or you can ask me...
no temple is rebuilt after its had an open house for the public. Sheesh.
Temples are nothing like any JW buildings.
There are 2 priesthoods in Mormonism - the 'lesser' Aaronic (pertaining to outward ordinances like baptism and the sacrament prepaartion and passing) and the Melchizedek (pertaining to spiritual ordinances such as the endowment.)
In the Temple only Melchizedek level ordinaces take place and these represent the pinnacle of Mormon earthly aims and they are:
1 - Baptism for the dead - vicarious baptism (matching the vicarious atonement) allows the theoretical fulfillment of the Mormon belief that every single person must be baptised and that it is an absolute unwavering requirement for all people who have ever existed who have been older that 7. This is seen as a loving service for - primarily,but not restricted to, family members who have died without getting a Mormon baptism. it is performed in a font that is normally in the basement of the temple (symbolic of the beginning of the ascent to godhood and that baptism is a death of the old person and a new life in Christ so the subterranean placement also symbolises the grave) and this font is on the back of 12 oxen representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
2 - Marriage and Sealing for time and all eternity. The ultimate purpose of Mormon families is to remain together eternaly (otherwise all would revert to a pre-existent status of brother and sister rather than spouse or child/ parent. Marriage vows are extended beyond death and families are sealed together forever. Perhaps the most moving ceremony done in the temple. Performed in a sealing room (usually a mirrored room (reflecting mirrors symbolise eternity) and kneeling together at an altar. Ultimately all people must be sealed as one eternal family back to Adam.
3 - The endowment. Seen as the 'ultimate' personal step towards godhood where a symbolic walk through the purpose of life is given through story and the giving of ritual signs, tokens and names (see masonry. ) The story begins with creation (and explains that all are spirit children of God with the potential to become like him if we pass each set of tests ), talks about the role of Adam and Eve and Satan and Christ and is punctuated by solemn oaths and commitments (basically law of chastity , law of obedience, consecrate all you have to Christ - and the church ;) ) The endowment promises that - if you remain faithful - you will become God's and Goddesses like the Father. Endowment culminates with a symbolic exit from the mortal realm into heaven through the veil where 'Jesus' greets you and ushers you into the Celestial Kingdom. In older temples the whole narration moves from room to room and higher and higher and is acted. In modern or smaller temples only the final step past the veil (a literal curtain) through to the room decorated as the Celestial kingdom involves a change of room and elevation and the presentation is given by a media system involving a film and soundsystem. Rooms represent, Eden, the fallen telestial world, the terrestrial world (righteous people on earth) and the final Celestial (home of God and the faithful.) decoration is fittingly more impressive per stage. once you have performed your own endownment you then vicariously perform it for others - just like the baptism one - since the endowment is a requirement to achieve the Celestial Kingdom (since you learn the passwords to get in.)
4 - Washings and anointings - these always precede the endowment but can be done on their own, everyone - prior to their personal endowment -also must have a washing and anointing where you are symbolically prepared to meet God and to take upon yourself covenants. Involves short prayers, olive oil and wearing a garment representative of the clothes given to Adam by God at Eden , also symbolic of the first covenants.
clothing - everyone wears white ,the anointing and washing involves a bit of nudity (like wearing a hospital gown in public) but is tasteful and less intrusive than of old (they used to touch your body as they prayed over it so you got some oil on your head, your stomach etc.. - toned down after people complained it was a bit intimate. The endowment and sealings have all adults taking part in full Mormon costume (google it ) which is symbolic of the Priesthood. baptism - people taking part wear white jumpsuits. Children can only take part in sealings and baptisms. No unendowed people are allowed into the Celestial room or to see those wearing there ceremonial robes.
Talking must be in hushed tones.
The temple is made of the highest quality materials as befits an earthly representation of heaven. There are additional rooms for administrative work, meetings by the authorities and for more mundane things like janitorial supplies and a cafeteria. The rooms are filled with paintings, mirrors and crystal chandiliers. The carpets are deep pile and there is normally lots of gold leaf detailing on the walls. There will normally be marble or expensive wood for surfaces. Curtains and furnishings are normally of silk, satin or crushed velvet and the actual furniture is of the highest quality.
The Celestial room is normally the highest main room of the temple and is in shades of white.
After an open house the temple is closed to only recommend holders (members who have been assessed in worthiness intervies by the Bishop and Stake President ) and normally the carpets are replaced (they've been walked on by loads of people) , walls will be repainted where necessary etc. No buildings are rebuilt (the cost is already exhorbitant.)
The temple is dedicated to God in a special ceremony attended by a general authority (or sometimes the head prophet himself.)
For what it's worth they are often achingly beautiful places.