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By Jane Dumont
Elder Oaks Dedicates New Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center Theater
Elder Oaks Dedicates New Washington DC Temple Visitors' Center Theater
WASHINGTON, DC -- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles presided and offered the dedicatory prayer for the
Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center Rededication and Dedication
of the Theater on Tuesday, November 28, 2000, at the Center in
Kensington, Md. Elder David E. Salisbury, Visitors' Center Director,
conducted the program and spoke about the history and purpose of the
visitors' center.
Sid Foulger, the benefactor and builder of the theater, related how
the theater was "created by a committee." He also commented on his 38
year history of work on the Washington D.C. Temple from the ground
breaking in 1962, the temple dedication in 1974, to the present
renovation of the center along with the new theater. Washington D.C.
Temple President Sterling D. Colton offered the opening prayer.
"The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd" was previewed prior to
the dedication ceremony. This film will be shown twice daily
beginning in January 2001. The film, "Legacy," is currently shown
twice a day and will continue to be shown in 2001.
The 23rd Annual Festival of Lights, Trees and Music will be held in
the new theater and begin Thursday, December 1 with 30 minute
performances nightly at 7 and 8 p.m. during December. Musical
presentations scheduled throughout the year will now be held on the
theater's stage.
NOTES FROM THE PRINTED PROGRAM
As the Washington, D.C. Temple was nearing completion in 1974, the
decision was made to construct a Visitors' Center on the temple site.
The building was completed in June of 1976 and because it was the
bicentennial year, Church officials decided to dedicate the center
on July 3rd, the nearest possible date to the nation's birthday. The
Mormon Tabernacle Choir was present and the dedicatory prayer was
offered by President Spencer W. Kimball.
A major modification took place in early 1986 and on June 4, 1988,
after further remodeling, the unveiling of the Christus statue was
held with Elder Dallin H. Oaks as the speaker.
The Visitors' Center was closed from January 1 to August 1, 1999, for
extensive remodeling, redecorating and the installation of many new
state-of-the-art exhibits. Shortly after the Center was reopened,
ground was broken for the new 544 seat film and performing arts
theater which, along with the rededication of the visitors' center,
is being dedicated this evening.
VISITORS' CENTER DIRECTORS
Clarence E. Stoker (Barbara) 1976-78
Donald P. Lloyd (Helen) 1978-79
Wayne A. Reeves (Madge) 1979-81
Ralph Hill (Afton) 1981-82
Ray Loughton (Elsa) 1982-83
Robert E. Sackley (Marjorie) 1983-85
Elmo P. Humphreys (Amy) 1985-86
Richard Grant Rees (Dorothy) 1986-87
David S. Hatch (Barbara) 1987-89
Bruce E. Belnap (Phyllis) 1989-90
Roland R. Wright (Marjorie) 1991-93
Spencer F. Jenson (Joyce) 1993-95
Don L. Christensen (Marva) 1995-97
F. MacRay Christensen (Joan) 1997-99
David E. Salisbury (Carol) 1999-01
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