Temple Square
Originally 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
Today on the thirty-five acres in Salt Lake City, that is Temple Square there are 13 buildings that provide many interesting historical and modern day wonders. The oldest building there is the Tabernacle that has, since 1867, housed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sharing with the world the finest musical programs. It was built with a seating capacity of 6,000. In subsequent years other buildings have been built to house important interests of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Temple, which is the building of most importance to the members of the Church, was built over a period of 40 years and finally completed in 1892. On the original Temple Square there are three other buildings: the North Visitor Center (which houses a replica of a statue by artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus), the South Visitor Center (which houses many interactive displays that tell about Jesus Christ and teachings of the Church), and the Assembly Hall (which is host to many concerts during the year is one of the older buildings of the entire square and attests to the fine workmanship of the men who labored to build it).
As the Church has grown, several new buildings have been built and have expanded the headquarters into the surrounding blocks.
To the east is the Church Office Building, the Administration Building, the Relief Society Building, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Lion House, and the Beehive House, each with their own histories. The Administration Building and the Church Office Building contain offices for the Apostles and other leaders. In 1995, the Hotel Utah was remodeled and renamed the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. It now houses additional offices, a distribution center, event rooms, two restaurants, and a theatre. The theatre is used to show specially-made Church films such as Legacy and The Testaments. Currently showing is a film about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Located on the block just west of Temple Square are the Family History Library, with the largest genealogical record collection in the world and the Museum of Church History and Art. In 2000, the Church completed a new 21,000-seat Conference Center. The main purpose of that building is for the general conferences of the Church twice a year so that members may gather to hear the prophet and the apostles of the Church and other General Authorities. It also houses a theatre where productions of the highest caliber are given. It 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. In 1995, Temple Square became officially a mission of it's own called the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission. It is the smallest mission in the Church geographically, but also the most international one. Volunteer missionaries, serve as guides on the grounds and speak over 40 languages to accomodate tourists from around the world. The grounds are covered with beautiful gardens and hold musical concerts and other such things on a regular basis. 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.
