Medford Oregon Temple
The Medford temple is the plainest one of all that I have seen. And the setting is certainly not spectacular; not on a hill, or with a backdrop of mountains. Just sitting out there in a residential area.
I think the LDS church is making a big mistake in building these mini-temples all over. The temples are not unique enough to draw people, and going to the temple will lose its specialness. When I lived on the southern Oregon Coast, and there was not yet a temple in Oregon, a family I knew made the trip to Seattle, about 400 miles away, to participate in the ceremonies there. That was a very special occasion for the whole family. But in the years to come, going to the temple will become a ho-hum experience and people will quit attending. I read somewhere that already some of the mini-temples have not been able to attract participants, and have reduced their schedules. Not that it's any of my business.
I'm headed for home.
Photos and text
©D.L. Mark 2002
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