Homely Temple in Cody

[huckelberry]

When I left the church, there had been talk about building stake center sized temples everywhere so that they would be more accessible to members.

When I was active the nearest temple was about 600 miles away so no youth group outings to temple and for everybody going was quite infrequent. That of course has changed. There are temples much closer. I gather people are supposed to go frequently which strikes me as strange. Do people find this a good thing or just another burden?

[Res Ipsa]

I don’t know. The closest temple to Bellingham, where I grew up, was Oakland. We did a youth trip there too do baptisms one summer. It was only once, but that and the distance made it memorable. I wonder if the experience would be much less memorable if there was a temple every 100 miles.

[yellowstone123]

When I left the church, there had been talk about building stake center sized temples everywhere so that they would be more accessible to members.

When I was active the nearest temple was about 600 miles away so no youth group outings to temple and for everybody going was quite infrequent. That of course has changed. There are temples much closer. I gather people are supposed to go frequently which strikes me as strange. Do people find this a good thing or just another burden?

Some people may think — as they get older — that this is a blessing in disguise: fewer intrusive interviews for teenagers, which often means less lying just to fit in and be part of a group that can sometimes be abusive itself — a double whammy.

[malkie]

Strictly speaking, there may be no need for a separate building designed as a "Temple" for the performance of "temple" ordinances.

Endowment House Locale
Once located on the northwest corner of the temple block in Salt Lake City, the Endowment House served as a temporary temple for Church members in Utah Territory from 1855–1889 during construction of the Salt Lake Temple. The two-story adobe structure was razed in 1889, four years prior to the completion of the Salt Lake Temple.

Endowment House Facts
Prior to the construction of the Endowment House, temple ordinances were being given on a regular basis in Salt Lake beginning in February 1851. This was done in a variety of locations including Brigham Young's office, the Council House, and the top of Ensign Peak.

Endowment House

[Kishkumen]

Dr. Peterson responds:

But I can’t share the pity that some people responding to the first critical post claimed to feel for the poor residents of Cody, who will be forced to gaze upon this “eyesore.” It’s not that bad, and — I haven’t been to Cody for several years, and I was there only briefly during my most recent visit — but it could well be that the new temple will be the most beautiful building in Cody. I gave no particular attention to the quality of the town’s architecture when I was last there, and I don’t remember anything about it, which may well be a salient fact.

Not that bad . . .

Why should it be bad at all? I mean, this is the Kingdom of God we are talking about, right? And I am not being sarcastic. I really do not understand why mediocrity is acceptable as an offering in the Kingdom of God. It is one thing to seek forgiveness and forgive ourselves when we fall short of the glory, but, given all of the resources the LDS Church has, and its demonstrable commitment to the concept of a substantive Kingdom of God, why does Cody, Wyoming get this? It doesn't rate? Third-rate House of the Lord in Cody?

I find the whole thing somewhat baffling. It used to be the case that I expected the LDS Church to buck the trends when it came to worldly values, but, let me be very clear, corporate mediocrity IS a worldly value, and it is one that the LDS Church is mired in. For all the Church does well, its record in building is spotty at best. I am afraid I have to agree with Doctor Scratch on this one--the criticism of McTemples lands. Mass production is the value, because this is an organization that prioritizes numbers, big numbers. And I am not sure that this is really consistent with the values I read about in the scriptures.

Some critics of the Church, I’ve noticed over the years, like to dismiss every one of its temples as a tacky monstrosity, an eyesore, comparable to a Taco Bell franchise, and etc. and etc. I don’t really see why rejection of the Church’s doctrines and historical claims should necessarily entail contempt for the architecture of the temples it erects, but, for some at least, it does. Not everybody shares such aesthetic judgments, though.

I don't see why acceptance of the Church's doctrines and historical claims should entail accepting mediocrity in what should be the most sacred of physical offerings the Church can make, to create a House of the Lord. To offer its VERY BEST to the most holy Father of All!!!

And, for the record, I do not "dismiss every one of its temples as a tack monstrosity." I love the temple. I mean it. I hold my experience in the temple sacred, and I do not seek to profane it. For me, this is about my positive feelings about the temple and its ordinances, not about slagging just to slag. That is not something I would do in regards to a House of the Lord. Some of these structures are worthy of that designation because of the thought, care, sacrifice, and beauty in them. Some will be made a House of the Lord by the sacred ordinances and experiences occurring therein. I am confident that one way or another, every temple will be a House of the Lord. That does not really excuse the deplorable trend toward mediocrity here, in any case.

[Gadianton]

but it could well be that the new temple will be the most beautiful building in Cody

I really don't understand why his contempt for the people of Cody for opposing the temple should necessarily entail contempt for the architecture of their homes.

[I Have Questions]

Is there any reason why a Latter-day Saint temple cannot be both of a high quality in design and materials, and also in keeping with its surroundings and location? Is there a reason that they cannot be built in keeping with the local style of architecture?

[I Have Questions]

but it could well be that the new temple will be the most beautiful building in Cody

I really don't understand why his contempt for the people of Cody for opposing the temple should necessarily entail contempt for the architecture of their homes.

One assumes Dan lives in an offering from Frank Lloyd Wright or Sir Christopher Wren?

[Kishkumen]

Is there any reason why a Latter-day Saint temple cannot be both of a high quality in design and materials, and also in keeping with its surroundings and location? Is there a reason that they cannot be built in keeping with the local style of architecture?

Indeed. I wholeheartedly agree with you.

[Kishkumen]

but it could well be that the new temple will be the most beautiful building in Cody

I really don't understand why his contempt for the people of Cody for opposing the temple should necessarily entail contempt for the architecture of their homes.

I remember once Dr. Peterson complimented me in comparison with the rest of this board by calling me “the tallest building in Tooele.” Says so much, really.

Mind you, I am not turning down a compliment, but it was a backhanded one, in my opinion.

I wish Dr. P. the best. I enjoy our interactions, and, at the same time, there is a familiar, easy elitism in his ways. It goes hand in hand with the hero worship. There are big people and little people in this world, and it is important for some folk to defend the good name of heroes. I have no problem with it. I simply observe and describe what I observe.