History of the Temple St. George Utah Temple
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple
Nestled at 250 E 400 S, St. George, Utah, the St. George Utah Temple holds a special place within the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its storied past and breathtaking architecture attract many who wish to learn more about its significance.
A Brief History
The St. George Utah Temple was announced on January 31, 1871, marking a pivotal moment in religious history in Utah Territory. The groundbreaking and site dedication were carried out by Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of the Church, on November 9, 1871. This site was originally characterized by swampy conditions, but construction was made possible by utilizing volcanic rock, which was blasted using a cannon.
Unique Architectural Features
Covering 6.5 acres, the St. George Utah Temple features an exterior finish of native redstone sandstone, quarried just north of the city, with plastered white elements. Modern additions consist of precast concrete and steel, resulting in a striking contrast of materials. The Temple reaches a height of 175 feet and sits at an elevation of 2,678 feet, adding to its prominence in the region.
The design includes a single attached end tower, three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Spanning 143,969 square feet, this site offers numerous spaces dedicated to various functions, underscoring its importance.
The Dedication and Early Use
The St. George Utah Temple holds the distinction of being the first built in the Utah Territory and the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30-year tenure as Prophet. It was dedicated on January 1, 1877, through a series of three dedicatory prayers led by prominent leaders: Wilford Woodruff dedicated the baptistry, Erastus Snow the assembly room, and Brigham Young, Jr., the sealing room.
Remarkable Events and Notable Moments
Baptisms for the dead commenced shortly after the dedication, on January 9, 1877, while endowments began on January 11, 1877, all occurring as construction was ongoing in other areas of the Temple. One remarkable anecdote from the Temple’s history involves Wilford Woodruff, who reported that the Founding Fathers of the United States twice appeared to him, inquiring why their temple work had not yet been performed. A striking painting, That We May Be Redeemed by Harold I. Hopkinson, depicting this event, graced the Temple lobby for decades.
Restoration and Renovation
The original tower of the St. George Utah Temple faced misfortune shortly after its dedication, succumbing to a lightning storm that left it significantly damaged. A new, more majestic tower was completed in 1883, enhancing the Temple’s grandeur. In another unfortunate event, a fire broke out in November 1928, destroying the annex built in 1883, although all records and furnishings were saved.
Recent Developments
Most recently, the Temple was part of a public open house, which took place from September 15 through November 11, 2023, hosted by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event provided an opportunity for people to learn about its history and significance during a time of renewed interest and outreach.
The St. George Utah Temple remains a potent emblem of faith and perseverance, representing vital aspects of the Church’s history in Utah. Its rich narrative, architectural beauty, and cultural significance continue to resonate with many.