On a clear, crisp morning near the base of snow-covered Mt. Graham in
eastern Arizona, ground was broken for a much-anticipated temple in the
farming community of the Gila Valley.
Thousands gathered to witness the event on Saturday, Feb. 14 — at
the site and by live broadcast in seven stakes centers that will comprise
the new temple district — to be a part of this \"day of joy and
gladness.\"
\"Let us rejoice as we bless this land and break this ground,\" said
President Mark S. Bryce of the Pima Arizona Stake, which includes the
temple location of Central.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy presided at the
event, spoke to the audience and offered the dedicatory prayer on this day
that coincided with Arizona's 97th anniversary of statehood.
He referred to President Spencer W. Kimball, the 12th President of the
Church who was raised in nearby Thatcher and, after marrying, lived in
Safford, and what rejoicing must be occurring on both sides of the veil as
a long-hoped-for temple becomes a reality.
\"Your prayers, your pleadings, your great lives of righteousness have
been lifted to the Lord,\" he said.
\"Can we overstate in significance of the work that will be done here?\"
he asked. \"We cannot,\" he answered.
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This story is provided by the LDS Church News, an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is produced by the Deseret News.