Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Latter-day Saint temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses or chapels where members meet for Sunday worship services. Temples are considered "houses of the Lord" where Christ's teachings are reaffirmed through marriage, baptism and other ordinances that unite families for eternity. In the temple, Church members learn more about the purpose of life and strengthen their commitment to serve Jesus Christ and their fellow man.

What kind of name is “Oquirrh” for a temple? Pronounced “o-kerr,” it is a Ute Indian word for “Shining Mountain.” Located on the far west side of the Salt Lake Valley, it is the Church’s newest temple. And we have been there already!

Public tours of the new temple will be held in June and July. We went on May 17th ! We went with the Public Affairs department where I serve. Even better, we got to bring our families. I had six beautiful granddaughters as guests, plus Mike & Shannon and Carol. And, of course, “Elder Skalla,” as Dean is known these days. Also tagging along was Emily’s young man—Taylor. I couldn’t help but wonder why she was so interested in the lovely bride’s room . . .


LDS temples are pretty special to us. That’s where families are sealed to each other “for time and all eternity.” Also it is where we go—when we are ready—to learn more about the purpose of life and to strengthen our commitment to serve Jesus Christ and our fellow man. As you probably know, Mormons do all that family history (genealogy) work so that after we have identified who our ancestors are, we can invite them, by proxy, to be part of that eternal family line.

We are looking forward to our first grandchild’s wedding in early August.  Jenn, Randy and Julie’s daughter, will marry Greg Hall of Snowflake, AZ, in the Salt Lake Temple. What if Dean and I had been called to Timbuktu on our mission? We’d have missed this very special wedding!