Gila Valley Arizona Temple open house

From May of 1995-Oct of 1996 we lived in Safford, AZ., a small town in the eastern part of state. Ken flew forest fires for a avaition company out of the town. While we were there just a short time, it left a big impact on our lives. We made friends with some incredible people, loved the area and stop and visit during our trek to and from Ca. In 2008 it was announced that a temple would be built in the Gila Valley, the area where Safford is. We said we wanted to go and were waiting to hear when the open house would be. The temples are sacred places of worship and after they are dedicated, only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that are worthy may enter. Before they are dedicated the temple is open to the public to come in and anyone can come in and see and learn all about what temples are for. We had hoped that the open house would be when there was a break in the kids school schedule but of course, no such luck. We decided the last weekend in April was the only time we would be able to go. We left Thurs afternoon, drove part way and then arrived Fri. afternoon. We actually went to the open house on Sat. morning. The temple was just beautiful, of course. We loved being able to see everything and are so grateful the temple is there for the people to enjoy and participate in the sacred ordinances. The peace and serenity inside reminds you of how sacred this building is, even before dedication. While it was a quick trip and lots of driving it was definitely worth it.

This is us at the back of the temple

At the front of the temple

The front facade of the temple.