The first Mormon temple to be built in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was dedicated on Sunday in the birthplace of America, drawing applause from some and concern from others. According to the LDS website, President Thomas Monson announced intentions to build the Philadelphia Temple on in October 2008, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2011.
The facility has been open for public viewing since Aug. 10—a rare allowance since only Mormons are customarily allowed inside “sacred” temples. An estimated 141,000 visitors walked through the doors over the past month. “Visitors included key leaders from religious, business, academic, and civic organizations as well as families, neighbors, journalists and community members,” Milan Kunz, an official with the Phildelphia LDS, said in a statement. READ MORE
