.
Here’s how you can visit
Tours of the church are by invitation only until April 27. However, everyone is welcome between April 28 and June 11. According to Duncan, they are expecting thousands of visitors. They are also considering extending the tours till July if the demand continues. While the tickets are free, you need to register online here. It is open between 9 am and 9 pm on all days of the week except Sundays. You’re also allowed to take pictures inside the church. “We’re excited. If we could wish for one thing, it would be that everybody who wants to would come through the temple just to see who we are and learn of what we do,” added Duncan.