Temple Facts of the St. George Utah Temple
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple
Located at 250 E 400 S St. George, Utah 84770, the St. George Utah Temple holds an esteemed place in the history and culture of the region. This remarkable construction is the first built Temple in the Utah Territory.
A Brief History
The journey of the St. George Utah Temple began on January 31, 1871, when it was announced. The groundbreaking and site dedication took place on November 9, 1871, under the guidance of Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This Temple has a significant historical narrative, being the only one completed during Brigham Young’s 30-year tenure as Prophet.
Construction Challenges
Building on swampy ground posed its own difficulties. To address the unstable conditions, volcanic rock was packed using a cannon, which added to the Temple’s unique foundation. Today, a piece of this rock can be found on display at the visitor center for those interested in the building’s construction story.
Architectural Features
The St. George Utah Temple encompasses 143,969 square feet and stands at a height of 175 feet, sitting at an elevation of 2,678 feet. It is adorned with an exterior finish of native redstone sandstone quarried to the north of the city, complemented by white plaster and precast concrete and steel additions. The Temple features a single attached end tower, three instruction rooms, several sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
Significant Events and Dedication
The dedication of the St. George Utah Temple occurred on January 1, 1877, involving a series of three dedicatory prayers. The baptistry was dedicated by Wilford Woodruff, the assembly room by Erastus Snow, and the sealing room by Brigham Young, Jr. Remarkably, baptisms for the dead were first performed just days later on January 9, 1877, followed by the commencement of endowments on January 11, 1877.
Unforeseen Challenges
However, the Temple’s journey was not without setbacks. The original tower fell victim to a lightning storm nearly a year after the dedication, leading to significant damage. A new, taller tower was erected in 1883, bringing an even more majestic appearance.
The Founding Fathers’ Visit
A fascinating moment in the Temple’s history involves the appearances of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Wilford Woodruff reported that they appeared twice, inquiring why their temple work had not been completed. A painting depicting this event, titled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, was displayed in the Temple lobby for many years.
Fire Incident of 1928
An unfortunate event transpired in November 1928 when a fire broke out, destroying an annex that had been built in 1883. Thankfully, all records and furnishings were saved from the blaze, preserving the Temple’s rich history.
Recent Developments
The St. George Utah Temple continues to draw attention, with the latest public open house occurring from September 15th through November 11th, 2023, led by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event provided an opportunity to engage with the heritage and significance of the Temple in contemporary times.
With a combination of historical importance and enduring architectural beauty, the St. George Utah Temple remains a site of interest and significance within the region.