Photograph Gallery of the St. George Utah Temple
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple
The St. George Utah Temple, located at 250 E 400 S, St. George, Utah 84770, holds a rich history and spiritual significance. This remarkable site has deep roots that trace back to the 19th century, reflecting the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah.
A Historical Overview
Announced on January 31, 1871, the St. George Utah Temple saw its groundbreaking and site dedication on November 9, 1871, led by the Prophet Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of the Church. This site was notable for its challenging conditions, as it was built on swampy ground, and volcanic rock was used for its construction, assisted by cannons to pack the rock into place. The rock is now displayed at the visitor center, showcasing the temple’s unique beginnings.
Construction and Design
Occupying 6.5 acres, the temple features a stunning exterior finish of native redstone sandstone quarried from the north of the city, along with white plaster and additional concrete and steel elements. Standing at a height of 175 feet and situated at an elevation of 2,678 feet, the temple presents a striking profile with a single attached end tower.
In total, the St. George Utah Temple encompasses 143,969 square feet and includes three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and a baptistry.
Important Milestones
This temple is particularly significant as it was the first built in Utah Territory and the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30 years as Prophet. Over time, it has hosted various pivotal events, including the presentation of the endowment, which was originally delivered live. After its dedication on January 1, 1877, through a series of three dedicatory prayers, baptisms for the dead commenced on January 9, 1877, followed by the begin of endowments just two days later, all while construction continued in other areas.
Noteworthy Events
The St. George Utah Temple has witnessed various noteworthy events in its history. The original tower was severely damaged by a lightning storm about a year after its dedication, leading to the completion of a taller and more majestic new tower in 1883.
Additionally, an extraordinary occurrence involved the Founding Fathers of the United States appearing to Wilford Woodruff within these hallowed walls, asking why their temple work had not been completed. A striking painting depicting this event, titled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, hung in the temple lobby for decades.
1928 Fire Incident
In November 1928, a fire broke out, destroying the annex built in 1883. Remarkably, all records and furnishings were saved, preventing a significant loss of history.
Modern Developments
The latest public open house for the St. George Utah Temple was held from September 15 to November 11, 2023, conducted by the Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland.
The St. George Utah Temple is a site that embodies a rich historical narrative and continues to play a vital role within the faith today. Its architecture, historical significance, and the stories it holds contribute to its enduring legacy in the region and beyond.