Six days ago, the Boston Massachusetts Temple was dedicated. That followed an open house where more than 83,000 people saw the temple. More than 16,000 attended the four sessions of the dedication.
"While every temple is important and offers the same ordinances necessary for eternal life, this dedication was, in many ways, historic. This is the first temple in a city recognized as the birthplace of freedom in what was then the new world and also the early home of many of the first leaders and members of our church."
The dedication of this particular temple seemed to symbolize the coming together of the heritages of this great nation and of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Some of those attending had ties to the Boston area, but most were there because they live there and were rejoicing in having a temple in their midst.
"There were native residents of the area who came, many with their children and grandchildren. Three generations of worthy temple recommend holders."
Joseph Smith, in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, asked the Lord to break off the yoke of the persecutions of that day.
"While challenges still remain, we are seeing the yoke of misunderstanding and prejudice being broken in this era of temple building and open houses."