The Salt Lake Temple

Purpose:

To teach about building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His gospel principles.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain on the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.” 2 Nephi 12: 2 (Isaiah 2:2)

Lesson:
Read or tell the stories in “The foundation of the Temple is Laid, Stone Blocks are Prepared, and the Temple is Finished and Dedicated” (Taken from Primary 5 lesson 44)

Activities:

1. Give all family members gray cards representing foundation stones. Have everyone write or tell something they can do to build the kingdom as they tape their stone on the wall to form a foundation. Tape a picture of the temple to the wall above the foundation. Tell the family that just as the pioneers were the foundation for the church in their time, we are the foundation of the church here and now.

2. Create a Temple book about the Salt Lake Temple. You could include a photo of each child, have (or help) them fill out an “I want to be Married in the Temple some day” page, draw a picture of the Temple, and write down their feelings about the Temple.

3. Ask a family member to leave the room. Hide one of the pictures representing what we need to do to live worthy of the Temple. When they return sing “I love to see the Temple” louder as they get closer to the picture.

4. Chapel Tour: If you can spend time at the church for FHE discuss how a temple and a meeting house are different and how they are the same.
a. Chapel-a gathering place in both buildings
b. Classroom-similar to an ordinance room because it is where we are taught what Heavenly Father wants us to know and do.
c. Baptismal Font-(use a picture if there isn’t one in your building) in a meetinghouse baptisms are preformed for the living; in the temple baptisms are preformed for the dead.
d. Kitchen-in a meetinghouse a place to serve food for ward or stake activities; in some temples there are cafeterias where food is served.
e. Bishop’s office-the bishop is responsible for his ward; each temple has a temple president’s office. The temple president is responsible for the temple and the work done there. If you are there on a night the bishop is there and could discuss Temple Recommends with your family that would be appropriate.
f. Return home or to a designated spot in the church and explain that temples have some other special rooms, such as the celestial room and sealing rooms. (Taken from Sharing Time: A Place of Love and Beauty Friend Jan 2002)

5. Temple Square Scavenger Hunt (If you will be in Salt Lake City)

a. Before the Temple was ever here, the Pioneers lived in fear. From the mobs they had to go, traveling west handcarts in tow. (Pioneers Pulling the Handcart)

b. “Come unto me the Savior Said”, up the circular path you must tread. (Cristus)

c. Up up and away for a bird’s eye view, in memory of Joseph Smith too. Look out the west windows and you will see the place we are sealed for eternity. (Joseph Smith Memorial building view)

d. The top is round if you have found the building that you seek. Hear a pin drop at the top as soon as construction cease (Tabernacle)

e. Looks like glass, ripples like water it shows the place to seal parents to daughter. (Reflecting Pool)

f. Atop four points wings alight, it looks beautiful in the night. (Eagle’s Gate)

g. These blessed birds saved the pioneers, they ate the locust to ease their fears. (Seagull Monument Fountain)

h. Up up and away for a bird’s eye view, in memory of Joseph Smith too. Look out the west windows and you will see the place we are sealed for eternity If you need to wash your hands this is the best place in the land. (Rest Rooms)