IDAHO FALLS — Temple building has been a defining element of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the past two decades. Since 1997, more than 100 new temples have opened across the globe.

Most of those temple dedications — from Payson to Paris — have been marked by “newness” — a new edifice, new gardens. And, for many, newfound access to temple worship.

The Idaho Falls Temple is different. Opened in 1945, the Gem State’s first temple could aptly be called a “mature” temple.

But for the thousands who participated in Sunday’s rededication of the Idaho Falls Temple, the reopening of this beloved temple is synonymous with unprecedented opportunities.

Counted among those participants was President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the church’s First Presidency. The church leader knows his way around southeast Idaho. From 1971-1977, he presided over Ricks College in Rexburg. He frequently worshipped inside the Idaho Falls Temple.

President Eyring is both inspired by the structure’s history — and hopeful for its days ahead.

“This temple has a glorious future,” he said. “The young people who come here to be sealed will build wonderful families that can be together forever.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also participated in Sunday’s rededication. He called the venerable temple “a multi-generational place” fortified by its legacy and sustained by its future and potential.

The Idaho Falls Temple was closed two years ago to allow for mechanical and electrical systems upgrades and to make seismic improvements on the 72-year-old structure. The temple’s iconic murals were also cleaned and restored during the renovation period.

The temple was rededicated Sunday in three sessions.

The region’s enthusiasm for the rededication was stoked Saturday evening at a youth cultural celebration at Holt Arena in nearby Pocatello.

Thousands of young people from the Idaho Falls temple district performed. The program’s songs and dances celebrated the region’s rich past and the lasting influence of the “temple by the river.”

In brief remarks prior to the show, President Eyring said he was grateful “to be back in a place, and among people, who are so dear to me.”

Heaven grants its powers, he added, “when we work unitedly in his cause.”

The cultural event doubled as a celebration of the growing number of Mormon temples in Idaho. Besides Idaho Falls, there are temples operating in Twin Falls, Boise and Rexburg. A fifth temple will be dedicated in Meridian, while plans were recently announced to build a sixth Idaho temple in Pocatello.