Guarding the Temple

20 March 2016
In celebration of the dedication of the Provo City Center Temple today.

"LET THE MOUNTAINS SHOUT FOR JOY!  LET THE VALLEY SING"

Guarding the Temple

The Fresno Temple was dedicated on a beautiful spring day in April 2000, but during the cold winter months preceding, as it neared completion, the builders took down the construction fence in order to finish the exterior walls and erect the decorative enclosure. During the several weeks it would take for the decorative fence around the temple to be assembled and completed, the construction site would be vulnerable to intruders, and Roger Lambert, who was a member of the Stake High Council, was assigned to organize protection for the area during the night hours. 

A man was to be stationed in the parking lot between the Stake Center and the temple from evening until morning, and the men signed up for shifts of 2-3 hours throughout the night. If any man’s replacement didn’t show up for the assigned shift, Roger received a phone call from the person on duty and would go over to guard the temple himself. The men sat in their cars with their heaters running or wrapped in blankets or coats to keep warm.  Roger would listen to the radio to help keep himself awake.  These men guarded the temple to prevent destructive acts that could delay the blessings from the Lord anticipated by the Saints in the area.  The men of the priesthood made sure the temple was never left unprotected.

It gave me a good feeling to think about the priesthood brethren guarding the temple.  This showed me that these priesthood bearers loved God and respected His house.  It was the same feeling I got when my father stood with the men of Aspermont, Texas, watching the sky during a tornado alert. 

Roger remembers attending the dedication of the Los Angeles Temple when he was a boy and we have witnessed many temple dedications since.  They are always a time for great rejoicing.  

President Monson has said:

The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.

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.

APRIL 2011 | The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World