Temples Are Different

Temples are different than the thousands of Church meetinghouses located around the world. Meetinghouses are where Sunday worship services, youth gatherings, service projects, and other community events take place. All are welcome to join in these activities. But temples have a more specific purpose. They are places specially set apart for sacred service and ceremonies.

The House of the Lord

Temples are the only places where some priesthood ordinances are authorized to be performed. These sacred ceremonies lift and inspire participants as they make commitments to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Receiving temple ordinances and keeping covenants unites families together for eternity. Our relationships with those we love can last forever when we honor our commitments to God. In temples, these ordinances are also performed by members of the Church on behalf of those who have died without the opportunity to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. These proxy ordinances are gifts offered in love, and those who have died can choose whether or not to accept them.

A Sacred Place

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple is the most sacred place of worship on earth—it is the House of the Lord. It is a place set apart from the rest of the world where members seek to draw closer to God. The phrases “Holiness to the Lord” and “The House of the Lord” are found near the entrance of every temple and remind us that each is a sacred place.

Temples Near Albany, New York

Temples are not very close to members of the Albany New York Stake. As such going to the temple requires some sacrifice and planning. We officially belong to the Hartford Connecticut Temple District and most of our members will go to that temple, but members of the church who hold a valid temple recommend can go to any temple.