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The LDS Church dedicated its newest temple Sunday, in Phoenix.
President Thomas S. Monson conducted the cornerstone ceremony, a church tradition that symbolizes completion of the temple. He was joined by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The cornerstone ceremony is meant to bring to mind that Jesus Christ is "the chief cornerstone in our church," said Elder Kent Richards, executive director of the church's Temple Department, in a news release.
"There is a box and it will contain artifacts and memorabilia that the dedication committee planned and brought together," he explained. "On Friday, just two days ago, it was filled symbolically. Yesterday, it was put into its place on the southeast corner, and it will never be opened."
After the cornerstone ceremony, Monson presided over dedication of the temple attended by hundreds of devout church members and watched by thousands more via satellite feed at chapels across Arizona, according to the news release.
"The temple for me is a very special place," said Pilar Felix, who attended the cornerstone ceremony. "I love to come with my family. The temple is an opportunity to feel the love of Christ, to know that we can be families forever."
A cultural celebration with more than 4,300 Mormon youth participants was held Saturday.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans for the temple in May 2008 and broke ground June 4, 2011, on five acres adjacent to an existing meetinghouse at the intersection of Pinnacle Peak Road and 51st Avenue.
The single-story, 27,423-square-foot building is topped by a 90-foot spire and Angel Moroni statue.
The Phoenix Arizona Temple is the LDS Church's 144th operating temple worldwide and the fifth in Arizona. Four others are in Mesa, Snowflake, Gila Valley and Gilbert. A sixth Arizona temple, in Tucson, has been announced.
Sunday's dedication was preceded by a three-week open house during which the public was invited to tour the temple. With its dedication, entrance to the temple is now limited to church members with current "temple recommends" — attesting to their adherence to LDS teachings and practices.