SNOWFLAKE, Ariz. — On top of what has become known as "Temple Hill," Church members here gathered Sept. 23 in fulfillment of years of fasting and prayers to attend the groundbreaking of the Snowflake Arizona Temple.
President Stephen Reidhead of the Snowflake Arizona Stake told the congregation about the early pioneers who settled the area, dreaming that one day a temple would be built there.
The temple district includes Arizona stakes in Snowflake, Taylor, Eagar, St. Johns, Pinetop/Lakeside, Show Low, Flagstaff, Tuba City and Chinle. "Although it is located in Snowflake, it is everyone's temple in the district," President Reidhead said.
Elder Rex D. Pinegar of the Seventy presided at the ceremony, calling the temple the most sacred place on earth. Elder Pinegar encouraged the members to break old feelings that draw them apart and gather together in the temple where there are no differences.
President Norris Baldwin of the Taylor Arizona Stake told members to become worthy to attend the temple. The gospel of Jesus Christ leads to brotherhood and sisterhood, he said. "If you want to love God you must love other people."
Tiffany Nez, a youth speaker from the Snowflake 9th Ward, Snowflake Arizona Stake, said that only by entering the doors of the temple can one have all of Heavenly Father's blessings. Chris Reed, a youth speaker from the Taylor 4th Ward, Taylor Arizona Stake, shared his feelings about the temple.
A joint Snowflake and Taylor Stake choir under the direction of Eugene Webb provided music. Frank Gilmore, Tuba City Stake president, gave the closing prayer in his native tongue, Navajo.
