Minnesota Temple - Arson

We were shocked to hear that the temple in St. Paul, MN had been damaged by arson. Here is the story from the news:



Arson Suspected In Oakdale Mormon Temple Fire OAKDALE, Minn. (AP) ― Authorities suspect arson in an early morning fire at the Mormon temple in the St. Paul suburb of Oakdale. Smoke and fire were reported in the front entry of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints temple shortly before 3 a.m. Fire Chief Jeff Anderson says it was mostly out by the time firefighters arrived. The fire was mostly confined to the front doors, but Anderson says some light smoke got into a front room. Church leaders estimate the damage at $25,000. Investigators found no signs of forced entry, and authorities don't believe the case is a hate crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Oakdale police at 651-738-1022. As of early 2007, there were about 28,000 Mormons and 74 congregations in Minnesota. Mormons typically go to Sunday services at churches near their homes and use the temple for special ceremonies such as baptisms and marriages. The Oakdale temple serves Minnesota and part of Wisconsin and Ontario.



Mary and I were planning to go to the temple last week but the families activities forced us to postpone... now it looks like we will have to postpone much longer...