Temple Update

Regina Saskatchewan Temple Groundbreaking

“Take this message of an eternal family to others who may live next door,” said Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the Seventy, President of the North America Central Area, at groundbreaking ceremonies held 14 November 1998 for the Regina Saskatchewan Temple in Canada.

About 480 people gathered in a nearby meetinghouse for a 90-minute groundbreaking service before attending the shovel ceremony outside in the cold. Elder Pinnock said that about half of the 3.2-acre site would house the temple and that a meetinghouse would eventually be built adjacent to the temple. Also in attendance at the groundbreaking was Area Authority Seventy Blair S. Bennett, who said: “We understand the importance of a family, and in the temples of our God we are able to forge those family bonds that will span the eternities.”

In his prayer, Elder Pinnock said: “We ask Thy blessings on all present and all who will enter that they might appreciate the mission of the temple and what it means.”

During the groundbreaking ceremony, a 30-voice stake Young Women choir sang “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Hymns, no. 300). When the temple is completed, it will serve members living in the Saskatoon Saskatchewan Stake and in some branches of the Canada Winnipeg Mission.

Temple President Called

Merrill Dean Briggs of the Sterling Ward, Soldotna Alaska Stake, has been called as president of the new Anchorage Alaska Temple. His wife, Janet Jensen Briggs, will serve as temple matron.

Church leaders participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Regina Saskatchewan Temple. (Photo courtesy of Yves Noblet.)