President Monson talks about temples at General Conference

Elliot's mission blog includes several posts about temples (here, here, here, and here) because they are such an important part of the message that he is sharing with the people of Oklahoma.  So it was great to hear President Thomas S. Monson talk so much about temples during General Conference this past weekend.

In Saturday's opening session of Conference, President Monson announced that the Church will build three new temples, in Meridian, Idaho, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  With the construction of these new temples, there will be a total of five temples in Idaho (Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Rexburg, and Meridian), two in Colorado (Denver and Fort Collins), and nine in Canada (Cardston, Calgary (under construction), Edmonton, Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, Regina, Vancouver, and Winnipeg).  The Church has created a website with details about the Winnipeg temple.

Then, in the Sunday morning session of Conference, President Monson spoke extensively about temples.  I've included the video of his address below and have updated this post to include text excerpts.  I especially enjoyed his comments about the ongoing construction of a temple in Rome (beginning at about 17:10 of the video and excerpted below).  We have a great new missionary from the Newhall First Ward -- Kyle Hill -- who is currently in the Missionary Training Center in preparation for his mission to Rome.  We'll look forward to reports from him about the temple and the growth of the Church in Italy.

Here are some excerpts from President Monson's address:

During the October general conference in 1902, Church President Joseph F. Smith expressed in his opening address the hope that one day we would “have temples built in the various parts of the [world] where they are needed for the convenience of the people.”

During the first 150 years following the organization of the Church, from 1830 to 1980, 21 temples were built, including the temples in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois. Contrast that with the 30 years since 1980, during which 115 temples were built and dedicated. With the announcement yesterday of 3 new temples, there are additionally 26 temples either under construction or in preconstruction stages. These numbers will continue to grow.

The goal President Joseph F. Smith hoped for in 1902 is becoming a reality. Our desire is to make the temple as accessible as possible to our members.

* * * * *

Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.

* * * * *

Now, my brothers and sisters, may I mention one more temple before I close. In the not-too-distant future as new temples take shape around the world, one will rise in a city which came into being over 2,500 years ago. I speak of the temple which is now being built in Rome, Italy.

Every temple is a house of God, filling the same functions and with identical blessings and ordinances. The Rome Italy Temple, uniquely, is being built in one of the most historic locations in the world, a city where the ancient Apostles Peter and Paul preached the gospel of Christ and where each was martyred.

Last October, as we gathered on a lovely pastoral site in the northeast corner of Rome, it was my opportunity to offer a prayer of dedication as we prepared to break the ground. I felt impressed to call upon Italian senator Lucio Malan and Rome’s vice-mayor Giuseppe Ciardi to be among the first to turn a shovelful of earth. Each had been a part of the decision to allow us to build a temple in their city.

The day was overcast but warm, and although rain threatened, not more than a drop or two fell. As the magnificent choir sang in Italian the beautiful strains of “The Spirit of God,” one felt as though heaven and earth were joined in a glorious hymn of praise and gratitude to Almighty God. Tears could not be restrained.

In a coming day, the faithful in this, the Eternal City, will receive ordinances eternal in nature in a holy house of God.

Enjoy the video of President Monson's address after the jump.  And here's a link to a video of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rome Temple.