Mormon church sets open house for Cedar City temple; how to get tickets

CEDAR CITY — For more than four years, Cedar City residents belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have patiently waited for their temple to be finished, and that time has almost come.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cedar City temple under construction. More than 200 people showed up to see the steeple installed, Cedar City, Utah, May 10, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Glen Cox, Cedar City News / St. George News

Four years ago, LDS church President Thomas S. Monson announced the construction of the Cedar City Temple at the church’s April 2013 general conference. Ground was broken two years later in 2015.

Church officials have announced the dates of the temple open house, cultural celebration and dedication.

The open house is scheduled Oct. 27 through Nov. 18, except for Sundays. At that time, the entire public is invited to tour the building, located at 300 S. Cove Drive. Tickets will be made available online a few weeks before the open house beginning Oct. 2. Open houses are free but require tickets due to high demand.

When the LDS church builds a new temple, the building is always open for public tours until it is formally dedicated. Only active church members can attend the temple dedication.

During an open house, visitors can learn more about the purpose of the LDS temples and why they are important to the members.

See LDS video top of this report describing the church’s view on its temples.

The open house experience begins with a short introductory video, and then a volunteer tour guide takes visitors into the temple.

This 2015 conceptual rendering shows the Cedar City temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be built, as announced during the church’s April 2013 general conference. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony in 2015 and the temple nears completion with public open house scheduled to run Oct. 27-Nov. 18. Cedar City, Utah, 2017 | Rendering courtesy of LDS public affairs / Intellectual Reserve Inc., St. George News / Cedar City News

Once inside, the purposes of the main rooms — which may include instruction, marriage or baptism — are explained. The guide also briefly details the LDS belief behind each of the rooms’ functions.

At the end of the tour, visitors are led to a reception and refreshment area where volunteers are available to answer additional questions.

A cultural celebration featuring music and dance performances by local LDS youth will be held Dec. 9, the day before the temple dedication. The dedication will be broadcast to church members in the Cedar City temple district in three sessions, 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

The three-hour block of meetings will be canceled for that Sunday.

To members of the LDS church, temples are considered the “house of the Lord” and the “most sacred places on earth.”

LDS doctrine teaches that temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God’s plan of salvation.

The 17th temple to be built in Utah, the Cedar City temple will serve members in Southern Utah and eastern Nevada. There are currently 2 million LDS members in the state, 150 operating temples worldwide and 27 temples announced or under construction.

Event details

  • What: Cedar City Temple Public Open House
  • When: Oct. 27 – Nov. 18 except Sundays and Oct. 29, Nov. 5 and Nov. 12
  • Where: Cedar City Temple, 300 South Cove Drive
  • Tickets: The general public, including children of all ages, is invited to attend. Admission is free, but reservations are requested. | Tickets are available online at Temple Open House Reservations beginning Oct. 2 at 10 a.m.
  • Attendance particulars: Modest dress is requested. | Parking attendants will guide attendees to an available parking space. | Those attending are asked to arrive early to allow time for traffic and parking.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @tracie_sullivan

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2017, all rights reserved.

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1 Comment

  • comments September 21, 2017 at 12:08 am

    If I tried to go in THE LORD would likely strike me down with a lightning bolt. not really, but u never know 😉

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