Presidents and Matrons of the St. George Utah Temple
Discovering the St. George Utah Temple
The St. George Utah Temple, located at 250 E 400 S, St. George, Utah 84770, has a rich history that spans over a century and reflects the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area.
Historical Background
The journey of the St. George Utah Temple began on January 31, 1871, when the announcement was made by church leaders. Groundbreaking took place shortly thereafter, on November 9, 1871, led by Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of the Church. This site was originally swampy, but to prepare for construction, volcanic rock was utilized, and some of this rock is on display at the visitor center.
The temple was built on 6.5 acres and features a striking exterior made from native redstone sandstone, quarried just north of the city. The building incorporates plastered white finishes, along with additional materials in precast concrete and steel. With its height at 175 feet and sitting at an elevation of 2,678 feet, the temple offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Architectural Features
The St. George Utah Temple features a single attached end tower, three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry. With a total area of 143,969 square feet, it stands as the first constructed facility of its kind in the Utah Territory. This temple is notable for being the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30 years as Prophet.
Dedication and Operations
On January 1, 1877, the temple was dedicated through a series of three prayers. Wilford Woodruff dedicated the baptistry, Erastus Snow the assembly room, and Brigham Young, Jr. the sealing room. Two days after the dedication, on January 9, 1877, baptisms for the dead were performed, followed by the beginning of endowments on January 11, 1877, even as construction continued in other parts of the building.
Challenges and Restoration
The early years were not without challenges. The original tower was struck by lightning approximately a year after the dedication, resulting in significant damage. A new, more majestic tower was completed in 1883 to restore the temple’s distinctive profile.
Notable Events
An intriguing part of the temple’s history involves Wilford Woodruff’s interactions with historical figures. He reported that the Founding Fathers of the United States appeared to him twice, inquiring about their temple work. This remarkable event was immortalized in the painting “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, which hung in the temple lobby for many years.
Preservation of History
In November 1928, a fire unfortunately broke out, destroying the annex built in 1883. Thankfully, all records and furnishings were preserved, ensuring that the temple’s history could be maintained for future generations.
Modern Developments
The St. George Utah Temple recently held its latest public open house from September 15 to November 11, 2023, hosted by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event highlighted the temple’s ongoing importance and connection to the members of the church.
In conclusion, the St. George Utah Temple stands as a testament to the dedication and resilience of those who built it. Its long history and distinctive architectural features make it a significant site for understanding the cultural and spiritual landscape of Utah.