Temple Renovation 2023 St. George Utah Temple visitor plaza you can see the St. George Utah Temple
Exploring the St. George Utah Temple
The St. George Utah Temple is an essential part of the history and culture of St. George, Utah. Located at 250 E 400 S St. George, Utah 84770, it stands as a testament to the dedication and faith of countless individuals over the years.
A Historical Overview
The announcement for the St. George Utah Temple was made on January 31, 1871. The groundbreaking and site dedication occurred shortly after, on November 9, 1871, by Brigham Young, who served as the Second Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With its construction beginning amid swampy ground supported by volcanic rock, the challenges were significant. Rock from the site is prominently displayed at the visitor center.
Construction and Design
Covering an area of 6.5 acres, the St. George Utah Temple features an exterior finish made of native redstone sandstone quarried north of the city, complemented by white plaster. In addition, later construction utilized precast concrete and steel, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic beauty.
The temple has a single attached end tower and boasts an impressive total area of 143,969 square feet, reaching a height of 175 feet. Sitting at an elevation of 2,678 feet, this building is the first completed in the Utah Territory.
Dedication and Early Days
Initially referred to as the St. George Temple, it is noteworthy for being the only temple completed during Brigham Young’s 30 years as Prophet. The dedication took place on January 1, 1877, in 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. Shortly after the dedication, baptisms for the dead began on January 9, 1877, followed by endowments on January 11, 1877, all while construction continued in other sections.
Significant Events
Almost a year after its dedication, the original tower succumbed to a lightning storm, leading to extensive damage. A more majestic replacement was completed in 1883.
A remarkable event that took place within the walls of the St. George Utah Temple was the appearance of the Founding Fathers of the United States to Wilford Woodruff, expressing their concern about their temple work being left unfinished. This poignant moment was captured in a painting titled “That We May Be Redeemed” by Harold I. Hopkinson, which adorned the temple lobby for many years.
Preservation and Fires
On November 1928, a fire broke out, destroying the annex built in 1883. Remarkably, all records and furnishings were preserved, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding history and memories.
Recent Developments
The latest public open house for the St. George Utah Temple occurred from September 15th through November 11th, 2023, led by Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland. This event showcased the temple’s beauty and reverence.
In sum, the St. George Utah Temple remains a significant element in the landscape of St. George, symbolizing the resilience and faith of its founders. Its rich history and architectural beauty continue to inspire and engage those who learn about it.