The New and Everlasting Covenant

FIRST: The garments worn by those who receive endowments must by white, and of the approved pattern; they must not be altered or mutilated, and are to be worn as intended, down to the wrist and ankles, and around the neck.

Please inform all to whom you issue recommends that these requirements are imperative, and that admission to the Temple will be refused to those who do not comply therewith. The Saints should know that the pattern of endowment garments was revealed from heaven, and that the blessings promised in connection with wearing them will not be realized if any unauthorized change is made in their form, or in the manner of wearing them.

(Joseph F. Smith. Messages of the First Presidency. 5:110.)

8. Salt Lake Temple.

TO: All Supervisors (Brethren and Sisters)

RE: Temple Garment

We have received a letter, of even date herewith, from the First Presidency, addressed to “All Temple Presidents”, which in part, reads as follows:

“In the future, while involved in temple ordinances, patrons will have the option of wearing either the ‘approved style’ garment (short sleeve and knee length) or the garment with the long sleeve and long leg.

Patrons receiving their initiatory ordinances may be clothed in their own ‘approved style’ garment.”

Notice of this change is going is going out from The First Presidency to Stake, Mission and District Presidents, suggesting that they notify Bishops, Branch Presidents and other priesthood leaders. Consequently, patrons may come to the temple very soon, expecting to go into the initiatory ordinance room and on the session wearing the “approved style garment”.

Therefore, effective immediately, patrons must be given the option of wearing either (1) the garment heretofore required in the temple or (2) the “approved style”.

All Temple workers should be familiar with this change in order that neither the temple worker nor the patron will be embarrassed or offended.

Supervisors are requested to read this bulletin in all meetings, beginning immediately, and to post same on the bulletin boards.

The letter from The First presidency will be posted on bulletin boards and in the locker rooms of the temple.

Faithfully yours,

Salt Lake Temple Presidency

/s/ John Edwards

/s/ Edward Sorensen

/s/ Selvoy Boyer