Perspective: Reflections on a memorable tour of the Washington D.C. Temple

In Kensington, Maryland, off the Capital Beltway, by a winding residential neighborhood, nestled on the finish of a wooded space is a fastidiously manicured religious oasis, a pinnacle of sunshine that attracts curiosity, evokes curiosity and radiates promise. It’s the Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which I just lately had the chance to tour.   

The greeters had been very gracious, pleasant and hospitable. I toured on a wet day, when cover coated walkways, umbrellas and escorts had been in every single place. The agenda, logistics and guided tour appeared like a well-choreographed ballet, with out glitches, stumbles or errors. Our tour was led by Elder David A. Bednar, the consummate trainer and facilitator who engaged us with historical past and tales, together with Elder Randall Bennett.    

Earlier than the tour, every individual noticed a video on the historical past and function of the church. The video message by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, wherein his eyes effectively up as he talks about heaven and says he can’t think about heaven with out his household, made my eyes effectively up as effectively and allowed me to think about heaven a bit of in another way. Extra importantly, it challenged me to consider the work I nonetheless have to do on Earth to see my household in heaven.

The design and particulars of the seven-level edifice are appointed with ecclesiastical excellence. The comfortable tones of blue, gold, yellow and sand evoke a way of calm. Each room is impeccable, pristine and immaculate which expresses the specialness and sacredness of the temple. From the gorgeous crystal chandeliers, Corinthian molding, plush carpet and granite flooring, the best assets and workmanship had been introduced collectively to supply a celestial expression to God and every one who enters. The temple feels particular, and you are feeling particular in it.  

I beheld the great thing about the art work, which conjured emotions of peace, pleasure and unity. The art work is an array of variety depictions, the place Jesus embraces individuals of each shade and hue. Some art work was offered in lovely baroque framing, whereas different items wanted no framing due to their breathtaking magnificence.

Within the sealing room, the place marriages are carried out, there was simplicity: an altar centered within the room and flanked by chairs for witnesses. Reinforcing the symbolism of the everlasting bond was an infinity mirror on either side of the wall, completely reflecting endlessness.

The nice revelation for me was the proxy baptism for deceased ancestors, whereby a member of the family may be baptized on behalf of a deceased member who was not baptized earlier than dying. 

This precept made loads of sense to me, as a result of when my father died, I heard his sister say, “I don’t suppose he went to church or was baptized,” and I questioned. 

I questioned as a result of though I didn’t develop up with my father, I by no means knew him to go to church, seek advice from God and even pray. I believed he was a superb man, who, like all of us, was flawed and tried to work issues out on life’s journey. I believed he did the very best he may as a person and father or mother.  My recollections of him are loving. But, the phrases from my aunt have haunted my soul. I’ve questioned if I might see my father once more. After greater than 30 years, the proxy baptism for deceased ancestors helped me reconcile the unrest I carried for many years.

Whereas the grandeur of the temple could also be a cultural norm for Latter-day Saints, for me it was an imposing expertise which impressed me spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. My solely comparative expertise is once I visited the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy, the place I noticed Michelangelo’s statue of David and all I may do was stare as tears rolled from my eyes.     

When leaving the temple, I spotted that I didn’t hear a speech, speak or sermon, but I left impressed. There was no prayer or choir, but I felt peace. To the renovation visionaries — thanks for being a vessel of the Lord and making a particular house that invitations us to stroll nearer to God. On this temple, there may be an apparent presence that has nothing to do with the superbly curated rooms and has every part to do with the holiness of God. 

The Rev. Theresa A. Expensive is a nationwide board member of the NAACP and a Deseret Information contributor.