Temple Facts of the St. George Utah Temple fire destroyed the original annex in 1928
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple
The St. George Utah Temple, located at 250 E 400 S, St. George, Utah 84770, holds a remarkable place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This impressive edifice has witnessed many significant events since its conception.
Historical Background
The announcement for the St. George Utah Temple came on January 31, 1871. Groundbreaking took place shortly after, on November 9, 1871, under the direction of Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of the Church. The temple was constructed on a challenging terrain, characterized by swampy ground and volcanic rock, which was moved using a cannon. The unique rock is now displayed in the visitor center, offering insight into the temple’s construction challenges.
Construction Details
The St. George Utah Temple is built on 6.5 acres and boasts an impressive exterior finish of native redstone sandstone, quarried to the north of the city, and plastered white. Additional components are made of precast concrete and steel.
With a height of 175 feet and an elevation of 2,678 feet, this site stands as a prominent feature in the surrounding landscape. The temple covers a total area of 143,969 square feet, showcasing its grandeur.
Architectural Features
The design of the St. George Utah Temple includes a single attached end tower, three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry. This setup reflects the temple’s multifaceted nature and ability to serve a variety of functions.
Events and Milestones
The St. George Utah Temple is notable for being the first built Temple in Utah Territory. Originally referred to simply as the St. George Temple, it was the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30 years of leadership.
The dedication of the temple occurred on January 1, 1877, comprising three dedicatory prayers: the baptistry by Wilford Woodruff, the assembly room by Erastus Snow, and the sealing room by Brigham Young, Jr. Following the dedication, baptisms for the dead commenced on January 9, 1877, and endowments began on January 11, 1877, while construction continued in other areas.
Noteworthy Incidents
Shortly after its dedication, the original tower suffered damage due to a lightning storm. A new, more majestic tower was completed in 1883, enhancing the temple’s visual appeal.
In a remarkable historical incident, the Founding Fathers of the United States appeared twice to Wilford Woodruff within the temple, inquiring about their temple work. This significant moment is immortalized in a painting titled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, which hung in the temple lobby for decades.
Recent Developments
The most recent public open house took place from September 15 through November 11, 2023, conducted by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event allowed others to engage with the temple’s beauty and history.
In November 1928, a fire broke out, destroying the annex built in 1883. Fortunately, all records and furnishings were saved, preserving the temple’s historical integrity.
Conclusion
The St. George Utah Temple stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and significant historical moments in the church’s journey. From its challenging construction to its ongoing role in the community, this Temple remains an enduring emblem of faith.