Back in the mid-sixties, Charlie spent his Friday nights (when Tooele did not have a home football or basketball game) munching on nickel candy bars while traipsing the aisles and occasionally watching a movie at the Ritz Theatre.

One movie preview grabbed his attention: “Run, don’t walk to see Walk, Don’t Run.” The movie was a 1966 Cary Grant romantic comedy flick set in the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.

With the clock quickly ticking toward Saturday, Oct. 19, we encourage you to run – don’t walk – to the Deseret Peak Temple open house. Simply Google “Deseret Peak Temple Open House,” hit Make a Reservation, select tickets, and choose a date and time.

As you arrive at the temple, you will notice the beautiful setting of the temple. The gypsum fiber reinforced concrete blends perfectly with its surroundings. Sitting on a knoll, the 182-foot edifice stands as a beacon in our valley, calling us to come and see. It truly is the House of the Lord.

As we entered the temple, we were both inspired by the interior design. We glanced at each other and silently asked, “This is in Tooele?” 

Although Deseret Peak has the same architectural footprint as Orem, Taylorsville, and Pocatello, the interior design and features are unique to Tooele Valley. Lupines and cliff roses — both flowers native to the Stansbury Mountains — are found in details throughout. Janna was simply blown away by the beauty of the vibrant carpets. Cliff roses and lupines are found in the carvings of the door, stain glass windows, walls, ceilings, light fixtures, and railings. As you pay attention to the details, they are simply everywhere.

One of the most stunning features are the stain glass windows. We were there at sunset and as we exited the temple and looked up at the windows; they appeared to sparkle like diamonds. Light reflects differently from them throughout the day.

As you stroll through the temple, you will see beautiful paintings of our Savior and Lord.  With nearly every footstep, you will see various scenes of Jesus’s life and His ministry. 

Our niece Cindy Palmer, who was the greeter at the front door, invited our grandson Louden to count the number of paintings he saw of Jesus. This eight-year-old took her challenge to heart and identified 33 paintings of the Lord. He was thrilled to go back after the tour and report his findings to her.

You will also see several paintings by local artists unique to our beautiful valley. Charlie’s favorite is the scene of Deseret Peak. We have hiked Tooele County’s highest point several times and this painting captures the breath-taking beauty found there.

The open house explains the purpose of temples and what takes place inside. It helps clarify misconceptions some may have. Volunteers are found in a tent on the north side to answer any questions.

The grounds are meticulously designed with native flowers, plants and trees. All are welcome there to ponder and contemplate God’s wondrous creations.

Thousands of volunteers, led by Richard Droubay and his committee, make this experience one to always remember.

We strongly urge you to come as you are. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Please, come and see.

Janna and Charlie Roberts are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Stansbury Park.