The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints added two temples to its number of temples in operation on Sunday, October 8: The McAllen Texas Temple and the Feather River California Temple in Yuba City.
McAllen Texas Temple
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the McAllen Texas Temple—the Church’s 183rd temple—on October 8. …
Its design features Spanish colonial architecture and citrus blossoms, a nod to the area’s climate that nurtures some of the nation’s sweetest oranges and grapefruits, locals say. Additionally, blue colors used in the design connect to both bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
Located just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the temple is a symbol of unity and connection in a border town divided by literal and figurative walls.
“In a world with a lot of walls, we need to continue to build bridges,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “The temple is a beautiful symbol for that peaceful effort, and it will radiate throughout the community here … and it will spread out all across the world.”
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Feather River California Temple
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Feather River Temple—the Church’s 184th operating temple—in two sessions on Sunday, October 8, five years and one day since it was announced in 2018.
“The dedication of this and all the other temples testifies that God has a divine vision and plan for His sons and daughters from all generations,” Elder Soares said. “It is indeed evidence of the divinity of His true gospel. This temple stands as a beacon in this area.” …
Few looked forward to the dedication of the Feather River Temple as much as Virgil Atkinson.
After leading many friends from the community through the temple during the open house, Atkinson said he awoke Sunday at 5 a.m. to arrive at the temple for sunrise and be the first in line.
“This is an important day, a special day,” said Atkinson, who has lived in Yuba City for nearly 70 years. “I’m going to take it all in. I want to treasure this day. We have worked really hard to prepare for this and here it is. I wanted to make sure this day was a very special day and it has been.”
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You can read more about each temple dedication on Church Newsroom.