Calgary Mormons say curiosity over their massive new temple in the city’s northwest has opened doors for dialogue with outside members of the local community.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 20, 101,035 visitors took a tour of the Calgary Alberta LDS Temple in Royal Oak.

Temple recorder Bob Hamilton said many of those attending the series of open houses had little prior knowledge about the Mormon faith.

“It’s a unique building — a spectacular building — I think people talked to their friends and word spread,” he said. “There were people from all faiths.”

A price tag for the temple has not been made public; however, the inside contains many elegant design features, including a massive baptismal font and a Swarovski crystal chandelier.

But extravagance aside, community elder Stephane Trone seemed more interested in  the community interaction fostered by the temple’s unveiling.

“We are really excited and happy about the temple being here and I guess that excitement spread over to helping our friends share in that excitement,” he said.

The temple, the eighth of its kind in Canada, will be formally dedicated this Sunday and 25,000 Calgary and area members are expected frequent the venue.