LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Ashley Hall is still receiving feedback from a tour he arranged in December 1989.It was an exciting — and busy — time for Hall, a southern Nevada native who was not only working as the city manager but serving as media chairman and supervisor of ushers for the open house of the newly completed LDS temple.He was also a chaplain in the Nevada Army National Guard at the time, and when a corps of his associates from 17 Western states convened in Las Vegas for an annual conference, it was an opportune time for Hall, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to share more about his religion. He invited his fellow chaplains to the open house, and although a few declined, they traveled to the temple "by the busloads," Hall said. There, the chaplains participated in both a tour and a question-and-answer session with the temple president."They were absolutely spellbound," Hall said.Although he retired from his military duties after 35 years in 2000, Hall is often reminded of the experience by his former colleagues. The words of one chaplain, in particular, still resonate."That was really a wonderful experience," Hall was told. "My whole perception of Mormons has changed."That chaplain isn't the only person who's been affected by the Las Vegas Temple. Now in its 20th year of operation, the six-spire structure with copper roofing at the base of Sunrise Mountain overlooks a valley rich in Mormon history and influence. And for nearly two decades, the temple has been enriching the lives of church members living in Las Vegas, a place where the city's image often belies its strong LDS community.Like Hall, Jay Bingham is a southern Nevada native for whom Las Vegas — and its temple — have been environments that foster faith."They call this city the city of lights, but the brightest light is on the mountain over there," said Bingham, recently released president of the Tule Springs Stake. "As long as you put that in your life, this is a great city."
More than 134 years before the temple's dedication, Latter-day Saints entered this desert valley and established a mission near the Las Vegas springs.The 30-member group, led by William Bringhurst, is credited with building the first nonnative settlement in Las Vegas. Although they were recalled to Salt Lake City two years later, the Mormons returned to southern Nevada later that century, building communities in the Muddy River area north of Las Vegas. In 1912, the Moapa Stake was formed, incorporating towns such as Mesquite, Overton, Alamo and Panaca, Nev.Just 12 years later, the first Las Vegas Ward was organized. Today, the church in southern Nevada comprises 200 wards, six branches and 22 stakes that serve approximately 100,000 members.Latter-day Saints in the area say Las Vegas offers a good quality of life. Hall, who grew up in Panaca and saw all five of his children married in the Las Vegas Temple, said the area is ideal for professionals."It's one of the best working environments you can find," he said.Larry Rickertsen moved to Las Vegas in 1997 from Maryland and found what he calls a "wonderful community" and a "dynamic place.""There's so many talented people, wonderful people here," said Rickertsen, first counselor in the Henderson Nevada Anthem Stake presidency. "This is just a wonderful part of the country for me to be in."
On April 7, 1984, the Saints in Las Vegas received word that a temple would be built here. Ground was broken on Nov. 30, 1985."When the announcement came, it was remarkable," said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the U.S. Senate majority leader and Searchlight, Nev., native who joined the church around 1960.Elder James B. Gibson, a Las Vegas native who is both an area authority in the LDS Church and the mayor of Henderson, Nev., witnessed through his family what a temple meant to the members who helped grow the church in southern Nevada. Elder Gibson's father, who served as a stake president and regional representative in Las Vegas, passed away in 1988, one year before the temple was dedicated. Elder Gibson, however, was able to visit the temple construction site with his father before he died."It was an amazing experience, to be able to have someone who had been a longtime community and a church leader here. It was the fulfillment of his dream and all the pioneer church leaders here," said Elder Gibson, who went on to witness six of his children sealed in the Las Vegas Temple.The temple was dedicated Dec. 16-18, 1989, in 11 dedicatory sessions. It now serves 19 southern Nevada stakes, two Arizona stakes and one California stake.Rickertsen, a physicist, traveled extensively before moving to southern Nevada and often visited temples while away on business. At the Las Vegas Temple, however, he felt a unique spirit as he observed older families worshipping together."Everyone was really friendly," Rickertsen said.Boyad M. Tanner served as the temple's first president from 1989-92. Originally from Kirtland, N.M., Tanner settled in Las Vegas in 1963 and describes the LDS community in southern Nevada as having great compassion and camaraderie. Tanner witnessed a deepening of unity among the members when the temple opened."There just seemed to be an influx of a new desire to do things that the Lord wants you to do," Tanner said. "It was tremendous."
Over the years, Tanner has made other observations about temple attendance — one of which concerns the National Finals Rodeo, which is held annually in Las Vegas."You would not believe the number of cowboys from that rodeo who had temple recommends and came to the temple," Tanner said.The seasonal increase in cowboy boots is a reflection of the area's unique culture. But aside from the annual rodeo, there are some aspects of the city that make a building like the LDS temple stand out.Church members here recognize the incongruity of a strong LDS community against the backdrop of a city defined by gambling and associated activities that run counter to church tenets. Some call it a contrast; some a dichotomy.Rickertsen remembers visiting the temple construction site while on business and looking down at the beautiful desert colors of the valley, then noticing a "garish red streak" along Las Vegas Boulevard, or "The Strip."But there is strength to be found within this contradiction, they say. Hall often corrects others who assume that it's difficult to raise a family according to LDS standards in the Las Vegas area."It's absolutely the opposite, because the kids here can see the difference," he said.Bingham, an Alamo native, has raised four daughters and one son in Las Vegas. For LDS youths here, the church is their social life, he says."You choose which side you're on," Bingham said. "You can be a part of that, or you can be a part of this."
The Mormons living here feel their temple — and their religion — are respected.Bingham, who served for 15 years on the Clark County Commission, points out that at one time, four of the seven county commissioners were LDS, reflecting the trust and acceptance Latter-day Saints have gained in the community."They're very respectful of the LDS Church here, because of who they are," he said.According to a history about the church in southern Nevada compiled by Hall, the Las Vegas Sun newspaper welcomed the announcement of an LDS temple. An editorial read, "Residents who do not share the Mormon faith should be similarly enthused. Construction of a temple, the most sacred of buildings to Latter-Day Saints, can have only positive effects upon Las Vegas and all of Southern Nevada. ... Construction of the temple is evidence Las Vegas is a city of homes and families."The temple grounds occupy a 10.3-acre spot on the east side of town. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by desert landscaping and Spanish-tile roofs, and the temple's white stone walls, palm trees and red gravel are complements to the area.According to Hall, there was some opposition to the temple at the outset, including concerns over traffic and the spires. But overall, it's been a harmonious relationship."Most all these people have enjoyed the temple," he said.Both Reid and Elder Gibson described the temple as a "good neighbor.""The temple represents a commitment on the part of our people, and I think our friends and neighbors understand that," Elder Gibson said.
The Las Vegas Temple, according to Elder Gibson, is a "majestic place" — and not just because of the building's exterior."As beautiful as the building is and as wonderful as it is to have it in our midst, the majesty of the temple is reflected in the blessings to the individual," he said.Elder Gibson said that having the building nearby gives those who are preparing to go there "a better perspective of what going to the temple might be." Whereas Las Vegas Mormons used to have to travel to St. George to attend the temple, they can now more easily step away from their hectic lives for temple worship or follow up on their family history work in closer proximity, he said.Three years ago, the youths in Bingham's stake were challenged to work on genealogy and find one name to take to the temple for baptisms. Every person who participated found a relative, and after the youths participated in the baptisms and turned the names over to their parents with the charge to "finish the work," Bingham's stake filled every seat in the temple for an entire day."Some of our people said it's the finest day they've ever had, especially because the youth started it," Bingham said.Other members here are willing to share their fondest temple experiences. Rickertsen recalls welcoming his less-active daughter and her husband to the valley after the couple felt impressed to move here for work. The husband became interested in the church and was baptized in September 2001. Two years later, the family was sealed in the Las Vegas Temple.Linda Lopez, who, along with her husband, has worked at the temple for the past seven years, said serving there was a source of comfort after their son, Eric, died about two years ago. Being called to coordinate the Saturday evening shift helped them through the ordeal. Lopez said they "couldn't think of a better place or calling for us at this time in our lives.""It's the place where heaven and earth meet, and we just feel a special spirit when we work there," she said. "It's uplifting as well as comforting. It's been very healing."
E-mail: ashill@desnews.com