KENSINGTON, Maryland — Thousands have shared the story of the Washington D.C. Temple open house of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week through social media — collectively inviting millions to #ComeandSee the #DCTemple.
“It is amazing what can happen when a medium elevates instead of divides,” said Aaron Sherinian, director of press and digital media for the open house committee. “It is a reminder that, at its best, social media was designed to connect people and things that matter.”
Christina Scotch, director of social media for the temple open house committee, said the social media response to the VIP open house is representative of the anticipation many have for the temple to open. “We are really excited it is here,” she said. “Generally, people love the temple.”
Excitement grew when, on Easter Sunday, CBS television shared an exclusive report with Elder David A. Bednar and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The two senior Church leaders, joined by their wives, Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Kathy Christofferson, talked about the sacredness of temples and invited all to the upcoming public open house. CBS shared the segment on its social media channels; it was viewed more than a half-million times after only a few days on Facebook.
Thousands of individuals left comments and questions after watching the virtual tour. Some shared their own temple experiences. Others asked how they could attend.
A half-century after the temple was originally dedicated, news of the open house spread not only through official Church channels, but also on social media. On media day, one of three open house sessions was dedicated to social media influencers — including Latter-day Saints, community members and those of other faiths.
Below are some of their perspectives they shared on their social media channels.
Got to go inside this place today for a glimpse behind the curtain. @maryam_mcm will show you what the Washington DC Temple aka the Mormon Temple looks like inside and how you can see for yourself. @mymcmedia @washdctemple #dctemple #comeandsee pic.twitter.com/EfQVdw4pJu
— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) April 18, 2022
You may have seen this mysterious castle driving in the DMV area. Now, after nearly 50 years, the public will be able to go inside. A preview of the new renovations at the #DCTemple tonight on @WDVMRandiB pic.twitter.com/MGlaUXRYNz
— Christy Matino (@ChristyMatino) April 18, 2022
DC folks know. I got to tour the #DCTemple of the @Ch_JesusChrist . Looking forward to writing this one up for @tabletmag! pic.twitter.com/rUjCehyO7t
— Maggie Phillips (@maggiemphillips) April 19, 2022
When the #dctemple was renovated, every individual piece of glass was removed, cleaned, and placed back exactly where it came from.
— Deseret Woman (@DeseretWoman) April 19, 2022
In our own conversions, the Lord renovates and restores our hearts. Which piece of glass will you give Him today? pic.twitter.com/0JtwnnPEWo
Read more coverage of the Washington D.C. Temple
- About the Washington D.C. Temple, plus the dedicatory prayer
- Washington D.C. Temple open house extended, rededication date rescheduled
- In exclusive national interview, Elder Bednar calls Washington D.C. Temple ‘a place of light, of peace’
- See photographs of the inside of the Washington D.C. Temple
- Elder Bednar speaks of the Washington D.C. Temple: ‘It is not just about this building’
- What the Church did to restore, refurbish the Washington D.C. Temple and why it matters
- Video: How temple visitors are finding stillness, peace in the nation’s capital
- Video: Elder Bednar asks, why are we surprised by today’s youth
- Elder Bednar writes about the Washington D.C. Temple, answers questions about why it exists
- Reverse Open House Series: How a temple open house inspired visits to other faiths’ sacred sites, events
- What those who visit are saying at the Washington D.C. Temple