March 22, 2001--
The 104th temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now open for public tour.
Religion Specialist Carole Mikita has a preview.
It's called the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple. Ground was broken for it in late November of 1999.
The temple is located in the historic pioneer town of Florence, adjacent to the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery. Most of the estimated 600 Latter-day Saints buried there died of exposure and hunger during the winter of 1846 - 1847.
The exterior is a white granite. And as with other church temples around the world, the interior includes the flavor of the area.
Those taking tours, which will begin next Friday, the 30th, will see handcrafted period-style furniture, 18 stained glass windows, some depicting historic sites and events.
There is also a handmade quilt of authentic period design.
The Winter Quarters temple will serve more than 35,000 church members living in Nebraska, Iowa and parts of South Dakota, Kansas and Missouri. The open house will continue through April 14th.
There will be a public cornerstone ceremony on Sunday, April 22nd before the dedication.
This is another of the historic temples, like Nauvoo, Palmyra, and Boston that are important to church members whose ancestors have a connection to those areas.
