Refuge From The Storm – St George Utah Temple
The St. George Utah Temple: A Historical Overview
Nestled in the heart of St. George, the St. George Utah Temple is a significant site for many. With a rich history that dates back over a century, this impressive building showcases remarkable architectural elements and a deep connection to the early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The History of the St. George Utah Temple
Announcement and Groundbreaking
The St. George Utah Temple was announced on January 31, 1871, paving the way for its groundbreaking and site dedication on November 9, 1871, by Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The terrain where it stands was characterized by swampy ground, yet this was transformed with volcanic rock, which was packed using a cannon. A portion of this rock can be seen at the visitor center.
Design and Construction
Spanning 6.5 acres, the exterior of the St. George Utah Temple is crafted from native redstone sandstone, quarried to the north of the city, and finished with white plaster. Additional elements include precast concrete and steel. The Temple’s impressive height reaches 175 feet, placing it at an elevation of 2,678 feet.
The original name for the Temple was simply the St. George Temple, and it holds the honor of being the first built Temple in the Utah Territory. Interestingly, this was the only Temple completed during Brigham Young’s 30-year tenure as Prophet.
Dedication and Early Years
The St. George Utah Temple was dedicated on January 1, 1877, in a series of three dedicatory prayers. Notable figures such as Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow, and Brigham Young, Jr. officiated different aspects of the ceremony. Baptisms for the dead first took place on January 9, 1877, with endowments following shortly after on January 11, while further construction continued in other areas of the Temple.
Architectural Challenges and Restoration
The original tower suffered significant damage due to a lightning storm just a year after the dedication. A new, taller tower was completed in 1883, adding to the Temple’s majesty. In November 1928, a fire destroyed the annex built in 1883, but thankfully, all records and furnishings were preserved.
Recent Developments
Public Open House
The St. George Utah Temple has undergone renovations, with the latest public open house held from September 15th through November 11th, 2023, hosted by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event allowed many to experience the renewed beauty of the Temple.
Unique Moments
A notable account in the Temple’s history recounts the appearance of the Founding Fathers of the United States to Wilford Woodruff, inquiring about the progress of their temple work. This remarkable event is captured in a painting entitled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, which adorned the lobby for many years.
Conclusion
The St. George Utah Temple serves as a testament to the dedication and spirit of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its rich history, unique architectural features, and ongoing significance in the region make it an important site for understanding the legacy of faith in Utah.