Redlands California Temple - Prophets

This fountain at the Redlands Temple is symbolic of the organization of Christ's church.  At the top is the Savior, followed by the Prophet and his counselors, and then the twelve Apostles.

"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." 

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."  

"We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

These statements and others are found in a document entitled "The Articles of Faith".  This is a concise statement of the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The following link contains the complete document:   http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,106-1-2-1,FF.html

Above the front desk, as you enter the Redlands Temple, is a stained glass window of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, speaking with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  This is the story of how this art was brought to the temple.

After the first chapel was built in San Bernardino, Calif., in 1933, a large art glass window depicting the First Vision and over a dozen small windows or icons showing various aspects of Church history were installed. . . .

In 1960, it was deemed necessary to sell the building — windows and all — because it had no off-street parking for the growing wards.
Once the building was sold, San Bernardino Ward Bishop Charles W. Eastwood tried to buy the First Vision window but the pastors of the Protestant faith that had bought the building would not allow its removal. Finally, in 1978, after repeated requests, a new pastor allowed it to be taken if it would be replaced with amber glass.
Some time later, the icons were also obtained and put into storage.
Brother Eastwood and his wife, Laurie, became the custodians of the window and began to search for an artisan to restore the dirty and broken panes of art glass. Sister Eastwood, daughter of famous Latter-day Saint artist Minerva Teichert, had a special interest to see these works of art preserved. . .

The First Vision window was finally installed in the Pacific Chapel in San Bernardino and unveiled on March 7, 1979.
When the Redlands California Temple was announced, Sister Eastwood initiated efforts to obtain the window for permanent display in the temple.
"I felt impressed that this exquisite piece of art should be in the temple," recounted Sister Eastwood. "In the temple thousands will enjoy its beauty and message." 

I testify that the Prophet Joseph Smith was called by God, and I know we are led by a living Prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.  Prophets and temples, what an awesome time I live in!

The Redlands Temple is set in a mountainous region, similar to the Wasatch Front.  The place felt familiar to me.  The people we spoke with were grateful to have a temple so close to where they live.