Introduction to LDS Temples

The typical Mormon temple consists of several rooms in which various ceremonies take place. When a ceremony is finished in one room patrons (Mormon temple atendees) move on to the next room in the order of the ceremonial procedure. The temples are lavishly decorated. It is common to see large crystal chandeliers, oak and gold trim, gold plated picture frames and other objects of high quality craftsmanship throughout an LDS temple.

When an LDS temple is first built it is opened to the public for a short time, usually a week or two. Guided tours are given through certain parts of the temple and LDS missionaries are always on hand to answer any questions that a visitor may have. After the temple is dedicated by LDS General Authorities it is no longer open to public tours. Only worthy members of the LDS Church may go into a temple after being dedicated.

The worthiness of an individual Mormon is determined by their bishop (bishops serve the same general function as a Christian pastor). The individual must go through an interview with their bishop to determine if they are worthy to enter the temple. The interview consists of several questions. Some of the criteria for temple worthiness includes the following:

• Obey the Word of Wisdom
• Full payment of tithes
• Support the current LDS President
• Settling unresolved sin

Upon successfully passing the interview the Mormon receives a temple recommend (See image to left, click for larger view). The temple recommend is an identification card and must be renewed annually by the individual’s bishop. When a faithful Mormon visits the temple they must show their temple recommend to a worker in the lobby before they can enter the temple. One does not go to the temple unless planning to perform one of the various temple ordinances.

The first time a patron (or temple participant) visits the temple they must go through certain initiatory ordinances and the endowment ceremony. Below is a brief description of the initiatory ordinances and the endowment ceremony.

• Washing and Anointing: As the name implies, a patron is symbolically washed and anointed to prepare for the afterlife. Ceremonial blessings are pronounced over various parts of the body.
• Garments and the New Name: Patrons are clothed in the Garments of the Holy Priesthood. These garments vary in design, one-piece or  two-piece, but all have symbols sewn over the breast, navel and right knee. They are to be worn under regular clothing at all times. The new name is given to the patron for use later on in the endowment ceremony. The name is usually a name found in the Bible or the Book of Mormon.
• Endowment Ceremony: The endowment ceremony is a type of melodrama which explains the Mormon view of the creation of the world and the fall of humanity. It was once acted out as a play, but now the story is told by a video in most temples. During the ceremony patrons are taught certain handshakes (known as tokens) and words that will supposedly be needed for admittance into heaven.

After going through the initiatory ordinances and the endowment ceremony, patrons can perform other ceremonies as well. These other ceremonies are described below.

• Temple Marriage: A temple marriage is said to last for time and all eternity, unlike a worldly marriage which ends at death.
• Sealing Children to Parents: Mormonism claims that children must be sealed to their parents in order to be a family in heaven.
• Baptism for the Dead: Baptisms performed by proxy (in place of) those who are dead. Patrons are baptized and confirmed (given the Holy Spirit) using the names of those who are dead.

All of the ceremonies performed in the LDS temples can be done by proxy for those who are already dead. Most faithful temple Mormons spend countless hours researching their family tree. They do this in order to perform temple work for their dead relatives who were not Mormon. They are taught that this will allow the deceased (family or not) to have the opportunity for salvation in the afterlife.