LDS Church Announces End To Temple Cornerstone Ceremonies

(Salt Lake City, UT) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ending its long-time tradition of ceremonies celebrating the placement of temple cornerstones. A notice posted on the Church’s website on Saturday notes that construction techniques have advanced to the point that cornerstones are no longer included in large buildings. That led to the decision to end cornerstone ceremonies as a part of temple dedications. The tradition began in the 18-hundreds with the dedication of the first L-D-S temple in Independence, Missouri, and has been conducted more than 170 times since then.