As Temples Fill The Earth
by Janice Kapp Perry, Steven Kapp Perry & Lynne Perry Christofferson

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1. Where Is the Place?
Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry

Longing to knock upon the doors of heaven. I've felt it, you've felt it, or
if you haven't had a time in your life when you needed a place of peace and
revelation, you will. The first part of this song--the seeker--is each of us
at some point; the other voices are the light and presence of the spirit
available in a place where heaven and earth embrace. (SKP)

Solo

We seek it in cathedrals, in the stars,
Or on a lonely mountain face
Longing to knock upon the doors of heaven
Longing to find to a holier place

Could there really be such peace on earth
Somewhere beautiful and safe?
Someplace where answers
for the heart are found--
Where is the place my heart can call home?

Where is the place
The place my hearts longs for?
Where heaven and earth embrace?
Is it a dream?
The place that I long for?
Where is the door, where is the key
Where could that holy place be?

Women

Here is a place of peace
Sheltered within the temple
And here you,ll find rest and revelation
Here you can quiet your soul

Here is the place
Here in the temple
Where heaven and earth embrace!
Come and be taught
All who are humble
Learn grace by grace
Learn to see the Lord,s face
Here in his holiest place

All

From our very first parents the story's the same
We're all outcasts of Eden
Finding our way home again

Here is the place, here in the temple
Where heaven and earth embrace!
Come and be taught, all who are humble
Learn grace by grace, learn to see the Lord's face

Where is that holy place?

 


2. The Power of Heaven
Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry

If you want to read about power, read Doctrine & Covenants section 110--the
day the Lord accepted the Kirtland temple and restored the keys to use it.
(SKP)

"Yes, there is a power associated with the ordinances of heaven--even the
power of godliness--which can and will thwart the forces of evil if we will be
worthy of those sacred blessings. This community will be protected, our
families will be protected, our children will be safeguarded as we live the
gospel, visit the temple, and live close to the Lord. (Pres. Ezra Taft
Benson)

Heaven's light flows through the windows
Warming even walls of stone
In the refuge of the temple
I find strength beyond my own

Chorus
I can feel the power of heaven
As I stand on holy ground
And the spirit whispers what I long to learn
Eyes are touched with understanding
I can see beyond this world
It's the place I reach for heaven
And it reaches in return

Filled with purpose, filled with power
Granted gifts to lift the world
In God's house and in His presence
I am filled with strength to serve

Repeat Chorus Twice

It's the place I reach for heaven
And it reaches in return

 


3. Teach a Child* /I Love to See the Temple**
*Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry
**Words & Music by Janice Kapp Perry

I Love to See the Temple was written to evoke a positive feeling about the
temple in the minds of children and help them feel the need to prepare early.
(JKP)

"And let us teach [our children] more earnestly and more comfortably the
things we can appropriately say about the purposes of the house of the Lord.
(Pres. Howard W. Hunter)

I was trying to write something new about temples and children, but I kept
hearing I Love to See the Temple, which my mother had written a decade or so
before (and was also my kids' favorite primary song). With Mom's permission I
added President Hunter's thoughts as a counterpoint to her beautiful song.
(SKP)

Part One
Teach a child while in his youth
Teach a child how to love the truth
And the covenants and promises he makes
Will be a shield and protection
Through all his days

Part Two
I love to see the temple
I'm going there some day
To feel the holy spirit, to listen and to pray
For the temple is a house of god
A place of love and beauty
I'll prepare myself while I am young
This is my sacred duty

Parts One & Three Together

Part Three
I love to see the temple
I'll go inside some day
I'll covenant with my father, I'll promise to obey
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together
As a child of God I've learned this truth
A family is forever

 


4. As Temples Fill the Earth
Words by David B. Larsen / Music by Janice Kapp Perry

The text of this song was written immediately following the Priesthood
Session of General Conference on October 4, 1997, as President Hinckley
announced the construction of small temples--in particular, a temple in
Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. (David Larsen)

We marvel, Lord, to sense the care
And great redeeming grace
We feel within the hallowed halls
Of this, thy holy place
Arrayed in white and met in love
We seek a cleansing birth
To seal the living and the dead
As temples fill the earth

We marvel, Lord, to feel the love
That emanates from thee
Thy great desire to bless each life
Through all eternity
One truth is overpowering--
Each child of God has worth
Prepare us now to bless each soul
As temples fill the earth

We ask in faith, oh hear our prayer
And strengthen every soul
Who enters in thy holy house
Renew and make us whole
And turn our hearts to those we love
As willingly we serve
Redeeming all our kindred dead
As temples fill the earth

 


5. Teach Me About the Temple
Words & Music by Lynne Perry Christofferson

A year before the Mt. Timpanogos Temple was completed, my Lehi North Stake
began to prepare in earnest for the dedication. As stake music chairman, I
chose to use a Primary children's choir for our stake conference, and wrote
this piece for them to sing to their parents and teachers. (Lynne
Christofferson)

I see the light of the temple at night
As it shines it reminds me
I must prepare if I hope to go there
But I need someone to guide me

Chorus
Please teach me about the temple
Please show me how to prepare
Then all of my life I will try
To be worthy to enter there
Please teach me about the temple
I want to know so that someday I may go

I see the light of the temple at night
And its glow is a symbol
Helping me think of the safety and peace
That come from the holy temple

Repeat Chorus

 


6. How Many Hearts Have Been Turned?
Words by John V. Pearson / Music by Janice Kapp Perry

In 1998, my husband and I were invited to speak to an assembly of workers
from the St. Louis Temple. This song was written especially for that occasion
and dedicated to the saints who serve in that temple. (JKP)

The verse about the grandmother at the veil was written because of my own
experiences. The verse about the sealings describes how I feel about my
marriage and being sealed to my children. (John Pearson)

We serve in the house of the Lord
Our Savior's pure love fills this place
Where one by one men are redeemed
That all may be saved by His grace
How wond'rous the host gathered here
Where angels walk daily with men
With one heart and purpose we work
Returning God's children to Him

Chorus
How many hearts have been turned?
How many souls have been saved?
How great the blessings
And joy we have shared
With those we are serving today

A grandmother waits at the veil
Her granddaughter carries her name
She enters when love brings her in
They weep for their joy is the same
Whole families come to the font
Where others are washed for their sins
They're free now, their chains disappear
They're servants of Christ once again

Repeat Chorus

A man and a woman join hands
And kneel at the altar of God
By priesthood and covenant made
Their two lives continue as one
A little girl dressed all in white
Is brought where her parents await
They place her small hand on their own
They're sealed and the circle's complete

Repeat Chorus

 


7. Where Earth & Heaven Meet
Words & Music by Janice Kapp Perry

The Provo Temple is a 5 minute walk from my home. This song describes the
sweet feelings that accompany my service there and my reluctance to leave
that peaceful place. (JKP)

I enter quietly
I hear the closing of the door
My heart stirs silently
I'm in the world no more
The perfect beauty here
Invites all saints who qualify
To leave all earthly cares behind
And come to Christ
Each dressed in simple white
All equal in God,s sight
Life's purposes unfold before my eyes

As spirit teaches me
I feel a quiet peace
Here in this holy house
Where earth and heaven meet

I listen willingly
Renewed once more in faith and love
Each saving ordinance
Revealed by God above
With every covenant I make
My soul is sanctified
As I am then endowed with power from on high
Each promised blessing here
Is sealed by priesthood power
And I am richly blessed this sacred hour

I witness once for self
And then for others speak
Here in this holy house
Where earth and heaven meet

I leave reluctantly
I hear the closing of the door
My heart stirs silently
I'm in the world once more
Life's sweetest blessings sealed
God's will for me revealed
His love my protection and my shield
My purpose clearer
Life's meaning more complete
Here in this holy house
Where earth and heaven meet

Here in this holy house
Where earth and heaven meet

 


8. A Temple of the Lord
Words & Music by Lynne Perry Christofferson

Immediately following the dedication of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple I received
a request from a neighboring stake to write a song for their upcoming Women's
Conference. They wanted me to specifically mention having a temple in close
proximity. (Lynne Christofferson)

In the shadow of the mountains
Almost at our very door
Now there stands a temple of the Lord
If our hearts are truly seeking
We will feel our faith increase
As we ponder in this place of peace

Chorus
We will work to be worthy
To walk through the door
Of the house of the Lord
Where truth is revealed
Where families are sealed
The place we can claim
God's protection and shield
And where a hungry spirit can be filled

Father turn our hearts to others
Who have lived and gone before
Bless them in the temple of the Lord
We'll perform our sacred duty
And come forth with spirits bright
Filled with an endowment of His light

Repeat Chorus

In the shadow of the mountains
Almost at our very door
Now there stands a temple of the Lord

 


9. Sacraments & Symbols
Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry

"No man or woman can come out of the temple endowed as he should be, unless
he has seen, beyond the symbol, the mighty realities for which the symbol
stands. (Elder John A. Widtsoe)

Lamb of God, Morning Star
Cornerstone, and Rock
Brazen Serpent and True Vine
Shepherd of the flock

Sacraments and symbols open up my mind--
Pointing to a world waiting behind them
Simple bread and water represent the Christ
Even daily bread serves to remind!

Symbols of his life, of his sacrifice
Till the symbols are not needed to see

Wheat and tares, scattered seeds
Bridegroom at the feast
Buried in a watery grave
Then from death released

Sacraments and symbols open up my mind--
Pointing to a world waiting behind them
Concealing and revealing truth in every line
Gifts that those who seek surely may find

Symbols of his life, of his sacrifice
Till the symbols are not needed to see

Every world, every life
Testifies of Christ!
Lamb of God, Morning Star
Give me eyes to see

 


10. The Hearts of the Fathers Are Turning
Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry

When my grandmother died at age 81 she had thousands--no, tens of thousands--of
family members waiting for her on the other side: the people for whom she had
done years of family history research and temple work. Sometimes I think the
sheer mass and numbers of those loving connections was what finally pulled
her--like heavenly gravity--through the veil into their arms. That's the kind
of feeling this song is about. That's the Spirit of Elijah. (SKP)

Past
I lived my life such a long time ago
Working the land with the plow and the hoe
I planted a season but now I must sleep
Leaving the harvest for others to reap
Someone who's part of me
Who will that someone be?

For the hearts of the fathers are turning
Turning to children they've never seen
And the hearts of the children are burning
With the promise of what will be

Present
I live in the present yet feel for the past
Seeking connections and roots that outlast
The change of the seasons, the distance of time
Stories and people who I can call mine
Someone who's part of me
Who will that someone be?

For the hearts of the children are turning
Turning to fathers they've never seen
And the hearts of the fathers are burning
With the promise of what will be

Past
How I hoped for this hour
How I prayed for this day

Present
You have given me more
Than your name and your face

Both
In the house of the Lord
Heaven's doors open wide

Present
I will stand in your place

Past
I will stand by your side!

Both
For the hearts of the fathers are turning
Turning to children they've never seen
And the hearts of the children are burning
With the promise of what will be

Present
Every covenant spoken

Past
Till the chain is unbroken

Both
The circle will be complete

 


11. Thy Holy House
Words & Music by Janice Kapp Perry

This hymn was written on the Portland Temple grounds early one beautiful
Sunday morning as I observed the external beauty of the grounds and
contemplated the sacred ordinances performed within the walls. (JKP)

Lord, as I look upon thy holy house
I know I stand on hallowed ground
My soul is lifted up to higher thoughts
With nature's beauty all around
And as I contemplate thy wond'rous plan
Unfolded here within these walls
I speak a prayer of thanks within my heart
And tears of gratitude now fall

Lord, as I look upon thy holy house
With heaven's blessings held in store
I joy in every sacred ordinance
Performed for those who've gone before
And as I ponder solemn covenants
Made here within this house of peace
I long, with worthy saints, to enter in
This place where earth and heaven meet

Lord, as I look upon thy holy house
Whose spires ascend to heav,n above
I sense the vastness of eternity
I feel the greatness of thy love
And when I think of earthly families
Sealed here for all eternity
I feel assurance then of lasting joy
And endless happiness with thee

 


12. The Temple Reminds Me
Words by Joy Saunders Lundberg
Music by Janice Kapp Perry

These words were written for the YW/YM to increase their awareness of the
temple and their goal to enter there someday. (JSL)

The temple reminds me of my eternal worth
The temple reminds me of joys beyond this earth
I love this house of holiness
Where ord'nances divine
Bring forth the blessings of God's love
And they can all be mine

Chorus
Have you seen the temple
On a dark and quiet night
Have you felt the power of
Its majesty and light
Its spires reach up to heaven
Its doors call out to me
"Come enter in and find the joys
That last eternally"

The temple reminds me of my eternal worth
The temple reminds me of joys beyond this earth
I want to be found clean and pure
Upholding every truth
That I may enter in God's house
As He would have me do

Repeat Chorus

The temple reminds me of joys beyond this earth
The temple, the temple reminds me

 


13. Look Up!
Words & Music by Steven Kapp Perry

"In the course of our visits to the temple, we are given insights into the
meaning of the eternal journey of man. We see beautiful and impressive
symbolisms of the most important events--past, present, and future--symbolizing
man's mission in relationship to God . . . [The] temple will be a constant,
visible symbol that God has not left man to grope in darkness. (Pres. Ezra
Taft Benson)

We're on a journey! The temple is like the stars the ancient navigators used
to chart their course. Once the sailors had been endowed with an
understanding of the heavens, those celestial beacons never failed them as
long as the travelers remembered to look up. Bon voyage! (SKP)

The stars fall down from heaven
And scatter upon the earth
As strangers in a strange land
Forgetting their heavenly birth

Adrift and untethered they wander
Through kingdoms of darkness and light
Unschooled and unlearned they follow the tides
And many are lost in the night

Chorus
Look up! Look up!
The stars in the heavens cry out!
Look up! Look up!
Your course does not lie
On the earth or the sea
It lies in the heavens above
Look up! Look up!

The prince of darkness covets
These glimmering sparks of light
And seeks to blind and bind them
With treasures that have no life

But blazing and bright is the Prince of the Light
Revealing the mystery--
Endowing the stars with His power and might
He shows them their destiny

Repeat Chorus

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice in the Prince of the Light!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
For stars that were fading now shine like the Son
Reflecting the light of His love
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Look up!


Copyright © 1999 Janice Kapp Perry, BMI; Steven Kapp Perry, BMI; Lynne Perry Christofferson Prime Recordings 1999. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Unauthorized reproduction is punishable by law

To order, click here
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Album Credits

Executive Producers
Douglas C. & Janice Kapp Perry

Produced by
Greg Hansen

Recorded and mixed by
Guy Randle at Rosewood Recording Co.

Cover painting
MountTimpanogos Temple
original 11x15 watercolor by
Laurie Erickson Tenney

Graphics by
John Perry

1) Where Is the Place? (4:37)
Words & Music © 1995 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
From Come to the House of the Lord, - 1995 Deseret Book, used by permission
Produced by Steven Kapp Perry/Greg Hansen
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Felicia Sorensen / Chorus
Guitar: Michael Dowdle; Flute/tenor recorder/clarinet/oboe: Ray Smith;
Clarinet/sopranino recorder/flute: Daron Bradford; Oboe/English horn: Brad
Smith; French horn: Jane Wooley; Percussion: Kenny Hodges

2) The Power of Heaven (3:36)
Words & Music © 1999 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
Produced by Steven Kapp Perry/Greg Hansen
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Tammy Simister Robinson
Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams, Janice Vincent, Martha Thompson,
Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cellos: Monica Call, Jim
Hardy; Oboe: Melanie Carter; Keyboards and Sequencing: Greg Hansen;
Backup Vocals: Tammy Simister Robinson, Johanne Fréchette Perry

3) Teach a Child* / I Love to See the Temple** (2:01)
*Words & Music © 1995 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
**Words & Music © 1981 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
From I Love to See the Temple, - 1996 Prime Recordings Inc
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalists: Kevin Braddy / Jodie Harward
Keyboards and Sequencing: Greg Hansen, Roger Hoffman; Guitars: Michael
Dowdle; Percussion: Todd Sorensen; Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams;
Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cello: Monica Call; Flute/clarinet/oboe/recorder: Ray Smith

4) As Temples Fill the Earth (3:40)
Words © 1997 David B. Larsen
Music © 1999 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Tammy Simister Robinson / Chorus
Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams, Janice Vincent, Martha Thompson,
Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cellos: Monica Call, Jim
Hardy; Oboe: Melanie Carter; Guitars: Michael Dowdle; Keyboards and
Sequencing: Greg Hansen

5) Teach Me About the Temple (2:36)
Words & Music © 1995 Lynne Perry Christofferson
From I Love to See the Temple, - 1996 Prime Recordings Inc
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Jodie Harward
Keyboards and Sequencing: Greg Hansen, Roger Hoffman; Guitars: Michael
Dowdle; Percussion: Todd Sorensen; Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams;
Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cello: Monica Call; Flute/clarinet/oboe/recorder: Ray Smith

6) How Many Hearts Have Been Turned? (4:39)
Words © 1998 John V. Pearson
Music © 1998 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalists: Johanne Fréchette Perry / Bryce Neubert
Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams, Janice Vincent, Martha Thompson,
Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cellos: Monica Call, Jim
Hardy; Oboe: Melanie Carter; Guitars: Michael Dowdle; Keyboards and
Sequencing: Greg Hansen

7) Where Earth and Heaven Meet (3:25)
Words & Music © 1992 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
From In the Arms of His Love, - 1992 Prime Recordings Inc
Produced by Greg Hansen/Steven Kapp Perry
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Felicia Sorensen
Keyboards: Vince Frates; Guitar: Michael Dowdle; Strings: Amy Jackson,
Beverly Hansen, Shannon Hanks, Judd Sheranian, Ryan Selberg, Leslie
Harlow, John England; French horn: Linda Atkin; Percussion: Kelly Wallis;
Woodwinds: Dave Feller, Holly Gornick, Jane Lyman

8) A Temple of the Lord (3:17)
Words & Music © 1999 Lynne Perry Christofferson
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocals: Chorus
Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams, Janice Vincent, Martha Thompson,
Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cellos: Monica Call, Jim
Hardy; Oboe: Melanie Carter; Guitars: Michael Dowdle; Keyboards and
Sequencing: Greg Hansen

9) Sacraments & Symbols (3:30)
Words & Music © 1995 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
From Come to the House of the Lord, - 1995 Deseret Book, used by permission
Produced by Steven Kapp Perry/Greg Hansen
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocals: Chorus

10) The Hearts of the Fathers Are Turning (4:17)
Words & Music © 1995 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
From Come to the House of the Lord, - 1995 Deseret Book, used by permission
Produced by Steven Kapp Perry/Greg Hansen
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalists: Joel McCausland / Kevin Peay / Chorus
Piano: Vince Frates; Guitar: Michael Dowdle; Violin: Beverly Hansen, Janice Vincent;
Judd Sheranian, Tom Baron, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz, Lynn Rilling; Cello:
Carolee Baron, Monica Call; Bass: Walt Birkedahl; Flute/tenor recorder/clarinet/
oboe: Ray Smith; Clarinet/sopranino recorder/flute: Daron Bradford; Oboe/English
horn: Brad Smith; Trumpet: Reed LeCheminant; French horn: Jane Wooley; Trom-
bone: Keith Rittel; Percussion: Kenny Hodges; Additional keyboards: Dan Waldis

11) Thy Holy House (3:47)
Words & Music © 1999 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
Produced & Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocals: Chorus
Violins: Beverly Hansen, Barbara Williams, Janice Vincent, Martha Thompson,
Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz; Cellos: Monica Call, Jim
Hardy; Oboe: Melanie Carter; Guitars: Michael Dowdle; Keyboards and
Sequencing: Greg Hansen

12) The Temple Reminds Me (2:48)
Words © 1988 Joy Saunders Lundberg
Music © 1988 Janice Kapp Perry (BMI)
From Just One Little Light, - 1988 Prime Recordings Inc
Produced & Arranged by Roger Hoffman
Vocalist: Felicia Sorensen
Rhythm: Randy Kartchner, Mike Dowdle, Rob Honey, Jeff Carter

13) Look Up! (2:32)
Words & Music © 1995 Steven Kapp Perry (BMI)
From Come to the House of the Lord, - 1995 Deseret Book, used by permission
Produced by Steven Kapp Perry/Greg Hansen
Arranged by Greg Hansen
Vocalist: Tammy Simister Robinson
Guitar: Michael Dowdle; Violin: Beverly Hansen, Janice
Vincent, Judd Sheranian, Tom Baron, Natalie Reed; Viola: Mario Ortiz, Lynn
Rilling; Cello: Carolee Baron, Monica Call; Bass: Walt Birkedahl; Flute/tenor
recorder/clarinet/oboe: Ray Smith; Clarinet/sopranino recorder/flute:
Daron Bradford; Oboe/English horn: Brad Smith; Trumpet: Reed LeCheminant;
French horn: Jane Wooley; Trombone: Keith Rittel; Percussion: Kenny
Hodges; Sequencing: Greg Hansen; Additional keyboards: Dan Waldis

Chorus Women: Kristi Grover, Tammy Simister Robinson, Johanne Fréchette Perry, Nancy Baumgartner; Men: Roger Hoffman, Scott Pickard, Mark Child,
Steve Meredith, Greg Hansen

Chorus Sopranos: Stephanie Varone, Tanya Terry, Tammy Simister Robinson;
Altos: Johanne Fréchette Perry, Gaye Beeson, Kelly Shephardson; Tenors: Roger
Hoffman, Greg Hansen; Basses: Marvin Payne, Greg Hansen

 


© 1999 Prime Recordings Inc All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication punishable by law.

Special thanks to Deseret Book for permission to use tracks from Come to the House of the Lord

As Temples Fill the Earth also available on vocal cassette and as piano/vocal songbook

Instrumental recording available by special request direct from Prime Recordings

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