REXBURG, Idaho — Addressing students at BYU-Idaho April 4, Elder Harold G. Hillam, an Emeritus General Authority, spoke about the importance of the temple. "I'd like to share with you some of the things we've learned," said Elder Hillam, who is currently serving as president of the Boise Idaho Temple. "One is the principle of worshiping in the temple."
He further explained his excitement for a temple to be built in Rexburg. "Now, how wonderful it is, as we drove here, and we saw being constructed this beautiful, beautiful temple so very close to the campus. What a blessing that is going to be for each one of you who are here when that temple is finished," Elder Hillam reminded students.
He taught the importance of symbols in life and specifically the temple. "The symbols that we have now in the Church testify of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. As those before Jesus Christ offered burnt offerings, now comes the time when we symbolically remember Jesus Christ.
"We have symbols. They are all around us. The Lord uses experiences and objects to teach us deep, spiritual concepts. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus Christ. Death, burial, resurrection, it's all symbolic," he said.
Speaking of the temple growth in the Church, Elder Hillam said, "Idaho right now has two temples, one in Idaho Falls and one in Boise. We will soon double the number of temples in this beautiful state of Idaho." (Construction on the Twins Falls Idaho Temple will soon begin; construction is ongoing for the Rexburg Idaho Temple.)