Mormon temple groundbreaking

 

Thanks to a news item in the Vancouver Sun I was able to attend the dedication and groundbreaking at the temple site on Aug 6, 2007.  It’s actually in the Willoughby Hills section of Langley.  There is a power drop on the North side which is the current access (82^nd is only a 2 lane road).  No other houses were noted as for sale near by.

 

Apparently it wasn't generally announced so there were only about 500 audience seats (nearly full) and about 80 in the choir.

 

The weather was perfect albeit a bit of bright sun as it crested the trees for those of us not under the tree canopy.  Proper stage, PA and organ had been set up with some furnishing from the current chapel (1/2 mile) away.

 

Elders Walker and Rasband had been assigned (with their wives) by Pres Hinkley.  Also introduced were the mayor and 2 architects (Tom Lewelin & Jeremy Wolf).

 

President Christensen of the Abbortford stake also spoke.  He said Christmas came for him on Dec 28 when President Hinckley (accompanied by Bro. Davies of the facilities department & who also attended this meeting) accompanied him to confirm the Temple site selection.  He said that there had been a lot of research and demographic study done to come up with the previous candidate sites.  The Northwest corner of the lot has a long row of 20 foot high junipers and from what I can see of the plot, they may stay.  Pres Christiansen said Pres Hinckley chose the site while traveling on that adjacent road and unable to see through them with natural eyes.  Of course more miracles occurred to secure those properties and the development rights to proceed.

 

Elder Rasband would not confirm that the old chapel was to be sold saying that a final decision has not been made.

 

He talked a bit of history saying a family moved to Vancouver in 1904.  A branch was formed in 1925 using rented facilities.  The first of 14 building in greater Vancouver was built in 1954.  There are 8000 members in the Valley.

 

There were about 12 shovels - all with a plaque on them.  Everyone was invited to take a turn at the long mound of potting soil, as well as encouraged to take some of it home in the provided zip lock sandwich bags.  The site is far enough away from the highways that it is very quiet with minimal plane traffic from the nearby airport.  A new rendering was also shown.

 

Elder David Dorff 74-76.