by Brother Steven Theurer
Temple & Family History
“Everything we believe and every promise God has made to His covenant people come together in the temple. … Those who make covenants with God and keep them are children of the covenant.”
— President Russell M. Nelson, October 2021 General Conference
Temple Recommends
How do I get a Temple Recommend?
Temple recommend interviews allow members to demonstrate that they have a testimony and are striving to obey God’s commandments and follow His prophets. Priesthood leaders also affirm, through the interview, that the member is worthy. All members who attend a temple need to have a current temple recommend.
Who conducts the interview:
- An adult member receiving a recommend for the first time will meet with the Bishop.
- Adult members with a current recommend about to expire may meet with a Counselor to the Bishop.
- New ward members and members with an expired recommend will meet with the Bishop.
- Members receiving their own endowment or being sealed to a spouse will meet with the Bishop.
- Youth may meet with any member of the Bishopric.
Temple recommend interviews are conducted by a member of the Bishopric followed by a member of the Stake Presidency.
Interviews are available every Sunday right after church — no appointment needed. For a special appointment at another time, contact:
Drew Tyler — Ward Executive Secretary 📧 [email protected] | 📞 (801) 529-8479
Scheduling Temple Appointments
Proxy Ordinances
To schedule an appointment for a proxy ordinance:
- Go to www.churchofjesuschrist.org and sign in (or create a login).
- Click “Serve” at the top of the page.
- Click “Appointments.”
- Select your temple, ordinance type, number of attendees, and preferred date/time.
Live Ordinances
For live ordinances such as your own endowment or sealing to a spouse, be sure you have met with the Bishop first, then call the temple directly to schedule.
Mount Timpanogos Temple: (801) 763-4540
Preparing for the Temple
First-Time Temple Endowment
In coordination with the Bishop, the Relief Society President, or the Elders Quorum President, we offer Temple Preparation classes for individuals and couples. These classes cover what is needed to attend the temple for the first time, how to receive a temple recommend, what to expect, and how the sacred temple ordinances will impact your life. The classes are designed to answer your questions and ease any concerns about going to the temple for the first time.
Finding Ancestor Names for the Temple
Using Ordinance Ready on FamilySearch
To find an ancestor’s name to take to the temple:
- Go to FamilySearch.org and sign in.
- Click “Find a Person.”
- Select Male or Female, then select the desired ordinance.
- Scroll down and select “Take to the Temple.”
- Click “Continue,” then print and cut the cards along the dotted lines.
- Take the cards to the temple as soon as possible.
Indexing
What is Indexing?
Indexing helps people lost to history get found by their families. By transcribing records, you make it possible for others to discover and connect with their ancestors.
Getting Started
Existing Indexers: If you have indexed before and have the FamilySearch indexing software installed, do NOT download the software again. It may update automatically, but installing a new version without uninstalling the previous one can cause issues.
New Indexers: Download the indexing software from FamilySearch.org/worldsrecords. Use the Interactive Training to get comfortable with the process.
How to Index
- On the FamilySearch home page, click “Get Involved” then select Indexing.
- Click “Find a Project” and select a difficulty level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) and language.
- Click “Index,” read the Important Details and Project Description, then begin.
- Review each document image (enlarge as needed) and answer the question “Should this image be indexed?”
- Complete the question-and-answer boxes for each image. Additional help is provided within the indexing material.
Getting Help with Family History
We encourage all members to develop at least a four-generation family tree. Whether you’re just getting started or want to extend your research further, help is available.
You may need assistance with searching for family members, finding names for temple work, or checking whether ordinances have already been completed for known ancestors.
Ward Contacts
Steven Theurer — Ward Temple & Family History Leader 📧 [email protected]
Jay Salvesen — Ward Temple & Family History Consultant 📧 [email protected]
Family Search Center
Visit any of the following centers for in-person help and assistance:
Mount Timpanogos Family History Center
📍 835 N 900 E, American Fork, UT 84003 📧 [email protected] 📞 (801) 763-2093 | (801) 995-0780
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 4th Sunday only, 4–7 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Tuesday–Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday–Saturday | Closed |
Sunday Evening Workshops for the Highland East Stake are held most Sundays 7:00–8:30 PM. See schedule at highlandutaheaststake.org/wp-content/
Highland Family History Center
📍 9626 N 6800 W, Highland, UT 84003 📧 [email protected] 📞 (801) 766-1725 🕐 Open Sun–Fri (check for specific hours)
American Fork Family History Center
📍 110 E Main St., American Fork, UT 84003 📧 [email protected] 📞 (801) 763-2093 🕐 Open Sun–Fri (check for specific hours)
Lehi Family Search Center
📍 3201 N Garden Dr., Lehi, UT 84043 📧 [email protected] 📞 (801) 356-5820 🕐 Open Mon–Sat (check for specific hours)