Mike di Donato/KTVB

A new LDS Temple will open in Twin Falls this week, which will be the tallest building in the Twin Falls area.

TWIN FALLS - After two years of construction, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Twin Falls area now have a new temple to attend.

See inside the temple

In just a few days the Twin Falls Temple will open to the public.  Church members in Twin Falls say they are thrilled to have a house of worship so close to home.

"It has a feeling I think that is tangible to many people,” Ann Guthrie with the Twin Falls Temple Committee said. “There's just a peace and a security."

Guthrie says having a temple so close by is a blessing for her family. She believes it stands as a symbol of hope and good values for not only members, but the entire Twin Falls community.

"Anytime you have something that you love, you can't help but want someone else to share that as well, to find that same kind of happiness." She said.

The site for the two-story building was chosen by former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley before his death. It sits just south of the Snake River Canyon.

The architecture and artwork inside the temple reflect the legacy of early church pioneers, the nearby geography and symbols associated with Idaho - like the Syringa flower.

The LDS Temple is the tallest building in Twin Falls and can be seen from miles around. It reaches almost 153 feet from bottom to the top.

Elder William Walker, a church general authority who oversees temple direction says the temple is a place to focus on families and spiritual progression. He believes it will serve thousands of members in Idaho and those who visit from other states.

"To have a temple announced and built in their own community is a great source of joy and I think they all view it as a wonderful blessing."  Walker said.

For many, the temple serves as a place of refuge, like Craig Manning who is a busy dad who's looking forward to bringing his family.

"The worries of the world go away for me when I'm in the temple,” Manning said. “Twin Falls is real lucky to have a temple."

During their six week open house  church officials are expecting at least 5,000 visitors each day.

It will be open for public tours starting Friday July 11th to everyone – not just members of the LDS faith.  Tours will continue through August 16th.

There are three other temple locations in Idaho, including Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Boise.