Difference between revisions of "Temple Square"
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[[Image:SLC_Temple.jpg|frame|The Salt Lake Temple is the heart of Temple Square. c2002 Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.]] | [[Image:SLC_Temple.jpg|frame|The Salt Lake Temple is the heart of Temple Square. c2002 Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.]] | ||
| − | In 1847, when [http://lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/pioneerstory.htm Mormon pioneers] arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, [[Mormon president|President]] [[Brigham Young]] selected a 10-acre plot of ground that was designated for the [[ | + | In 1847, when [http://lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/pioneerstory.htm Mormon pioneers] arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, [[Mormon president|President]] [[Brigham Young]] selected a 10-acre plot of ground that was designated for the [[Salt Lake Temple]]. This plot became known as [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1890-1-1-1,00.html Temple Square]. It also became the headquarters for [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. In 1867 the famous Tabernacle, with its equally famous organ, was built with a seating capacity of 6,000. Today it is the home of the world famous [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]] begun by Welsh immigrants in the 1850s. Today Temple Square also features two visitor’s centers, one of which houses a replica of a statue by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus. |
As the Mormon Church has grown, several new buildings have been built and have expanded the headquarters into the surrounding blocks. An administration building and the LDS Church Office Building contain offices for the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles|Apostles]] and other leaders. In 1995, the Hotel Utah was remodeled as additional office space. A museum and genealogy library are located on the block west of Temple Square, and in 2000, the Church completed a new 21,000-seat [[Conference Center]], which serves not only Church related functions, but is also used by the community for plays, concerts, conferences, and lectures. | As the Mormon Church has grown, several new buildings have been built and have expanded the headquarters into the surrounding blocks. An administration building and the LDS Church Office Building contain offices for the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles|Apostles]] and other leaders. In 1995, the Hotel Utah was remodeled as additional office space. A museum and genealogy library are located on the block west of Temple Square, and in 2000, the Church completed a new 21,000-seat [[Conference Center]], which serves not only Church related functions, but is also used by the community for plays, concerts, conferences, and lectures. | ||
Revision as of 15:10, 10 July 2006
In 1847, when Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young selected a 10-acre plot of ground that was designated for the Salt Lake Temple. This plot became known as Temple Square. It also became the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1867 the famous Tabernacle, with its equally famous organ, was built with a seating capacity of 6,000. Today it is the home of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir begun by Welsh immigrants in the 1850s. Today Temple Square also features two visitor’s centers, one of which houses a replica of a statue by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus.
As the Mormon Church has grown, several new buildings have been built and have expanded the headquarters into the surrounding blocks. An administration building and the LDS Church Office Building contain offices for the Apostles and other leaders. In 1995, the Hotel Utah was remodeled as additional office space. A museum and genealogy library are located on the block west of Temple Square, and in 2000, the Church completed a new 21,000-seat Conference Center, which serves not only Church related functions, but is also used by the community for plays, concerts, conferences, and lectures.
Temple Square has become a popular tourist attraction, with five million visitors annually, more than the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. Many tours and events are held to accommodate visitors. Volunteer missionaries, usually female, serve as guides on the grounds and speak one of a dozen or more languages to accomodate tourists from around the world. The grounds are covered with beautiful gardens and hold musical concerts and other almost every day. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir practices on Thursdays and these practices are open to the public. During the Christmas holiday season, thousands of lights sparkle from trees and shrubs around the square. The lighting of this event is so popular that it is attended by thousands each year.
