The City of Reading

Taken July 4th, 2010

Every city has a landmark, whether it is a building, a striking environmental feature, a spot of historical or emotional significance, or almost any other reason....  Well, I would like to introduce you to another landmark, that is famous to Reading, Pennsylvania:  the Pagoda!   Reading, Pennsylvania is a very old city, and most commonly known for its famous railroad everyone gets to ride in the game Monopoly.  The cool thing about the Pagoda, is that it is a Japanese style structure on the hillside of a historic American city.  It is also lit up at night for the world to see.

Well, some of you may be asking, So what?  What is the significance of a large, striking building set up on a hill that is all lit up at night?  Well, that is one thing that I love about the Temple.

Almost every temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is set up on a hill, and lit up at night.  As a beacon, almost, to beckon us to where we should be headed.  It is the ultimate landmark, the signal of our goal and future destination: the presence of the Lord.  I love the temple, and the sense of direction it gives to my own life.

-Elder Blackburn