After many months of being shut down due to the pandemic, the temples are now beginning to reopen. A few weeks ago the Draper Temple moved to phase 2 allowing certain live ordinances on a limited basis. Key precautions have been put in place for temple workers and patrons, including: masks worn at all times, very limited numbers of patrons in the temple at a time, minimal staff in the temple, sanitization after each temple ceremony, careful social distancing and seating arrangements, and temperature checks at the entrance. 

In the near future the Granite Family History Center will also begin a phased reopening. Details of the reopening and how you can schedule your activity will be posted on our website. We recognize that as we phase in the reopening we will not be able to accommodate all needs, but with careful adherence to the phased guidelines, we can begin to provide some family history experiences and resources to our patrons.As instructed by the first presidency and our stake presidency, we will be taking extra precautions to help protect our consultants and patrons. This will include wearing masks, providing hand sanitizer at several locations in the center, and encouraging frequent handwashing and appropriate social distancing. All consultants who serve will do so on a volunteer basis. Adjustments to the rooms, equipment use, and seating arrangements will also be made to further increase safety.

As I look back on the time since the Granite Family History Center was closed, I realize there are many things we have learned during this time of closure, including:

• Our homes have become our places of worship and for doing family history.
• We gain a deeper appreciation for more the things we have when they are taken away from us for a time.
• We have found new ways to use technology and videoconferencing to learn and interact regarding family history.
• No matter what the restrictions, there is always something we can be doing.
• Our youth really do love visiting the FHC after school.
• We have been richly blessed to have such a wonderful resource so close to our homes and schools.
• The loving and devoted service of our consultants blesses many lives.

We look forward to associating with you again in the near future. We hope that you will continue to find the Granite Family History Center to be safe and happy place where miracles happen! 

–Dave Castleton – Director, Granite Family History Center