The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE

In rural central Washington, an area rich in agriculture and industry, the fourth house of the Lord in the state is opening for free public tours this week. Invited guests will tour the Moses Lake Washington Temple from Tuesday, August 1, through Thursday, August 3, followed by public tours beginning Friday, August 4, through Saturday, August 19, except for Sundays.

Media Day

A media day for journalists and other guests was held today. At the event, presided over by Elder Gary B. Sabin, General Authority Seventy and member of the North America West Area Presidency, guests learned more about the purpose of the temple and its central role in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Speakers included Elder Shayne M. Bowen, the Assistant Executive Director of the Temple Department, Monsignor Robert Siler from the Diocese of Yakima, a good friend of the Church and partner in many humanitarian efforts, and Judy Miller, whose family is descended from long-time members of the Church in the Moses Lake area.

“When I was a young man, there were eight temples in the entire world. Now those that are under construction, those that have been announced, and those that are operating are 315 worldwide, and that number will continue to grow,” said Elder Bowen. “The reason the temple is so important is that that is where we are able to make a covenant with our Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

“It’s an inspiration to be able to work side by side with brothers and sisters in this church,” said Monsignor Siler. “My hope is that this collaboration will only continue to grow, and that it can inspire more faith traditions, and community members, to put aside differences and show God’s love to the world through freely given acts of service.”

To read the full article, CLICK HERE