How Beautiful Thy Temples, Lord

This hymn reflects many of the beliefs Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) have concerning temple work.

Unlike other temples Mormon temples are open only to those holding a valid Temple Recommend because the work that goes on inside is of a sacred nature, both for the living and the dead. The latter to do ordinances for those who were unable to do them for themselves during their lives. It is not forced on them, but rather they have the option to choose to accept the work done for them or not.

Text: Frank I. Kooyman, 1880-1963

Music: Tracy Y Cannon, 1879-1961

Introduction and three verses:

How beautiful thy temples, Lord!
Each one a sacred shrine.
Where faithful Saints, with one accord,
Engage in work divine.
How beautiful some aid to give
To dear ones we call dead,
But who indeed as spirits live,
They’ve only gone ahead.

How beautiful thy message, Lord.
The gospel pure and true.
In these our days to earth restored
And taught to men anew.
How beautiful its faith and hope:
All mankind it would save,
Including in its aim and scope
The souls beyond the grave.

How beautiful thy promise, Lord,
That we may grown in truth,
And live, exalted by thy word,
In endless, glorious youth.
With loved ones sealed in holiness
By sacred temple rites,
Worlds without end we may progress
From heights to greater heights.