Sharing "feelings" of the heart

A Few "Random" Thoughts

Prior to the temple dedication, a cast of 2,400 New York youth gathered at Radio City Music Hall to perform "A Standard to the Nations," a two-hour jubilee performance full of song and dance, which briefly illustrated the history of the Church in New York and recognized the cultural mix there. President Gordon B. Hinckley started the custom of asking young adults to participate in cultural arts programs to celebrate temple dedications as part of his quest to make church more engaging for youth. New York youth kept the tradition going, following the example of members in Alaska, Ghana, and Denmark, who performed before their temples' dedications.5

At the temple dedication, a time capsule was placed in the cornerstone filled with New York memorabilia including a commemorative gold-detailed white satin handkerchief patterned after a handkerchief Joseph Smith commissioned for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. The capsule also contained a copy of the New York Times, a commemorative crystal, a set of LDS scriptures, sheet music, and more.

Temple  History

In a special regional conference held in New York City on March 24, 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley told the attending congregation that he expected a temple to be completed in New York within two years. Less than five months later, the Church's announcement of a temple to be built in Manhattan made good on that promise.1

In a clever adaption, the Church gutted and soundproofed the upper and lower floors of its existing multi-function Manhattan building, located across from the Lincoln Center, to secure a location for the temple in the city. The original building was completed in 1976 during a transition period for the area from rough to ritzy. This multipurpose approach to temple building was first pioneered in Hong Kong where real estate costs are exorbitant.2

In the decade preceding the temple dedication, New York area membership increased dramatically, tripling to 42,000. The rapid growth was largely attributed to immigration and aggressive proselytizing in black and Latino communities.3

Over 53,000 visitors from all walks of life and religious backgrounds attended the 40-minute tour during the monthlong open house.

As I/we reflect on our Mission--which we do DAILY--we say again "how blessed we feel to have been called HERE". Due to the "sacredness" of what we do in the temple each day ( and it does change daily!)--there isn't a lot we can share of what we do on a daily basis. But there have some sweet things that have happened there. Just want to "mention briefly" one or two.
The 6th floor of the Manhattan Temple is the beautiful Sealing floor. It can be accessed either by elevator or by the "marble stair way clothed in gold brocade carpet leading up" off the 5th floor where the Ordinance rooms ( there are 2--but both are used together during the session). are found--as well as the small chapel room and Celestial room  ( and the dressing rooms and Initiatory room.)
If you go to the 6th floor via elevator, as you exit the elevator you can see the "grand hallway"-- an open space lined with beautiful artwork, benches and chairs all leading to a beautiful (bigger than life-size) portrait of the Savior. He seems to be "beckoning" you to "come unto Him". It is indescribable the feelings it evokes!! This area is perfect for meditation and spiritual renewal. As you go past the portrait then you enter the area of the 2 Sealing rooms. Often one of the "assignments" of the day is to be a "SP" (sealing patron) to help with cards/names that people have brought to the temple for sealing work. The Wednesday after General Conference (April 6th) I had the SP assignment on my schedule, so I came up to the Sealing floor to see if I was needed. I walked up the stairs, and checking the rooms, found I was alone on the floor.  So I returned to the area where the Savior's portrait hangs and stopped to look at it. As I began to make my way back to the stairs I was "overcome" by such a sweet feeling of warmth and peace--almost as if someone was hugging me!! I
burst into tears and looking again at this portrait--I got a "message to my heart" that told me the Lord is truly in the details of my life and mindful of those things I had been praying about. I sat down to "take it all in" and after a few brief minutes--heard people on the stairs and was "brought back" to my duties for the day. I wished it could have lasted longer--yet felt such peace and comfort all around me nonetheless!!

The picture on Sealing floor by Harry Anderson (but I didn't "take a picture of it there--(in case you were wondering)

On another occasion, I was helping in the Initiatory area, and this particular patron was doing some "family names" that either she or her son had researched. Part way through the work, this patron started to weep and the weeping gave way to huge " alligator tears" as the Spirit grew stronger and we all felt "Angels around us"! Again, I felt the "sweet peace" the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings and silently gave thanks for being here on this mission. It is a real joy to serve 5 out of 7 days each week in the Temple.

Elder Mumford and I don't usually work "side by side" but we see each other often and on occasion get to fulfill an assignment together. Those times are " absolutely the BEST"!!

Another beautiful area of the temple is just inside the entrance door, by the Recommend Desk. First of all, the "noise" of busy New York literally "vanishes" as you come through that door!! Great effort went into " sound proofing" the Temple into the sanctuary that it is. It is amazing!! Then as you approach the Recommend desk--just beyond the desk is a stained glass "wall" of the Savior and 2 of his Apostles on the Road to Emmaus. STUNNING!! It is "backlit" to really standout--and it does!! Such lovely touches to enhance the already "perfect place" that the Temple is. Love it!! (I tried to find a picture of this stained glass wall--but nothing has been available) Guess you'll have to come visit and "see" for yourself??!!