Temple Trip

Last Saturday we had a Primary Activity where we took all the kids on a tour of the Temple grounds. We meant to have the Sister missionaries do the tour for us, but they were booked, so we had to do it ourselves. Luckily we were able to find the notes from my last ward when they had done this activity (thanks a MILLION Genine. You saved us.), so we did the tour ourselves. Families were invited and then afterward we went over to the park to have lunch. It was such a neat experience to walk around the grounds with the kids and talk about some of the symbolism of the Temple. The whole tour was very hands on. The kids got to walk up and down the steps, count the trees, touch the temple, and even try to "tear apart" the family statue. We had a really good turn out and I think all the kids really enjoyed it.

Here are some pictures from the event (I had the younger kids). And below that, are the notes from our tour. It was so cool to realize how much thought and preparation goes into building each and every temple. I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids, if not more.

The Los Angeles Temple is 257 feet high and was the first temple built in California. For a short time it was the largest Temple, but was surpassed in size by the Salt Lake City Temple when the annex was added. But it can accommodate 300 people per session.

There are now 7 Temples in California.

The temple is 190,614 square feet and is on 13 acres of land.

The land was purchased from the Harold Lloyd Motion Picture Company (which was a silent film making company) on March 23, 1937. Because of The Depression and WWII, construction did not begin until September 22, 1951. That is 14 YEARS later.

It was dedicated March 11-14, 1956 by President David O. McKay

TOUR

Fountains

The fountains at the front sides of the Temple represent the waters of the Living God. The other one is to symbolize baptism by immersion and is the first ordinance we take to be able to go into the temple.

Flags

Who can find the flags on the temple grounds? Why do you suppose they are there? The flags represent that as members of the church we obey the laws of the land in which we live.

Steps

Count the steps to the entrance of the temple. There are five of them. The first step is Faith, second repentance, third baptism, fourth the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the fifth represents enduring to the end.

Doors

What does it say above the doors to the temple? Holiness to the Lord. What does that mean?

Trees

Count the trees that line the sidewalk way. There are 12 of them. They are Olive trees and they represent the 12 tribes of Israel. They were flown in from Jerusalem.

Baptismal Font

The doors to the baptistry is on the west side of the temple and are below ground to represent being born again after you are baptized. Talk about baptism by immersion.

Marriage

After you get married you come out of the doors in the back (north side) of the temple. No real significance. Mostly informational. And for crowd control to keep the front of the temple more peaceful and reverent.

Family Statue

The statue represents our belief that families that are sealed in the temple can not be torn apart as long as every member stays faithful. Have the kids try to pull the family apart by yanking on different arms.

Angel Moroni

The angel on top is 15 1/2 feet tall. When it was originally placed on top of the temple in October of 1954, it was facing southeast. President McKay came to visit the temple and informed the architect that it was in the wrong position, so they moved it to face due east. It is one of only 5 Angel Moroni’s who is holding the gold plates. He is also wearing clothes similar to the Nephites, instead of people from Israel. It is placed on top of the temple to call in the last dispensation and the coming of Christ.

Cornerstone

The cornerstone of the temple is the first stone laid when construction begins. It helps give the temple a solid foundation. It is on the east side of the temple. Let the children touch it.

"As we touch the temple, the temple touches us." - President Monson