Salt Lake Temple

The Salt Lake Temple was the sixth temple completed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the fourth finished after the Mormon pioneers' arrival in what is now the state of Utah. Its construction took 40 years, and it stands as a striking emblem of the Latter-day Saints' dedication and perseverance. It is also the most well-known temple and has come to symbolize the Church to many throughout the world.

In late July of 1847, the first group of Latter-day Saint pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. Within a few days, their leader Brigham Young indicated the precise location where the holy edifice should stand by striking the ground with his cane and announcing, "Here we will build a temple to our God." Apostle Wilford Woodruff marked the spot then and there. Construction of the temple began on 14 February 1853, following a groundbreaking ceremony conducted by Brigham Young.

A granite deposit was found nearby, and workers began to hand-chisel massive granite blocks which weighed between 2,500 and 5,600 pounds. These large stones were transported by ox-drawn wagon (and later railroad) to the temple lot. Most of the labor was performed by volunteers who, despite their hardships in trying to settle a new land, gave freely of their time and skills. Brigham Young encouraged the Saints to make the Salt Lake Temple the best it could be. The prophet stated that he wanted "to see the Temple built in a manner that it will endure through the Millennium" (Journal of Discourses, 10:254). The temple was built accordingly. Brigham Young also worked extensively with architect Truman O. Angell, directing what the temple was to look like according to the visions and revelations that were given to him by the Lord. The architectural style of the temple is often described as Gothic, complementing the doctrinal symbolism and revelatory layout of the temple.

There were numerous challenges which slowed the construction of the temple. At one point Church leaders learned that a U.S. Army contingent was being sent to Utah. Latter-day Saints distrusted the government that had allowed them to be persecuted and pushed out of Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and New York, so the work on the temple was stopped and the entire foundation was buried. As positive relations developed between the U.S. Government and the Church, work on the temple was resumed. The foundation was uncovered, but workers found that there were cracks in the foundation blocks. They were forced to take them out and start over, using new stones that were cut to fit together without mortar.

The Saints worked tirelessly to build the 253,015 square-foot temple. Once the exterior was completed, skilled artists and craftsmen were brought in to complete the temple's 170 rooms. The interior furnishings were completed in one year, marking 40 years since the groundbreaking ceremony. The Salt Lake Temple became the largest temple, with 12 sealing rooms and four ordinance rooms (after various additions and remodeling). With over a hundred temples constructed since then, it still remains the largest in the Church.

The Salt Lake Temple is also unique in that the President of the Church presided directly over a temple. Elder David B. Haight related why he felt this temple received such special attention:

"The work of this great temple was so significant to these men that they were willing to carry the additional responsibility of presiding over it and looking after its operation—in essence going to the temple each morning and taking care of business there before going to do the work of the First Presidency of the Church ("Symbol of Sacrifice, Monument to Life," Ensign, Oct. 1993, 9).

Unfortunately, Brigham Young did not live to see the completion of the Salt Lake Temple; nor did his successor, John Taylor. The temple was finally finished under the direction of Wilford Woodruff, then the fourth president of the LDS Church. Dedicatory services took place on 6 April 1893. Many other dedicatory services followed, providing "opportunity for eighty-two thousand people to participate in presenting their temple to their God" (Wallace Alan Raynor, The Everlasting Spires: The Story of the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1965, p. 159).

J. Golden Kimball of the First Council of the Seventy said the following about what the Salt Lake Temple meant to him:

When I think about [the temple], every stone in it is a sermon to me. It tells of suffering, it tells of sacrifice, it preaches—every rock in it, preaches a discourse. When it was dedicated, it seemed to me that it was the greatest sermon that has ever been preached since the Sermon on the Mount... Every window, every steeple, everything about the Temple speaks of the things of God and gives evidence of the faith of the people who built it (Conference Report, Apr. 1915, p. 79).

Scaled Model of Salt Lake Temple Gives Open House Experience

In May of 2010, an 88-inch tall scale model of the Salt Lake Temple was put on display in the South Visitors' Center in Temple Square. The scaled replica is 1:32 and shows the interior rooms of the temple.

The model of the Salt Lake Temple sits in front of a giant window in the South Visitors' Center facing the actual building that it replicates. The south and east walls of the replica have been cut away to show depictions of many of the rooms in the temple, including the large assembly hall and rooms where the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles meet. The baptistery and other ordinance rooms are also depicted. Close attention is paid to detail, and even paintings, furniture and working chandeliers and lamps imitate those found in the actual temple.

Peter McCann Architectural Models of Toronto was commissioned to create the replica in August 2009. Sixteen modelers with different expertise in various parts of the duplication process worked on the project for five months.

"This replica will show the millions of visitors who come to Temple Square the beauty and majesty of this sacred and historic building," said Elder Richard G. Hinckley, executive director of the Missionary Department. "Like all temples, once the building is dedicated it is used for sacred Church purposes and not open to the general public, but this exhibit will provide the public with a glimpse of the interior and a feeling of the Spirit that is present there."

The Salt Lake Temple is a landmark known throughout the world. When it was last open to the public in April of 1893, the local press reported that approximately 5,000 people, most of whom were not members of the Church, toured the temple before the dedication. The reports went on to say that "altogether the richness and elegant workmanship of the temple was a revelation of wonder to the visitors."

"Many people think our temples are like great halls or cathedrals. Actually, they have a number of rooms designed for certain functions such as marriages, baptisms, and instructional sessions," said Elder William R. Walker, executive director of the Church’s Temple Department.

In addition to the scaled model, the new display in the South Visitors' Center features new kiosks that show high-definition photos and video of the Salt Lake Temple interior rooms. A narrator gives an explanation of the purpose of the rooms and a diagram shows where they are located on the model. The presentation is very similar to what a person would experience during the public open house of a temple. [1]

To see a video describing the scale model and display, click here.

See also Temple Square

Historic Salt Lake Temple to be Renovated

Details and project renderings have been released regarding the upcoming closure and renovation of the historic Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During a morning press conference held on Friday, 19 April 2019, Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church, announced the pioneer-era temple will close 29 December 2019 and will remain closed for approximately four years while undergoing a major structural and seismic renovation. The temple is expected to reopen in 2024 with a public open house.

Bishop Dean M. Davies, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, commented, "This will be an incredible opportunity. For generations, only faithful members have been able to enter the Salt Lake Temple. Now everyone — people of our faith, other faiths or no faith — will be able to come to the temple." He added that open-house visitors will see more than beautiful architecture and interior design. He said, "They will also feel the 'sense of the sacred' in the temple. I can’t think of a more wonderful opportunity. It may take more than two months to get everyone through. . . .We want everyone to know they are welcome. We want them to come and see and feel why this temple is so beautiful to us. We want it to be their temple too. The temple is part of the community."

The surrounding area on Temple Square and the plaza near the Church Office Building will also be affected as existing buildings are demolished and the area undergoes renovation and restoration. The existing annex and temple addition on the north side, which was built in the 1960s to add needed support facilities and more sealing (marriage) rooms, will be demolished and rebuilt.

Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church’s Special Projects Department, said, "This upgrade will include a base isolation system, which is one of the most effective means of protecting a structure against earthquake forces. This unique system will preserve the historic footing of the temple. Once complete, it will help protect people, the historic building, and the beautiful interior finishes in the event of an earthquake."

It is expected that the North Visitors’ Center, Tabernacle and Assembly Hall will remain open to the public during construction, and tours by missionaries from the Temple Square Mission will continue to be available for guests. Other Temple Square attractions that will be accessible to visitors during the temple renovation include the Family History Library, Church History Museum, Church History Library, Conference Center, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Lion House, and Beehive House.

During his remarks at the press conference, President Nelson said, "This project will enhance, refresh, and beautify the temple and its surrounding grounds. Obsolete systems within the building will be replaced. Safety and seismic concerns will be addressed. Accessibility will be enhanced so that members with limited mobility can be better accommodated." He added, "We promise that you will love the results. They will emphasize and highlight the life, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ in His desire to bless every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."