Mormon Secrets
Some people claim that there are “secrets” within Mormon temples because of the unwillingness of faithful Mormons to discuss what goes on within the buildings. While this feeling is understandable, it is grounded in a misunderstanding of the nature of temples; it does not reflect how Mormons actually view the temple. In fact, most Mormons will quickly point out that the temple is not secret. Prior to a temple’s dedication, there are a series of public open houses where anyone can visit the temple and see everything there is to see. It is not uncommon for open houses to draw thousands and thousands of visitors not only from among the faithful, but from those of other faiths who are interested in why Mormons build temples.
If you attend an open house, you would see a beautiful building with thick carpets, beautiful furniture, and ornate fixtures. You would see beautiful artwork, some commissioned exclusively for that particular temple. Mormons believe that a temple, as the house of the Lord, should reflect the very best the people have to offer. Everything is designed to be respectful, reverent, and inspiring.
After the public open houses, a Mormon temple is dedicated to the Lord. The San Diego temple was dedicated in twenty-three ceremonies during the last week of April 1993. During these ceremonies approximately 50,000 faithful Church members gathered together to offer prayers to God and sing praises to the Lord. Gordon B. Hinckley, at the time a member of the Church’s First Presidency, offered the prayers in which the temple was formally dedicated to the Lord.
Once a temple is dedicated, it is “set apart” as a holy place, dedicated to the Lord. Mormons believe that temples are sacred, holy places; they believe that the buildings are literally the house of the Lord. From this point on the temple is open only to those faithful members who meet minimum religious criteria that are in keeping with the sacred nature of temples.
When Church members enter Mormon temples, they make a promise that they will not openly discuss certain aspects of the temple outside of the temple doors, even with other members of the Church. This is not an attempt to hide anything that is being done, but rather an effort to keep what is done in temples sacred and special. While a detailed discussion of what goes on in temples is inappropriate, it is fine to provide general information on Mormon temple activities.