By ANGELINE ROWE and STEWART WINDER
FOR THE CHRONICLE
SPRINGFIELD – Peeking out above the trees and tucked into a bend of the McKenzie River is a white spire. And at its base? The recently completed Willamette Valley Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Prior to its scheduled dedication this June, there will be an open house from April 23 to May 9 (excluding Sundays), from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No appointments are needed for the 30-minute walking tour, and admission is free. There is no dress code, and visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably. Photography inside the temple is prohibited.
“Inside the house of the Lord, visitors can expect to come and find peace from the world,” said Sister Dalton, a full-time missionary for the church serving in the area.
Unlike chapels for Sunday worship services, the church operates only a few dozen temples worldwide. Alongside Portland and Medford, the Willamette Valley Temple, at 300 International Way, will be one of only three temples in Oregon.
“Going two hours to the Portland temple wasn’t too big a challenge, but you had to be deliberate. You had to plan for it,” said Dave Willis, communication director for the Springfield stake of the church. “There’s no doubt in my mind it will be a blessing. People have been excited about it. I’m grateful. For some of the workers, not having to travel as much, this is such a blessing, too.”
Parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains are available on-site, and the building is wheelchair accessible.
Following the tour, church representatives will be available to answer questions.
“Once the temple is dedicated, the entrance is reserved for Church members. This open house is a unique opportunity for everyone to tour this sacred house of the Lord and enjoy the beautiful grounds,” according to the Temple’s website.
“Anybody is welcome to come through,” Willis said. “Hopefully, the people who come to walk the grounds will feel something simple and profound all at the same time.”
More info: willamettevalleyoregontemple.org
Rowe and Winder are LDS members and wrote this for The Chronicle.
