Temples and Family History
In the temple, priesthood ordinances for the living and the dead are preformed, and sacred covenants are made. The primary purpose of the temple is to “seal” or unite families together for eternity. For this reason, Church members search out information about their ancestors.
The Lord has commanded His people to build temples. One such command was directed to Solomon, who proceeded to build a house of the Lord and the most sacred structure on earth. Earlier, the Israelite’s tabernacle in the wilderness served as a temple, and there was a temple in the time of Jesus Christ.
When Jesus Christ restored His Church through Joseph Smith, He again directed that temples be built. In the temple, sacred covenants are made and worthy members? are endowed with a gift of power and knowledge from on high.
In the more than 100 holy temples worldwide today, members:
- Learn eternal truths.
- Receive sacred ordinances?, including those that bind husband and wife together for eternity, as well as join children and parents (
Malachi 4:5 ). - Perform ordinances such as baptism? in behalf of those who have died without the opportunity to receive the gospel?, making it possible for those who choose to accept them to return to live one day with Heavenly Father (
1 Peter 4:6 and1 Corinthians 15:29 ).
Visitors are welcome to visit the temple grounds at any temple and attend open houses prior to dedication, thereafter only baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are qualified and prepared are allowed to enter a temple after it is dedicated.
Members of the Church are actively involved in family history work. This work is to identify their ancestors and enable them to bind their families together for eternity in holy temples.
The Church operates the largest genealogical library in the world—the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Open to the public with no fees for any of the services, the Family History Library offers access to millions of volumes of birth, marriage, death, and other records. The Church also operates branch libraries throughout the world that are open to anyone interested in family history.
You may trace your ancestors and find information about family history resources at the Church’s
