New Mormon temple opens doors for public tours

Building sets milestone for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Over 100,000 Calgarians walked through the new Mormon temple in the community of Royal Oak during three weeks of public tours. The public was invited to share this experience with the community of the Latter-day Saints, which consists of more than 25,000 Calgarians. There are three temples of its kind across Alberta and 140 around the world.

During the construction the finest materials and craftsmanship were used, from granite imported from China to beautiful chandeliers made from Swarovski crystals. The temple also showed true Albertan culture with wheat and wild rose motifs.

The temple is a place we go to be close to God and to find peace and now we have the opportunity to worship God more often that there is a temple in Calgary – Cary and Andrea Choy

Photo By Ashely Alcantara

Now that public tours have concluded the temple will be open only to those who are in good standing with the church. Andrea and Cary Choy, members of the church said, “The temple is a place we go to be close to God and to find peace.

And now we have the opportunity to worship God more often now that there is a temple in Calgary.”

The exact cost of the temple was not released but elder Richard Melchin of the church said, “All members of the church give 10 per cent of their annual income, that goes towards the building of temples.”

Lynn Yuen, a visitor to the temple said, “I figured this was my only chance to see inside the temple. I was blown away by its beauty.”

The temple itself is now closed to the public but the grounds will still remain open. The dedication for the new temple will be held on Sunday Oct. 28.

aalcantara@cjournal.ca