Summarized by Eileen Bell

Teenagers on Temple Grounds called Out of Control

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH -- Inappropriate activity by some young people on temple grounds has been reported in one of Utah's biggest newspapers.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, what began as teens meeting for hymns and testimony sharing on Sunday night's outside the Mount Timpanogos Temple has devolved for some of them.

Reportedly, the temple grounds have become a popular hangout for many youth and young adults. Some come to share spiritual experiences with their friends. A recent article in the New Era had a quote from teen John Fisher. "When I first read through the Book of Mormon, I fasted and prayed to know if it was true. I was singing at the Mount Timpanogos Temple. During 'I Need Thee Every Hour,' I looked up at the temple, and I got my answer right there. The temple just seemed to be glowing about three times brighter. I just knew."

However, it appears not all teens are there for a spiritual experience. The streets around the temple in American Fork were circled with heavy traffic by cruising teens recently. The Tribune claims the temple presidency is also concerned with reports of rough-housing and of couples necking on the temple grounds.

The paper claims that a request has gone to bishops and stake presidents, asking the young people to discontinue their Sunday night visits to the grounds. Church spokesman Dale Bills says, "There has been some contact with local priesthood leaders to encourage appropriate behavior."

Source:

Temple Hymns and High Jinks
Salt Lake Tribune 14Aug00 D2
By Mark Eddington: Salt Lake Tribune