First Mormon temple in state opens in Carmel

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By Sam Robinson

Mormons from across Indiana have a new spiritual home in Carmel after the recent completion of the church’s newest temple.

The Indianapolis Indiana Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which sits in Carmel on 510 W 116th St., is the first temple constructed in Indiana. It will offer marriage and baptismal ceremonies, along with classes for Mormons in good standing with the church.

The temple exterior boasts a 106-feet tall stone structure topped with a golden statue of angel Moroni, who Mormons believe helped guide the faith’s prophet founder Joseph Smith.

Elder Kent F. Richards, a member of the leadership of the church, said that the completion of ‘Temple 148’ is a “great event in our church.”

“A temple is a unique place where special ordinances take place,” Richards said.

Ordinances, namely marriage and baptism of the dead, are rituals in Mormonism. Mormons believe marriages are eternal, and they’re sealed in the temple.

Elder Paul Sinclair, a member of the church, said the 34,000 square-foot temple was constructed with links to Indiana. Murals in the interior depict rolling Indiana plains, and the stained glass windows have ornate depictions of tulips.

“You can see the resemblance to the War Memorial downtown,” Sinclair said. “It has an Indiana link. It becomes important to the members and the community.”

“It’s historic to be able to have this temple here,” he said.

The temple is hosting public tours of the building. Tours run until Aug. 8, when the temple will be closed to the public and reserved for practicing Mormons. The temple’s dedication ceremony is Aug. 23.

There are more than 40,000 Mormons in Indiana.


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