BATTAMBANG, Cambodia — As the first day of the Temple dedication conference comes to a close in Battambang, video highlights capture the day's joyous and exhilarating events.

"We are all gathered here to celebrate the inauguration of an edifice that has been erected for the sole purpose of the glorification of the one true God, the creator of what is in heaven and on earth, which has the noble aim of uniting hearts together," explained representative of the Universal House of Justice, Ms. Sokuntheary Reth, in special remarks made within the Temple following the morning program. "This is the fruit of a transforming process set in motion a long time ago, by dedicated and courageous souls set out to bring the healing message of God to the golden land of the Kingdom of Cambodia."

The morning program, held under a tent on the Temple land, consisted of prayers, traditional dance, and talks by government representatives and the chairman of the Baha'i National Assembly of Cambodia.

In groups of 250, people then entered the Temple, where they heard remarks from the representative of the House of Justice as well as sacred writings and prayers read and chanted in that hallowed space.

The conference program continues tomorrow, beginning with a devotional program in the early morning.