TEMPLE VISITOR CENTER - HOLIDAY LIGHTING CEREMONY

We were invited to Lighting Ceremonies at the Visitors Center at the DC Temple. This is a thrilling event. Months are spent putting up over 500,000 lights on the grounds around the temple. Many dignitaries are invited to this ceremony. Ambassadors and their families, local politicians and church leaders are invited. This ceremony was beautiful. Ann Santini always does a wonderful job conducting and welcoming. The opening prayer was by Congressman Wally Herger Elder Bill Marriott Spoke, one of the Ambassadors, His excellency Mauro Vieira from Brazil was invited to speak , there was wonderful music by the Washington DC Mormon Choir, and then Apostle Elder L. Tom Perry spoke.

Then together Ann Santini, The Ambassador, and Elder Perry pushed the button to turn on the lights. There is a big picture window right behind where the speakers are and when they come on, it all lights up right thru the window.

There are also about a dozen beautifully decorated trees inside and dozens of Nativity sets. From this event until the New Year the Visitors Center is an incredible place to visit. Each evening there is a performance held in the 500 seat theater. These are by all variety of performers. Examples are Jenny Oaks Baker (Violinist), The Britton family (from Branson), the Wash DC Handbell Choir, Sandra Turley (played Cosette in Les Mis on Broadway), Todd Thatcher and others. These performance is free and held 2-3 times an evening.

Our missionaries take many investigators to visit during this time. There is a wonderful and beautiful Christmas spirit. We are blessed to have this Center available for our mission.

President with daughter Ashlee and Beckett and Dakota


Ambassador Vieira, Sister Ann Santini, and Elder Perry pushing the button
Elder Perry
Elder Bill Marriott

Ann Santini
The choir
Dakota liked the green lights.