At one point in our 10 years of marriage, my husband and I decided to make the temple a focal point in our family. As I reflect back on six temples that have made a deep impact on my life, I am reminded of the blessings the temple brings and hope that I can plant a seed in the heart of my young son.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dedicated April 6, 1893. Iconic
to me growing up in the Salt Lake valley, it was my first temple experience as
a youth going to do baptisms for the dead. I felt special to be able to enter
into this House of the Lord, and it was one of my first experiences of feeling
the Spirit. Of course, I also have fond memories of walking Temple Square,
attending the Tabernacle and Conference Center, and seeing the brilliant
display of lights at Christmas time. These are special experiences that I’ve
delighted in sharing with my husband and son.
Dedicated October 19, 1984.
Although this wasn’t my regular temple at the time, I chose the Dallas temple
to receive my endowment because of its proximity to family members. In
preparation for this experience, I remember the counsel given to me by my
soon-to-be father-in-law: don’t try to remember every detail of the endowment,
but rather focus on what you feel. I remember feeling clean and pure and knowing
that family is what is most important.
San Antonio, Texas
Dedicated May 22, 2005. This temple really holds my
heart. I watched the progression of this temple from its announcement in 2001
until it became a fully operating temple in 2005. In preparation for the
dedication, I helped the Youth in our stake learn dances for the cultural
celebration they performed for President Hinckley. This is also where my
husband and I were married and sealed for time and all eternity less than a
year after its opening.
Monterrey, Mexico
Dedicated April 28, 2002. One
spring, before we had any children, my husband and I wanted to take a little
trip for spring break. We decided to drive into Mexico and stay on the beach.
As part of our trip, we made a special effort to get to Monterrey so that we
could attend a session at the temple. Most people in the temple spoke Spanish
and I spoke only English, but I still felt at home. At the October 1998 General
Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the revelation to build
smaller temples. This temple, as well as the San Antonio Temple, are products
of this inspired revelation and serve as a testimony to me of how the Lord's work will be go forward to bless His children. Because of this trip, my
husband and I decided to make it a family tradition that when we go on trips we
will spend time at the local temple. This has been a special tradition and fun
for our son as we have taken our picture in front of temples all across the country.
Orlando, Florida
Dedicated October 9, 1994.
This was our temple for three years when we lived in Clearwater, Florida. We
were able to attend this temple quite often, and it is the one that our son has
visited most frequently and has developed a lasting memory of. Although Orlando
is filled with its famous symbol of Mickey Mouse, our memories are filled
with the symbols that bring true and everlasting happiness.
Manhattan, New York
Dedicated June 13, 2004. Currently, this is our
local temple. The building shares space
with a family history center, as well as a full-size and functioning chapel that is home to three wards. The Manhattan temple is a literal haven from the city –
quiet, calm, and free of city noise and busyness. This serves as a constant
reminder to me of the personal haven that all temples provide – bringing inner
peace and stillness when life gets troublesome.
Jefra Rees is the wife of a loving husband and the mother of a young son with Sensory Processing Disorder. She holds a bachelor's degree in Child Development and also has a master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She has worked with children and families in a variety of settings, but her greatest work is that which is done in her own home.
