Ground was broken Saturday morning for the second temple to be built in Rexburg, the Teton River Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Hundreds of people were in attendance by invitation only, and it was livestreamed for the public to view. Three speakers from a variety of stakes in the area spoke about temples and the blessings they provide for members of the church.
A musical number was performed by a choir of youth and young single adults as well. One of the speakers, Brent Kinghorn of Sugar City, mentioned how fitting the name for the temple is, as it will sit between the two forks of the Teton River. He also stated that it feels symbolic, and that it’s possible that the flood water from the Teton Dam flood 48 years ago that engulfed the very spot the temple will soon sit may have cleansed the area for a future temple.
Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez, second counselor in the North America Central Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided at the ceremony. “Today is a wonderful day,” Gimenez said.
“If there is something that I hope and wish that you will remember about this beautiful day here in Rexburg, is the love our Heavenly Father and Savior has for you.” Gimenez concluded his remarks by giving a dedicatory to the site. Three waves of groundbreaking occurred following the prayer.
BYU-Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith lll, Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill, Sugar City Mayor Steve Adams, their wives and other county of.