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MANTI — The Manti Utah Temple was rededicated on Sunday by President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"We build temples to honor the Lord. ... They are built for worship and not for show. We make sacred covenants of eternal significance inside these sacred walls," he said.
President Nelson's parents are from Ephraim and Manti, and his pioneer ancestors helped settle Sanpete County.
"We rejoice in this renewed temple," he said. "And we cherish the blessings that come from obedience to the solemn promises made here."
In the dedicatory prayer, President Nelson expressed gratitude for Jesus Christ, and for the possibility of spending eternal life with families because of his Atonement.
"We rededicate this magnificent temple to thee from its foundation to its towers. We rededicate each room for its intended and sacred purpose," President Nelson said.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said his family history is also connected with the Manti temple.
"By divine design, the Manti Utah Temple is built on sacred land and has been consecrated by those who for more than a century have faithfully made and kept sacred covenants," he said.
Both President Nelson and Elder Rasband were accompanied by their wives at the rededication ceremony. Elder Kevin W. Pearson, president of the Utah area of the church, and Elder Kevin R. Duncan, executive director of the church's temple department, also attended with their wives.
The Manti Utah Temple was originally dedicated in 1888, and was rededicated in 1985 after extensive renovations. It closed about two and a half years ago for renovations.
An open house for the temple was held before the dedication to allow the public to see the building.
The dedication for the Manti Utah Temple was held in the evening and in only one session, which is different from other recent dedications in Utah. Weekly church meetings in congregations within the temple district were held as normal.
