St. George Utah Temple is 143,696 square feet
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 intertwined with dedication and vision. Originally announced on January 31, 1871, this remarkable Templo reflects both the legacy of its time and the determination behind its construction.
Historical Significance
The groundbreaking and site dedication of the St. George Utah Temple occurred on November 9, 1871, under the guidance of Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It stands as a testament to the early aspirations of the church in the Utah Territory.
The Temple was constructed on 6.5 acres of land that was initially swampy but filled with volcanic rock using a cannon. This rock, an integral part of the landscape’s transformation, is proudly displayed at the visitor center.
Architectural Features
The exterior of the St. George Utah Temple showcases native redstone sandstone quarried north of St. George, beautifully plastered white. Additional elements include precast concrete and steel. The Temple features a single attached end tower that rises impressively to a height of 175 feet, sitting at an elevation of 2,678 feet. With a total area of 143,969 square feet, it stands as the first built Templo in the Utah Territory, completed during Brigham Young’s 30 years as Prophet.
Moreover, the Temple comprises three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry, providing vital functions for its members.
Dedication and Early History
The St. George Utah Temple was dedicated on January 1, 1877, through a series of three dedicatory prayers: the baptistry by Wilford Woodruff, the assembly room by Erastus Snow, and the sealing room by Brigham Young, Jr. By January 9, 1877, baptisms for the dead were initiated, followed by endowments starting on January 11, 1877, as construction continued in various areas.
The original tower experienced significant damage due to a lightning storm about a year after the dedication, necessitating the completion of a new, taller, and more majestic tower in 1883.
Notable Events
An intriguing event in the history of the St. George Utah Temple involved the Founding Fathers of the United States appearing to Wilford Woodruff, inquiring about their temple work. A striking painting that depicts this event, titled “That We May be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, adorned the temple lobby for decades.
In November 1928, a fire devastated the annex built in 1883. Fortunately, all records and furnishings were saved, demonstrating the resilience of those involved in the Temple’s stewardship.
Recent Developments
Recently, the St. George Utah Temple showcased its latest public open house from September 15th through November 11th, 2023, hosted by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event allowed an opportunity to engage with the Temples’ historic and spiritual context.
The St. George Utah Temple stands not only as a remarkable architectural achievement but also as a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of faith and determination in the region. Its story is one of resilience, commitment, and a deep-rooted connection to the past, reflecting the vital exchanges that occur within its walls.