During the opening session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference this morning President Thomas S. Monson announced plans to build five new temples, ranging from Utah and Wyoming to Africa and South America.
"The building of temples continues uninterrupted, brothers and sisters. Today it is my privilege to announce several new temples," President Monson said.
He announced that the Provo Utah Tabernacle, which was heavily damaged by fire last December, will be rebuilt to function as a temple, giving that city two temples. He noted that the Provo temple is among the busiest in the Church.
Other temples will be built in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Durban, South Africa; Barranquilla, Colombia and Star Valley, Wyoming. President Monson said plans are proceeding to build a temple in Paris France.
President Monson said that no Church-built facility is more important than a temple. "Temples are places where relationships are sealed together to last through the eternities. We are grateful for all the many temples across the world and for the blessing they are in the lives of our members. President Monson said details of the temples will be provided in the future as site and other necessary approvals are obtained.
President Monson, who said that this conference marks 48 years since he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve by President David O. McKay, spoke of some of the events that have taken place since last April's general conference.
"One of the highlights during that period was the opportunity I had to rededicate the Atlanta Georgia Temple on May 1st," he said. "I was accompanied by Elder and Sister Russell M. Ballard, Elder and Sister Walter F. Gonzalez and Elder and Sister William R. Walker.
"During the cultural celebration entitled 'Southern Lights,' held the evening prior to the rededication, we watched 2,700 young men and young women from throughout the temple district perform. It was one of the most outstanding programs I have seen and had the audience on its feet several times for standing ovations.
"The following day the temple was rededicated in two sessions where the Spirit of the Lord was in rich abundance.
"During the latter part of August, President Henry B. Eyring dedicated the San Salvador El Salvador Temple. He was accompanied by Sister Eyring and by Elder and Sister D. Todd Christofferson, Elder and Sister William R. Walker and Sister Silvia Allred of the Relief Society General Presidency and her husband Jeffry. President Eyring reported that it was a most spiritual event.
"In the latter part of this year President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Sister Uchtdorf will travel with other General Authorities to Quezaltenango, Guatemala, where he will dedicate our temple there."
President Monson said he has mentioned in previous conferences the progress in placing temples closer to our members. "Although they are readily available to many members in the Church, there are still ares of the world where temples are so distant from our members that they cannot afford the travel required to get to them," President Monson said. "They are thus unable to partake of the sacred and eternal blessings temples provide. To help in this regard, we have available what is called the General Patron Assistance Fund. This fund provides a one-time visit to the temple for those who otherwise would not be able to go to the temple and yet who long desperately for that opportunity. Any who might wish to contribute to this fund can simply write in the information on the normal contribution slip which is given to the bishop each month."
President Monson concluded his opening message, saying, "Now, brothers and sisters, it is my prayer that we may be filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we listen to the messages today ad tomorrow and learn those things the Lord would have us know."
