Shortly after I was called as President of the Victoria B.C. Stake in 2020, it became clear that one of the greatest blessings our stake members could receive would be a temple on Vancouver Island. The nearest temple was the Vancouver British Columbia Temple in Langley, B.C. Attending the temple meant taking the ferry, a very costly and time-consuming venture (a three to four-hour journey each way!) This made it especially difficult for young families and the elderly.
When visiting Area Seventies came to visit our stake, they would ask, “What does the Victoria Stake need?” We always answered, “We need a temple!”
The quest for a temple begins
We explained the need for a temple for the island to Elder Travis Wolsey, our Area Seventy, and he was very understanding and supportive.
After speaking at our stake conference, one visiting Area Seventy leaned over to me and said he had a fully prepared talk on another topic. When he got up to the pulpit, revelation told him that he needed to talk about the importance of temples.
The Saints on the Island plead with the Lord
Our members prayed for a long time for this announcement to be made. Their faith, fasting, prayers, and work in this part of the vineyard for many years have been instrumental in this process of obtaining a temple. These stake members have been amazing in their sacrifices over the years in temple attendance, first at the Seattle Washington Temple and then at the Vancouver British Columbia Temple.
.jpg)
Continual prayers for a temple were expressed vocally in sacrament meetings, and experiences were shared during fast and testimony meetings. Families prayed with their children and loved ones, unitedly pleading for this temple.
.jpg)
As a stake president, I have had the opportunity to interview many stake members for temple recommends. I have asked members individually if they could share a personal temple experience. These experiences of temple worship have been pivotal in their faith and testimony. Members have mentioned that they have felt more personal direction and love for the Savior as their prayers and fasts have been more focused on temple worship. They have also had many experiences with ancestors on the other side of the veil. Personally, I have felt closer to my Savior through temple attendance and keeping covenants, which give us access to God’s power.
President Russell M. Nelson has said, “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 94)
The miracle is granted
Our prayers were miraculously answered on April 7, 2024, during the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference. On that day, our Prophet, President Russell M Nelson, announced that the intention to build a temple would be built in Victoria, British Columbia!
Upon hearing this, my wife Avril and I knelt in tears of gratitude and gave great thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this monumental blessing that will change the lives of the saints. Once it is built, we will be able to worship and serve more often in the temple.
After the announcement in General Conference, my phone didn’t stop ringing the rest of the day and night as members expressed their feelings and excitement about this inspired answer to their heartfelt prayers.
.jpg)
Members mentioned how emotional they felt, feeling the spirit of revelation. Many tears of heartfelt gratitude were shed, and the great excitement of this announcement was just pure joy for everyone to share and witness.
We continue to give thanks and pray that the process of acquiring and developing the temple site will go smoothly. We have faith and confidence that it will.
We are so grateful for President Nelson, who is bringing temples to areas around the world. These temples will give so many members opportunities to access the blessings of the house of the Lord and further the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil.
As I attend the temple, I love the inscription on all the temples: Holiness to the Lord. The House of the Lord. Temple worship over the years has given my wife and me increased direction, purpose, comfort, and inspiration, leading us to greater joy and happiness and, more importantly, closer to Jesus Christ.