Colorado Mormons prepare for dedication and cultural celebration of the Fort Collins temple.

The public open house for the newly completed Fort Collins Colorado Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ended Saturday, September 10, after an enthusiastic response from the community and over 105,000 visitors.

Deseret News recently published an article recapping the successful Public Open house of the Fort Collins Colorado temple. Here is the Article from Deseret News: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865664369/Fort-Collins-Colorado-Temple-open-house.html and a quote from George R. Rhodes about the overall response from visitors during the open house.

“People reported that they enjoyed peaceful feelings as they visited the temple,” said George F. Rhodes. “Day after day people felt peaceful, they felt calm, they noted all of the art that depicts the life and ministry of Christ.”

The Temple Dedication and information for the Media:

The following information outlines three events surrounding the upcoming dedication of the temple. Senior Church leaders from Salt Lake City will be in attendance at these events. Media wishing to attend any of these events may contact Colorado Mormons for more information.

Cultural Celebration  — Saturday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.

Nearly 4,000 teenagers ages 12–18 from northern Colorado, southern Wyoming and western Nebraska will be participating in a cultural event on Saturday, October 15, at the Hughes Stadium on the campus of Colorado State University. Through song, dance and narration, the young performers will highlight the rich history and culture of Colorado, including the significant contributions of American Indian tribes and the history of explorers, farmers and ranchers. The celebration will also honor the inspiration of Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote the words to “America the Beautiful.”

Attendance at Hughes Stadium is by invitation only, but there will be reserved seating for the media (no RSVP required, though it would be appreciated). The public can view a broadcast of the event at LDS Church meetinghouses throughout the area or via a live stream available at https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/fort-collins-temple-cultural-celebration/2016/10?lang=eng

Cornerstone Ceremony — Sunday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.

It is tradition for the senior Church leaders to participate in a cornerstone ceremony before the dedication of a temple. This 15-minute event, which takes place outside the temple, will feature a choir, brief comments, and the placing of mortar to secure the temple cornerstone.

A special area will be designated for media. Due to security and logistical constraints, please confirm your attendance in advance by contacting Colorado Mormons. We will need the name of the reporter and/or photographer who will be coming. Media members who aren’t on the list will not be permitted in that area.

This is a photo op only, and the Church leaders will not be available for interviews; however, reporters are welcome to interview the Church members who will be gathered on the temple grounds.

Temple Dedication — Sunday, October 16

The temple dedication is a sacred event that is open only to Latter-day Saints. There will be three sessions, at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m. There will be no photo opportunities for the dedication; however, media wishing to get exterior shots of the temple may make arrangements through Colorado Mormons.

Media Resources

Downloadable video and high-resolution photos of these events will be available on mormonnewsroom.org on Monday, October 17.