Paris France Temple Dedication – May, 21, 2017
Paris France Temple dedication video
Posted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom on Monday, May 22, 2017
Content from Mormon Newsroom:
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Paris France Temple on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Itβs the first temple in France and the 156th temple in the world.
Prior to the dedication,Β President Eyring conducted the symbolic ceremony that signifies the construction is complete and the new temple is ready for dedication.
Joining President Eyring were ElderΒ Neil L. AndersenΒ of theΒ Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; ElderΒ Larry Y. Wilson, executive director of the Temple Department; ElderΒ Paul V. Johnson, president of the Churchβs Europe Area; andΒ Presiding BishopΒ of the Church,Β GΓ©rald CaussΓ©.
Bishop CaussΓ© explained that the cornerstoneΒ ceremony is part of theΒ consecrationΒ of the temple. Behind the cornerstone is historical documentation, artifacts and testimonies from members of the Church in France. βThese are your testimonies,β said Bishop CaussΓ©. βWhat a beautiful chance to have a temple here.β
Plans to build the temple in Paris were announced by President Thomas S. Monson July 15, 2011.
βThis is like a dream come true,β exclaimed Bishop CaussΓ©, who was born in Bordeaux, France. He has returned many times to oversee the construction of the temple. βWeβve worked closely with the architects to make the temple a beacon in the area,β he said. βThe temple is in full harmony with the surrounding area. We want the temple to be not only a blessing for the members but an asset for the whole community.β
The templeβs exterior is dressed in warm-toned Portuguese limestone reflective of material used on buildings in the region, giving it a sense of nobility and grandeur.
Elder Andersen said, βThe temple is a beautiful example of beautiful architecture tied to the high quality that the French do.β
Prior to the dedication, on May 20, Church leaders enjoyed a performance by more than 1,000 young Latter-day Saints who presented, through song and dance, the history of the Church in France and paid tribute to its pioneers. The cultural celebration, entitled βLet Your Light So Shine,β was held at the France National Velodrome, in the nearby town of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.
President Eyring said, βDedications are a great opportunity for youth to have their faith increased in the blessings that come from a temple. These celebrations, they feature the young people because weβre hoping that it will set their hearts towards the day that they can come to the temple themselves.β
There are currently about 38,000 members of the Church in more than 100 congregations in France, many of them second-, third- and fourth-generation Latter-day Saints.
The first missionary to France arrived in 1849, and a small congregation was organized in 1850. Missionaries are now serving in two missions in the country.
During a three-week open house, more than 47,500 people visited and toured the temple, including clergy, community leaders and residents living near the temple, as well as members of the Church.
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cornerstone
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Cultural Celebration
- Paris Temple Interiors Exteriors
Latter-day Saint temples differ from meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered βhouses of the Lordβ where Jesus Christβs teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. Inside, members learn more about the purpose of life and make covenants to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow man.