Temple Facts of the St. George Utah Temple only Temple completed while Brigham Young was alive
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple: A Historical and Architectural Gem
St. George, Utah, is home to a remarkable site with a rich history and stunning architectural features. The St. George Utah Temple stands proudly at 250 E 400 S St. George, Utah 84770. This sacred place has deep roots in the community and significant historical importance within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Historical Overview
The journey of the St. George Utah Temple began when it was announced on January 31, 1871. The groundbreaking and site dedication took place on November 9, 1871, led by the Prophet Brigham Young, who was the Second Prophet of the Church.
Construction was not without its challenges. Located on swampy ground, builders resorted to using volcanic rock and a cannon to set a stable foundation for this monumental undertaking. The completed Temple occupies 6.5 acres and features an impressive exterior finish of native redstone sandstone quarried north of the city, complemented by white plaster. Other additions were constructed using precast concrete and steel.
Dedication and Early Activities
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. It holds the distinction of being the first Temple built in the Utah Territory and the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30-year tenure as Prophet.
Active services began shortly after dedication, with baptisms for the dead first performed on January 9, 1877, and endowments starting on January 11, 1877, even as construction continued in other areas of the Temple.
Architectural Features
Standing at a height of 175 feet, the Temple is distinguished by a single attached end tower. It features three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry, providing ample space for various sacred functions. The total square footage of the building is an impressive 143,969 square feet.
In 1883, a new tower was completed to replace the original, which was severely damaged by a lightning storm just a year after the Temple’s dedication. The new tower not only restored functionality but also added to the overall majesty of the Temple.
Notable Events and Anecdotes
A particularly striking event in the Temple’s history involved Wilford Woodruff, who reported twice seeing the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. They sought answers regarding their temple work, leading to a significant spiritual moment captured in a painting titled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, which hung in the lobby for many years.
Tragically, in November 1928, fire broke out and destroyed the annex built in 1883, but all records and furnishings were successfully saved, proving the resilience of this historic site.
Recent Developments
The most recent public open house for the St. George Utah Temple took place from September 15th through November 11th, 2023, and was presided over by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event underscores the ongoing significance of this Temple in the lives of those who hold it dear.
In summary, the St. George Utah Temple is not only a site of historical and architectural significance but also a vital part of the narrative of faith and determination in the area. The stories it holds and the beauty it exudes continue to inspire all who learn about its rich past.