At every temple dedication energy abounds.  The Saints are full of joy and gratitude.  This is an event that, for many, only happens once in their lifetime and much preparation has gone into coming to the dedication.  Many are fasting.  Others have done a series of family home evenings to prepare them and their children for that which they will experience.  All seem to come with a prayer in their hearts that they will be worthy to feel the Spirit of the Lord in rich abundance.  It is indeed a time of rejoicing.

In this part of the essay some parts of President Hinckley’s Saturday evening address to the youth at Radio City Music Hall will be noted.  He read much of his talk right out of his journal recorded as he visited New York City two years ago.

click photos to enlarge

The Green Ticket Team Ushers (as I called them) were friendly, efficient and kind to us.

How was the temple made to be so quiet?  The temple is built as a building within a building with 12 inches of dense insulation between them.  They are not attached to each other except at the floor and ceiling.  The cracks in the corner have a special caulking,  Instead of attaching the wall to the metal studs, they are attached to insulating boards between the metal studs. 

This brother’s first name was Malcolm and he was so helpful to everyone.

You can’t hear the taxi cabs on Broadway or the clamor and cacophony of New York when you are inside.  When you go to the temple, you have complete peace and serenity.

Friendliness and patience and courtesy were the hallmarks of the ushers at the temple dedication.

We asked if the temple reflects its New York environment.  The mural in the first ordinance room may be upstate New York.  Some say the hardware on the doors is the torch from the Statue of Liberty.  Others say it is the torch of the Young Women.

Sister Coleen Menlove (right), General Primary President and husband Dean (left) talk to attendees of the dedication.

The grand hallway with its arches has to be unique to this temple.  What also makes this temple unique is its accessibility with a subway stop close by.  Since many members in Manhattan don’t have a car, it was important to create a temple in a location that allowed easy, inexpensive access. 

Bags were lovingly checked and tickets examined as the ushers brought the Saints efficiently into the temple.

President Hinckley read from his journal dated March 23, 2002 recounting the story of how two years ago he came to New York expressly to look for how to bring a temple to the Saints here.  For six long years, he noted, the Church has been trying to build a temple in Harrison [New York] but one obstacle after another has arisen.  The Church has sought permission, but as yet they have failed. “The neighbors simply do not want it,” he said.

Gary Schwab, left, and associates help patrons as they prepare to enter the temple.

Click here to go to Part 5:  The Gathering of the Saints (continued)