"It was a miracle, that's how it felt," said Hiatt, describing her feelings when the Memphis Tennessee Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was built 10 years ago.
"It was about 25 minutes from our house. We could go any time we chose for many different occasions. We've had grandchildren who have been married in that temple."
Like many Latter-day Saints living east of the Mississippi River, Hiatt and her husband Roger had gotten used to 1,000-mile treks to western temples for marriages and other occasions before the Memphis Temple on Kirby-Whitten Road was built.
Now the Latter-day Saints of Memphis and the Mid-South are quietly celebrating the 10th anniversary of the temple, which Stake President Steven Dorius said was built to last for centuries.
"There's such an exacting standard for the temple reflecting our reverence for our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," said Dorius, who is head of LDS congregations served by the Memphis temple. "It's their building, so nothing short of the best is acceptable."
If Nancy Hiatt ever dreamed of seeing the world, she got her chance in part by trying to follow her faith. These days, she can practice her faith a little closer to home.