Manti Utah Temple Overview
The Manti Utah Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and significance, is the third dedicated temple in operation within the Utah Territory. The announcement for the construction of the Manti Utah Temple was made on June 25, 1875. The temple’s groundbreaking took place shortly thereafter, and it was dedicated on April 25, 1877, by Brigham Young.
A private dedication followed on May 17, 1888, officiated by Wilford Woodruff, and the public dedication occurred from May 21 to May 23, 1888, led by Lorenzo Snow. The temple underwent a public open house from June 6 to June 8, 1985, and was rededicated from June 14 to June 16, 1985, by Gordon B. Hinckley. Looking ahead, a public open house is scheduled for March 14 through April 5, 2024, with the rededication planned for April 21, 2024, by the Prophet Russell M. Nelson. The temple is situated on a 27-acre site.
Architectural Features and Design
The exterior of the Manti Utah Temple is finished in fine-textured, cream-colored oolite limestone, sourced from the quarries on the hill where the temple stands. Prominently featuring two attached end towers, the temple has a total floor area of 74,792 square feet and reaches a height of 179 feet, located at an elevation of 5,657 feet. The temple is situated atop a rising knoll, known as “Temple Hill,” which dominates the Sanpete Valley in Central Utah.
The Manti Utah Temple, notable for being the third temple built in the Utah Territory, was constructed on a site previously known for its rattlesnake population, referred to as the Manti Stone Quarry. It was upon Brigham Young’s designation that the site transformed into Temple Hill, where the same oolite stone was used for the temple’s exterior. Distinctively, unlike many other temples, the Manti Utah Temple does not feature a monument sign on its grounds.
Interior Features
Internally, the Manti Utah Temple showcases twin self-supporting, open-centered spiral staircases that ascend five stories within each of the octagonal towers on the west side of the building. The craftsmanship of the walnut hand railings is such that no joints can be felt, reflecting exceptional skill. These dramatic staircases are celebrated as an engineering marvel of the pioneer Latter-day Saints. For 133 years, the endowment was presented through live acting within the temple until its closure for major renovations on October 2, 2021. During this closure, the instruction rooms were adapted for video presentation of the endowment.
In a historical incident, lightning struck the east tower of the Manti Utah Temple in 1928, igniting a fire that burned for three hours before it could be extinguished.
The Manti Utah Temple stands as a testament to the dedication and workmanship of those who built it, continuing to serve as a sacred space in the community.