Canadian Mormons are "overjoyed" that their wait for a Latter-day Saint temple is over, according to Elicia Johncey - a Canadian by birth who lives in New Zealand with her husband and baby daughter. Mrs Johncey is currently visiting family in Vancouver, allowing her to take part in the temple opening and associated activities.
She believes the temple will have a far-reaching impact. "Having a temple in British Columbia will bless the lives of many," she said.
This is the 131st temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the seventh for Canada. Latter-day Saint temples differ from the faith's chapels, of which there are thousands worldwide. According to Latter-day Saint beliefs, temples are sacred places where members worship Jesus Christ and are joined together in family relationships that endure after death. Chapels are used for Sunday worship services and other weekday meetings.
The Vancouver British Columbia Temple was dedicated by the Church's worldwide president, Thomas S. Monson, earlier this week. On Saturday evening, 1,200 local Mormon youth put on a cultural performance to mark the occasion and honour the Church's local pioneers.
The performance was written and directed by Shelley Murley, "an amazingly talented musician," Mrs Johncey said.
"President Monson was there, with President Uchtdorf, and he delivered a message to the crowd before the performance began," she said. "As soon as he began speaking, the youth and the audience were so captivated by his words you could hear a pin drop."
She adds: "I cannot even begin to describe the enthusiasm and gratitude that was felt in that auditorium as I watched 1,200 young men and women sing and dance in celebration of the Vancouver Temple. They acted out scenes that described the unique landscape and mosaic of cultures around the temple."
The most moving part of the night's performance, Elicia says, was when local pioneer members of the Church came out and walked across the floor, waving to the crowd.
Vancouver Latter-day Saints have waited a long time for their own temple. Previously they travelled to the nearest one, in Seattle.
Despite living in New Zealand now, where there is one Mormon temple (in Hamilton), Mrs Johncey is delighted to see the Vancouver Temple completed. "I have personally seen blessings come into my life as a result of this temple being built," she said.
