In Mormon temples a film is used as part of a sacred ordinance known as the endowment ceremony. The Church provides this explanation (aimed at Mormon youth preparing to attend the temple) regarding the instructional content that is covered in the temple film: “When you enter the temple, you will receive instructions and learn the important events of our eternal journey. You’ll learn about the creation of this world and about our first parents being placed in the Garden of Eden. You’ll learn how Satan tempted Adam and Eve and how they were cast out of the garden and out of the presence of God into our world, with its opposition in all things. Here they learned about the joys as well as the discomforts of life. After Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden and placed in the world where we now live, they were taught the gospel, and they entered into covenants of obedience with God, just as you will in the temple.” New Era, June, 1975, p. 20. Online at LDS.org.

See Mormon Film: Key Films of the Second Wave Largely through the influence of Church President David O. McKay and future Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, film was introduced into temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints beginning with the Swiss temple in 1955. This made possible smaller buildings (patrons were not required to move from room to room as had been the custom), fewer required temple workers for areas of lower LDS population, and presentation of the endowment ceremony in non-English languages through dubbed soundtracks. This was part of an effort begun by President McKay and continued years later by President Hinckley to make temple worship more accessible to worthy Latter-day Saints. The endowment film has been remade several times since 1955. Special Note: Due to the sacred nature of Mormon temple worship, details about the content of the film and other information about personnel and production are withheld. The editors wish to acknowledge the great importance of film to Mormon worship without causing offense to practicing Latter-day Saints, and we express gratitude to those outside the faith who will respect the sacredness of Mormon temple rites.

1955

LDS Church Production

Private Church Exhibition