Provo City Center Temple Wiki
Quick Facts
ANNOUNCED
1 October 2011
ANNOUNCED BY
President Thomas S. Monson
GROUNDBREAKING
12 May 2012
GROUNDBREAKING PRESIDED BY
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
DEDICATED
20 March 2016
DEDICATED BY
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
DEDICATION ORDER
150
LOCATION
50 South University Ave
Provo, Utah 84601
United States
PHONE
(+1) 801-343-2700
Description
The Provo City Center Temple is a temple built in the shell of the former Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Completed in 2016, the temple utilizes much of the external shell of the tabernacle, all that remained of the original building after a fire in December 2010.
History
Tabernacle
Tabernacles built by early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were places of great religious and community significance. Tabernacles are larger than the tens of thousands of regular Mormon meetinghouses (or chapels) where Latter-day Saints meet weekly for Sunday services. They also differ from temples which are sacred buildings reserved for faithful Latter-day Saints to worship and perform sacred ordinances. Tabernacles are typically used today for meetings with several congregations combined. Historically, tabernacles have ranged from simple log cabins (Kanesville, Iowa, constructed in 1847) or adobe (mud brick) buildings (the first tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah, 1852) to classically inspired temple-like structures (Bountiful, Utah, 1857–63), picturesque Victorian halls (Bear Lake, Idaho, 1884–89, and Provo, Utah, 1883–96), and buildings that hark back to the American colonies (Boise, Idaho, 1924–25). The last tabernacle built by the Church was the Ogden Tabernacle. Of steel and concrete, it features modern international architecture (1952–56).
1849-Founding and Meetinghouse
The history of the city of Provo began in September 1849, when President Brigham Young and his counselors headed a small caravan from Fort Utah to find a location to start a city. The center block of the planned mile-square city would be reserved for a chapel and schoolhouse. This “Public Square” was marked at present-day Pioneer Park, located at Center Street and 500 West. However, conflicts and disagreements combined with a lack of building materials slowed work on the meetinghouse.
Plans for the first tabernacle began as early as 1852, though ground wasn’t broken until 1856.[1]”Historic Provo Tabernacle,” Archived March 16, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
1856
A foundation had been laid by 1856, but Brigham Young advocated abandonment of the project and moved Provo’s center five blocks east to today’s Tabernacle Block.
1861-First Tabernacle Completed
“The Old Tabernacle,” a building of timber, adobe, and stone that faced Center Street, was completed in 1861. It was situated north of the current tabernacle building facing Center Street.
Thomas Allman and John Watkins did much of the interior woodwork. The first tabernacle seated 1100, though more could fit with chairs added in the aisles. The single tower, located on the north end above the foyer, stood 80 feet (24 m) tall and carried a 500-pound (230 kg) bell.
1867-First Tabernacle Dedicated
For practical purposes, the tabernacle was completed in 1861, although the final plastering and dedication of the building occurred in 1867. There is confusion as to whether Brigham Young or John Taylor dedicated the first tabernacle. At the dedication, Brigham Young expressed that the tabernacle was “entirely too small” and should have been completed 12 years previously.
1883-New Tabernacle Begun
Work on the new tabernacle (referred to also as the Utah Stake Tabernacle or the New Provo Tabernacle) began in 1883 under the direction of President John Taylor. It was built by the LDS Church as a meeting place that would hold more people than its predecessor. The new tabernacle, designed by William Folsom could seat 3,000 individuals in its auditorium and balconies.
1885-New Tabernacle in use
By 1885, the $100,000 building was in use and even hosted the April 1886 (Members of the First Presidency were in hiding at the time on polygamy charges and were not present.[2]“salt lake architecture: provo tabernacle”. Saltlakearchitecture.blogspot.com. January 17, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2013.) and 1887 general conferences.
1898-New Tabernacle dedicated
The edifice was finally dedicated in 1898 , by George Q. Cannon, with church president Joseph F. Smith also in attendance. The tabernacle was built with seating for 1,500 and featured a brick exterior, octagonal towers at all four corners, a high-pitched roof, frosted-glass windows, spiral staircases, and exquisite woodwork including a hand-carved rostrum.
1917-Center Tower removed
Bishop John P. R. Johnson and others opposed the tower at the time of the tabernacle’s construction, cautioning that it would place too much stress on the building. Over thirty years later, that advice was finally heeded when it became apparent that the roof could not bear the weight of the tower in the long term. The building had been partially condemned in 1913. Then, as part of a 1917 remodel, which included replacement of the frosted glass windows with stained art glass windows, the tower came down. Bennett’s Paint and Glass had the contract to replace all the windows, with new stained art glass.[3]”Historic Provo Tabernacle” Archived October 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine..
The original Provo tabernacle was razed between 1918-1919. The foundation for the first tabernacle and nearby baptismal font were unearthed by the Office of Public Archaeology at Brigham Young University in 2012. Many coins, trinkets and other small items that had fallen through the floor boards and remained in the foundation were discovered.[4]Morgenegg, Ryan (February 28, 2012). “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!”. Church News. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
The rock foundation was then disassembled and the stones were donated to Provo City
1918-Original Tabernacle Removed
The original Provo tabernacle was razed between 1918-1919. The foundation for the first tabernacle and nearby baptismal font were unearthed by the Office of Public Archaeology at Brigham Young University in 2012. Many coins, trinkets and other small items that had fallen through the floor boards and remained in the foundation were discovered.[5]Morgenegg, Ryan (February 28, 2012). “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!”. Church News. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
The rock foundation was then disassembled and the stones were donated to Provo City
1950s-Tower Pedestal Removed
The supporting platform for the central tower was removed in the 1950s.
In 1964, plans to raze the tabernacle were entertained to make way for a commercial development and a new multistake facility built elsewhere. In the end, however, the decision was made to improve the grounds and facility, allowing it to better fulfill its purpose. the tabernacle was updated, with much of the interior painted white, while the electrical and heating systems were updated.[6]“The Provo Tabernacle’s Remodeling Phases,” Historic Provo Tabernacle 2 Oct. 2011.
National Historic Register
In 1975, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Cultural impact
The Tabernacle was home to many concerts, LDS stake conferences, and other community events. One of the first big-name entertainers to perform in the tabernacle was Madame Abbie Carrington in 1891. On September 1, 1909, U.S. President William H. Taft visited and spoke in the tabernacle.[7]Scott Taylor, “Provo Tabernacle remembered for its past?and presence,” Deseret News 17 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011.
In the 1930s, Herald R. Clark, the head of BYU’s College of Commerce, arranged to use the tabernacle for university lyceum programs. One of the most famous lyceums occurred in 1938 when composer Sergei Rachmaninoff performed in concert.[8]Carter, D. Robert (December 17, 2010). “Unwelcome bells at Provo Tabernacle”. Daily Herald.
Many funerals of prominent residents of Provo were held in the tabernacle, including those of Abraham O. Smoot, Hugh Nibley and Truman Madsen.
2010-Fire
After standing unharmed for 125 years, the Provo Tabernacle met tragedy on December 17, 2010. The events were set into action when a lighting technician, making room for temporary stage lighting, removed two 300-watt light fixtures in the attic and set one on a wooden speaker box without removing the bulb.[9]“Fire guts Provo Tabernacle”. KSL-TV News. December 17, 2010.
The night before the fire, the light came on with the rest of the house lights at 7:00 p.m. when performers arrived for a rehearsal of Lex de Azevedo’s Gloria. The report estimates that the hot bulb ignited the speaker box by 9:30 p.m. and continued burning by the time everyone left at 11:00 p.m. Signs of a fire were passed off or mistaken by observers until a security guard at Nu Skin saw smoke coming from the tabernacle roof at 2:39 a.m. Fire dispatchers soon received a call.[10]Dennis Romboy, “Report: Light fixture, human error caused Provo Tabernacle fire,” Deseret News 31 Mar. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011.
A four-alarm fire engulfed the building—ripping through wooden pews, organ pipes, a rented Fazioli piano, priceless pioneer craftsmanship, and original pieces of art, including a Minerva Teichert painting with no known copy in existence. For hours, a crew of approximately 25 firefighters subdued flames and doused the building with water. Around 5:00 a.m., the roof began to collapse, giving way completely within the hour and dragging with it portions of the front parapet and wall.[11]Carter, D. Robert (December 17, 2010). “Unwelcome bells at Provo Tabernacle”. Daily Herald.
Crews were still drenching hot spots by mid-afternoon, but felt encouraged by the still-standing exterior walls. Tearful crowds gathered throughout the day, looking on in reverent dismay as black smoke billowed from the iconic edifice.[12]Donald W. Meyers, Kristen Moulton, and Bob Mims, “Provo’s cultural heart broken by Tabernacle fire,” Salt Lake Tribune 17 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011.
Perhaps the most remarkable discovery made among the ashes the day after the fire was a giclee print of The Second Coming by Harry Anderson, which depicts Jesus Christ coming through the clouds with heralding angels on either side—a picture frequently featured in LDS temples and chapels alike. The tabernacle painting, which sat inside the east front door, was completely blackened by residual fire except for the untouched figure of Jesus Christ himself with hands outstretched. Those who saw the painting in person were awestruck. Officials directed the print to be removed immediately for conservation and stabilization. It was handled with the greatest care, wrapped in plastic, and loaded into a waiting truck. The extraordinary occurrence was dubbed by some to be a “Christmas miracle.”[13]Caleb Warnock, “Scorched portrait of Christ saved from Tabernacle,” Daily Herald 18 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011
Post Fire
After the fire the walls were braced with large steel support structures while the Church decided what to do with the remains of the Historic Building.
The fire gutted almost all of the tabernacle’s interior but left the exterior of exquisite orange brick and sandstone mostly intact. Church leaders collaborated with architects, engineers and historical experts to decide the building’s future and determined there would be a complete restoration of the original façade.
“Clearly our desire is to save everything that we possibly can that’s useable,” said David Hall Jr., director of temple design and a member of the preservation team. “If there are details that we can glean from the existing building and reuse in the design, we are very thoughtful about doing that so the character of the original building [is evident in] the new purpose.”[14]David Hall Jr., in Heather Whittle Wrigley, “Provo City Center Temple Teaches Lesson on Conversion,” Church News, Apr. 26, 2012, https://www.lds.org/church/news/provo-city-center-temple-teaches-lesson-on-conversion.
The architect of the Provo Tabernacle was William Harrison Folsom, who also designed the Manti Utah Temple. The tabernacle also shares design elements with the Assembly Hall on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Conservators analyzed these buildings to determine what Folsom might have done to convert the Provo Tabernacle into a more sacred place.
By incorporating the original brick exterior along with beautiful art-glass windows inspired by the originals, the designers and builders have added a special touch of history to the temple. Construction of the original Provo Tabernacle took 15 years and was completed in 1898. Many people who helped build in those years were volunteers, sacrificing their time for the building of the kingdom of God. “Those who built the tabernacle will be pleased it was not destroyed but has been reborn, in a way, to a higher purpose,”[15]Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in Gerry Avant, “President Uchtdorf Visits Provo City Center Temple Site,” Church News, Aug. 29, 2014, https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-uchtdorf-visits-provo-city-center-temple-site. said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of the Church’s First Presidency, when he visited the construction site on August 21, 2014.
The original Provo Tabernacle was used for Church meetings and cultural events, but now it will serve the holiest purpose to members of the Church. “The first use was very good and very attractive, but the new use will be even more attractive and more important and more divine,”[16]William R. Walker, in Heather Whittle Wrigley, “Provo City Center Temple Teaches Lesson on Conversion,” Apr. 26, 2012, https://www.lds.org/church/news/provo-city-center-temple-teaches-lesson-on-conversion. said Elder William R. Walker, Church leader and executive director of the Church’s Temple Department.
Announcement
During his opening remarks at the Saturday morning session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference on 1 October 2011 President Thomas S. Monson began his temple announcements by stating, “First, may I mention that no Church-built facility is more important than a temple. Temples are places where relationships are sealed together to last through the eternities. We are grateful for all the many temples across the world and for the blessing they are in the lives of our members.” He then announced that the Provo Tabernacle, which had been devastated by fire the previous December, would be rebuilt as a second temple for the city of Provo.[17]The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “New Temples Announced for France, Africa, Colombia, Utah and Wyoming,” 1 Oct. 2011.[18]“Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa”. Washington Post. AP. October 1, 2011. Retrieved <span class=”nowrap”>October 5, 2011.[19]Walker, Joseph (October 1, 2011), “LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012.[20] Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). “Provo Tabernacle to rise from ashes as a temple”. Deseret News.
A gasp of surprise filled the Conference Center after the announcement.[21]Donald W. Meyers, “Mormon temple to rise from ashes of Provo Tabernacle,” Salt Lake Tribune 1 Oct. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011.
President Monson stated that the temple will “include a complete restoration of the original exterior.”[22]“News Release: New Temples Announced for France, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Colombia, Utah and Wyoming”, Newsroom, LDS Church, October 1, 2011, retrieved November 9, 2012.
The temple was announced concurrently with those to be built in Barranquilla, Colombia; Durban, South Africa; Kinshasa, DR Congo; and Star Valley, Wyoming, along with the temple in Paris, France which had been previously announced.[23]Donald W. Meyers, “Mormon temple to rise from ashes of Provo Tabernacle,” Salt Lake Tribune 1 Oct. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011.
Utah Temples at Time of Announcement
Announced
- –
Under Construction
Dedicated
- St. George Utah [1877]
- Logan Utah [1884]
- Manti Utah [1888]
- Salt Lake [1893]
- Ogden Utah [1972]
- Provo Utah [1972]
- Jordan River Utah [1981]
- Bountiful Utah [1996]
- Mount Timpanogos Utah [1996]
- Vernal Utah [1997]
- Monticello Utah [1998]
- Draper Utah [2009]
- Oquirrh Mountain Utah [2009]
ANNOUNCED ORDER
162
| Date | 2011 10 01 |
| By | Thomas S. Monson |
| Role | President |
| Via | General Conference |
⮜Preceded by Paris France
Followed by Barranquilla Colombia⮞
Announced 2011 10 01
- Provo City Center
- Barranquilla Colombia
- Durban South Africa
- Kinshasa DRC
- Star Valley
- Paris France*
*Paris had previously been announced 2011/07/15 by a french newspaper
Render Released
Concurrent with President Monson’s announcement over the pulpit, and announcement appeared on the Church Newsroom, showing the render oft he new planned temple.
Planning and Approval
2011 August
In August 2011, it was announced that the Church was purchasing land from two nearby businesses, Travelodge Motel and Los 3 Amigos restaurant.
“The church is still evaluating plans for the Provo Tabernacle and surrounding area and will share details as they become available,” LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter said. “To provide options moving forward we have acquired the hotel and restaurant immediately south of the Tabernacle.”[24]Walker, Joseph. “LDS Church Acquires Land Near Provo Tabernacle.” Deseret News, 1 Jan. 2024, www.deseret.com/2011/9/1/20213175/lds-church-acquires-land-near-provo-tabernacle.
2011 September
On September 27, 2011 the Provo City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency Board, voted unanimously to sign a letter of intent with the Church to sell the site of the old Hotel Roberts.[25]Derek P. Jensen, “Provo selling more land near tabernacle to LDS Church,” Salt Lake Tribune 28 Sept. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011
The Howard C. Nielson Post Office stands on the final tract, which is not for sale, but the Church has expressed interest in acquiring.
NuSkin International sold its former parking terrace to the Church, located west of the temple, as a new facility has been constructed further west and south.
2011 December 31-Demolition Activity South of the Provo City Center Temple
On the block south of the Provo City Center Temple demolition has begun with the razing of Los 3 Amigos Restaurant. The same fate is expected for the Provo Travelodge Motel, joining the old Hotel Roberts, which was razed in 2004.
2012 January 9-Second Building Razed South of the Provo City Center Temple
Demolition has continued on the lot south of the Provo City Center Temple with the razing of the former Provo Travelodge Motel. Los 3 Amigos Restaurant was razed a week and a half ago. The site can now be cleared for use by the Church—presumably for parking and landscaping.
February 1, 2012-Unearthing the “Old Provo Tabernacle” Foundation
The lawn north of the Provo City Center Temple has been removed and converted into an archaeological digging site where BYU professors are unearthing the foundation of the “Old Provo Tabernacle,” which was razed almost a century ago. The dig is expected to be completed in March.
February 16, 2012-Acquiring Additional Property for the Provo City Center Temple
Adding to its landholdings around the Provo City Center Temple, the Church has negotiated to purchase the NuSkin parking terrace, which is expected to be razed. Next month, the Provo Planning Commission will hear a request from the Church to vacate a portion of 100 South.
March 7, 2012-Old Tabernacle Foundation
Provo passers-by can catch a glimpse of the exposed foundation of the Old Provo Tabernacle, located north of the Provo City Center Temple. Next week, the Planning Commission will hear a request from the City to vacate a portion of 100 South, allowing the Church to join the temple block with the block to the south.
2012 March 14-Vacating Provo’s 100 South Wins Commission Recommendation
On March 14, 2012, the Provo City Planning Commission heard a request from the City to vacate a portion of 100 South—the road running between the Provo City Center Temple and the Church’s recently acquired property to the south. The Commission unanimously recommended approval so that the property could be sold to the Church for its temple campus.
Name Announced
On 23 March 2012 the Church officially revealed what a church spokesman had unofficially referenced a month prior, the official name of the new Temple would be the Provo City Center Temple.[26]Walker, Joseph (March 23, 2012), “It’s official: the Provo City Center Temple”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012. https://www.deseret.com/2012/3/23/20500327/it-s-official-the-provo-city-center-temple/
2012 March 31-Archaeological Dig Ends
On March 31, 2012, the archaeology team that excavated and documented the foundation of the Old Provo Tabernacle completed its work. It was announced that the foundation would be removed with a large portion of the stone being donated to the City of Provo. “We’re very excited about this announcement,” said city spokeswoman Helen Anderson. “There are several ways it can be integrated into using it for our pioneer heritage.” Use of the stone has yet to be determined.[27]Ryan Morgenegg, “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!,” Church News 28 Apr. 2012, 12 May 2012.
Groundbreaking Announced
The church announced 5 April 2012 that the groundbreaking for the new Provo City Center Temple will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 9 a.m., with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presiding. Church spokesman Scott Trotter said tickets will be required to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, which will also be broadcast to LDS stake centers in and around Provo.
Tickets will be available through local LDS ecclesiastical leaders within the new temple district.[28]Walker, Joseph. “Provo City Center Temple Groundbreaking Plans Announced.” Deseret News, 31 Dec. 2023, www.deseret.com/2012/4/5/20405063/provo-city-center-temple-groundbreaking-plans-announced.
Preparation Details
2012 April 15-Smokestack Demolition at the Provo Tabernacle
The smokestack that belonged to the former Provo Tabernacle is coming down in preparation for construction of the Provo City Center Temple. Elder Holland will preside at the May 12 groundbreaking. This Tuesday, the Provo Municipal Council will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to vacate the City’s property interest in 100 South between University Avenue and 100 West. Adoption of the ordinance would open the way for the LDS Church to purchase the street.
2012 April-Provo Municipal Council Vacates Interest in 100 South
On April 17, 2012, the Provo Municipal Council unanimously approved an ordinance to vacate Provo City Corporation’s property interest in 100 South between University Avenue and 100 West. A study examining the effect of closing 100 South to traffic found that traffic flow would improve in downtown Provo.[29] Genelle Pugmire, “City surpluses property before planned sale to LDS Church,” Daily Herald 31 Oct. 2012, 31 Oct. 2012.
Groundbreaking
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the groundbreaking on May 12, 2012.[30]Weaver, Sarah Jane (May 12, 2012), “Rising from ashes: Ground is broken for LDS Church’s 2nd temple in Provo”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012[31]Meyers, Donald W. (May 22, 2012), “Mormon Church breaks ground for new temple on Provo Tabernacle site”, The Salt Lake Tribune, retrieved November 9, 2012
“What an absolute stunning site!” said Elder Holland. He confessed to being deeply touched by the occasion. “You can tell people Elder Holland was downright giddy today about the temple groundbreaking.” After the Provo Tabernacle was tragically lost to fire, Church leaders contemplated the future of the building’s empty shell and spires, and a decision was reached. “It is inspired to build a temple out of the ashes of the tabernacle,” said Elder Holland. Having two temples within miles of each other is a “tribute to you that the Brethren would approve another temple here. That says very much about you.”[32] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Ground Broken for Provo, Utah’s Second Temple,” 12 May 2012.
GROUNDBREAKING ORDER
152
| Date | 2012 05 12 |
| By | Jeffry R. Holland |
| Role | Apostle |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceded by Fortaleza Brazil
Followed by Tijuana Mexico⮞
Construction Detail
This section comprises news updates archived from ldschurchtemples.org
2012-June 28-Barrier to 100 South Erected at Provo City Center Temple
Access to 100 South has been closed from University Avenue, just south of the Provo City Center Temple in preparation of upcoming construction activities.
2012 July 7-Downtown Provo Construction
Scaffolding has been erected within the tabernacle walls to begin the work of reconstruction.
2012 August 1-Roof for Northeast Tower Lifted Off Provo City Center Temple
As the Provo Tabernacle begins its transformation into the Provo City Center Temple, a noticeable deconstruction event took place today with the removal of the roof for the northeast tower.
2012 August 8-Provo Tabernacle Becoming Provo City Center Temple
Major changes are underway to the former Provo Tabernacle including—thus far—the removal of three of the four roof structures that cap the corner towers.
2012 August 10-Roof Removed from Final Tower of Provo City Center Temple
Construction workers removed the roof from the fourth and final tower of the Provo City Center Temple this morning.
2012 October 27-Provo City Center Temple Walls Are Reinforced with Shotcrete
The delicate process of reinforcing the exterior walls is underway by applying a layer of shotcrete. Construction of the temple is expected to continue into 2015. Construction also advances on a temple in nearby Payson, Utah.
2012 October 31-Land Acquisitions for the Provo City Center Temple
On October 30, 2012, another portion of 100 South was added to the City of Provo’s surplus property list, in preparation for selling the parcel to the Church. The land is adjacent to the NuSkin parking terrace, which was recently acquired by the Church and will be demolished in the spring of 2013.
2012 October
In October of 2012 construction began on a joint underground parking facility for NuSkin employees and temple patrons, which will have an entrance in the middle of the block between 100 and 200 South on 100 West.
2012 November 17-Baptistry from 1870s Discovered at Provo City Center Temple
Construction activity at the Provo City Center Temple recently uncovered the earliest known baptistry of the Church in Utah County. The 5’x9′ font, complete with water pipe and drain, was constructed in the mid-1870s and razed in the early 1900s.
2012 November 21-Provo City Center Temple Walls
A reinforcing application of shotcrete to the exterior walls of the Provo City Center Temple is allowing the structural supports to be removed.
2012 December 1-Plastic Enshrouds the Eastern Towers of the Provo City Center Temple
Sheets of protective plastic can be seen surrounding the eastern towers of the Provo City Center Temple, as the work of transforming the former Provo Tabernacle continues. Wall supports were recently removed, revealing the exterior.
2012 December 7-Shoring Up the Foundation
Heavy equipment at the Provo City Center Temple has exposed the foundation in preparation for work on the building’s new substructure.
2012 December 14-Out with the Old, In with the New
The delicate work of replacing the foundation of the former tabernacle with a new substructure for the Provo City Center Temple is advancing rapidly.
2013 January 8-Sizable Trench Forming Around the Provo City Center Temple
As construction activities resume at the Provo City Center Temple, a small army of track hoes can be seen excavating dirt from under and around the remnants of the former foundation of the building, which is propped on a series of steel beams, supported by circular cement piles. The excavation is creating a deep trench that circles the edifice like a moat.
2013 January 24-A Temple on Stilts: Building a Foundation for the Provo City Center Temple
The excavation phase for the Provo City Center Temple is piquing great curiosity among observers of the construction. It is an uncommon sight to a see a building—and perhaps more so a temple—supported by stilts for excavation. A large two-level basement will be poured, extending north of the brick exterior wall, to create an 85,000-square-foot building.
2013 February 9-Digging Second Level of Provo City Center Temple Basement
Excavation continues at the Provo City Center Temple where dirt is being hauled from beneath the temple proper to accommodate the second basement level. Plans for the temple reveal that the first basement level will extend far to the north and south of the walls of the superstructure, but the second basement level will be located directly beneath the temple.
2013 February 28-Preparing for Foundation Footings at the Provo City Center Temple
Construction activity at the Provo City Center Temple is moving toward pouring the footings for the subbasement. Forms are being set in place around the perimeter, and long trenches are being dug. Circular cardboard forms are also being installed for dropping in micropiles. Home to tens of thousands of Church members, Provo is abuzz with talk of progress on the city’s second temple.
2013 March 8-NuSkin Parking Terrace Demolished at Provo City Center Temple Site
The former NuSkin parking terrace that stood west of the Provo City Center Temple was demolished yesterday. The land was purchased by the Church last year to become part of the temple landscaping.
March 16, 2013-New Banner Shows Provo City Center Temple Grounds
A newly hung banner gives a sneak peek at the beautiful landscaping plans for the Provo City Center Temple including lush flower gardens and trees; a magnificent 17-foot, four-tiered bronze Victorian fountain; and a two-story pavilion about halfway between 100 and 200 South.
March 20, 2013-NuSkin Parking Terrace Debris Removed from Provo City Center Temple Site
Earlier this month, the former NuSkin parking terrace, which was purchased by the Church to include in its Provo City Center Temple campus, was demolished. The cement and rebar debris is now being carried off site. The land will become part of the extensively landscaped temple grounds where both patrons and the public are welcomed to gather and feel the peace of the temple.
2013 March 29-Provo City Center Temple Webcam
A webcam has been installed at the Provo City Center Temple, providing up-to-the-hour photograph updates of construction. Land south of the temple is being cleared in preparation for excavation, and a crane is anticipated to be erected shortly.
2013 April 5-Large Cranes Join Construction Equipment at Provo City Center Temple
In the eleven months that have passed since ground was formally broken for the Provo City Center Temple, much progress has been made on the delicate restoration and conversion process that is turning the shell of the Provo Tabernacle into a temple. With excavation for the substructure nearly complete, two cranes have arrived on site, indicating the start of a new phase of construction.
2013 April 14-Utilities Being Run at Provo City Center Temple
With the ground beneath the Provo City Center Temple fully excavated, pipes and conduits are now appearing, which will carry ground water away from the temple. Black water barriers are being laid to form a protection for the foundation.
2013 April 25-Creating Underground Parking Entrance for Provo City Center Temple
Construction laborers are hard at work at the Provo City Center Temple excavating and grading for the entrance to the underground parking facility. A French drain system is also being installed on site to divert water away from the temple due to the high water table in the area. Once the system is installed, a cement floor will be poured over the top.
2013 May 4-Building a Basement for the Provo City Center Temple
With large slabs of concrete being poured under and around the Provo City Center Temple, it will not be long before the building shell rests on a firm foundation. The temporary piles will be severed, leaving the portions that extend below the basement floor.
2013 May 27-More Concrete Poured at Provo City Center Temple
Slabs of reinforced concrete continue to grow under the suspended shell of the Provo City Center Temple. Laborers are hard at work—even in the wee hours of the morning—to progress the work of converting the former tabernacle into a temple.
2013 June 21-Foundation Walls Rising at Provo City Center Temple
Hard-working construction laborers continue to place forms and rebar underneath the supported shell of the Provo City Center Temple, which will be filled with concrete to create the walls for the foundation. Excavated dirt is being purchased by the city.
2013 July 20-Provo City Center Temple Foundation Walls
The two-level basement of the Provo City Center Temple takes shape as concrete pumpers pour walls on the north, east, and south sides. Extensions of the first level of the basement are planned around the temple. Work on the underground parking facility is well underway.
July 23, 2013-Restoring the Tower Roofs for the Provo City Center Temple
Transforming the former Provo Tabernacle into the Provo City Center Temple requires some delicate restoration work including restoration of the roof structures that cap the corner towers. The roof pictured here is the most badly damaged of the four. Work continues on the temple substructure.
August 5, 2013-Replacing Stilts with Foundation for Provo City Center Temple
Three of the four foundational walls that will support the Provo City Center Temple have been fully poured. For months, the shell of the former Provo Tabernacle has seemingly floated in air, supported only by a series of stilt-like piles. The new foundation will replace this temporary system.
2013 August 21-Structural Steel Going Up Inside Provo City Center Temple
With strongly reinforced concrete walls now supporting the shell of the future Provo City Center Temple, structural work has turned inside the building with the installation of steel beams that will provide skeletal support for the entire structure including the planned central tower.
2013 August 30-Filling in the Shell of the Provo City Center Temple
Since the fire that destroyed the interior of the former Provo Tabernacle on December 17, 2010, the building has stood as a shell with no interior rooms. That is beginning to change as steel beams are installed for the Provo City Center Temple including the ground floor level beams seen here.
New Render Released
By September 2013 a new render appeared for the temple. This one showed the grounds occupying the recently vacated 1st south.
Further Construction Details
2013 September 20-Framing Continues Inside the Provo City Center Temple
In addition to the work progressing in the massive substructure for the Provo City Center Temple, above-ground framing inside the building continues including six steel girders that reach above the exterior walls.
2013 October 7-Final Slab Poured for Deepest Foundation Level in Provo
The Provo City Center Temple has a foundation to last through the ages. At five feet thick, the deepest level was finished last week with an early morning pour. Corrugated steel is creating floors in the temple.
2013 October 17-Provo City Center Temple Grand Staircase
With decking installed for the floors of the Provo City Center Temple, staircases are now being secured between the floors including a grand staircase and spiral staircases in the corner towers. A concrete roof will soon go over the annex to the north.
2013 October 22-Building Central Tower for Provo City Center Temple
Work has begun on assembling the new central tower for the Provo City Center Temple, which will sit atop the roof. Laborers hope to have the roof in place before winter, which will include installation of the roof structures for the corner towers.
2013 October 26-Central Tower Framework Rises over Provo City Center Temple
The above-ground view of the former Provo Tabernacle has dramatically changed for the first time since the fire with the addition of framework for the central tower of the future Provo City Center Temple. The original tabernacle featured a central tower that was later removed for safety reasons.
2013 November 1-Ground Staked for Provo City Center Temple Pavilion
Work has begun on a beautiful Victorian pavilion at the Provo City Center Temple, including utilities and excavation for an elevator. Newly sealed couples will walk from the temple through an underground hallway, ascend the elevator, and be received by waiting family and friends.
2013 November 14-A Morning of Roof Making at the Provo City Center Temple
Beginning shortly after midnight on Wednesday, construction workers at the Provo City Center Temple began pouring the vast concrete roof of the temple annex [ watch video ]. Work on the roof of the temple proper proceeded as well with the installation of support beams.
2013 December 5-Central Tower Added to the Provo City Center Temple
On December 5, the central tower for the Provo City Center Temple was lifted into place atop the recently installed platform framework. The original tabernacle featured this central spire but it was removed in 1917 for safety reasons. The new temple will reflect the original design.
2013 December 14-Roof Lifted Into Place Over Southwest Tower
In recent weeks, the Provo City Center Temple has made tremendous gains in restoring the character and grandeur of the original Provo Tabernacle. The roof structures that cap the four corner towers are now being lifted into place, beginning with the southwest tower.
2013 December 17-3-Year Anniversary of Provo Tabernacle Fire
Three years ago, Provo residents gathered in alarm as a community treasure succumbed to raging flames. The building, left literally a shell of its former self, was given new life with the announcement of the Provo City Center Temple. Today, the temple is rising in the heart of Provo.
2013 December 25-Repairs Underway on Provo City Center Temple Gables
With snow-capped mountains standing in the distance, Christmas Eve at the Provo City Center Temple sees work underway on the damaged gables, backfill dirt between the temple and University Avenue, progress on the roof installation, and the roof for one of four corner towers in place.
2014 January
January of 2014 saw the beginning of brick preservation and restoration on the temple exterior.
January 6, 2014-Roof Added to Second Tower of Provo City Center Temple
The roof has been installed over the southeast tower of the Provo City Center Temple. Destroyed gables are being carefully reconstructed, and scaffolding is being erected on the north side in preparation for brick restoration. Concrete work continues on the south lot.
2014 January 16-Roof for Northeast Tower Added to Provo City Center Temple
On January 15, the roof for the northeast tower of the Provo City Center Temple was installed, leaving only the northwest tower roofless—though it has been lifted for measurements and will join the others shortly. Concrete work continues on the south while scaffolding dominates the north.
2014 January 21-Roof Assembly Returns to Northwest Tower of Provo City Center Temple
With the return of a full roof, including the structures that top the five towers, the Provo City Center Temple has taken a huge step toward shedding its image as a burned-out tabernacle.
2014 January 28
By January 28, 2014 structural steel work on the temple was finished, and the steel underlayment for the roof was complete as well. Sheathing on the roof began around this time.
2014 February 18-Preparing for Another Concrete Pour in Provo
Forms are in place for another concrete pour over the west-side parking area of the Provo City Center Temple. On the south side, workers are preparing for subgrade pours. The entire north wall of the temple is covered in scaffolding and protective plastic to retain heat as restoration work proceeds.
2014 March 1-Scaffolding Surrounding Provo City Center Temple Tower
The white protective sheeting that covers the north side of the Provo City Center Temple is now encompassing the base of the central tower where scaffolding was erected several days ago. In the coming weeks, the tower will be ready to receive a gold-leafed figure of the angel Moroni.
2014 March 15-Traffic Circle Added Near Provo City Center Temple
A traffic circle now terminates 100 South at its shared boundary with the Provo City Center Temple site. Scaffolding has encircled the northwest tower, as brick restoration continues. Concrete mixers and pumps are busy on the south side of the temple pouring concrete walls and floors.
2014 March 31-Angel Moroni Lifted Atop Provo City Center Temple Today
The traditional gold-leafed figure of the angel Moroni was hoisted into place atop the central tower of the Provo City Center Temple this afternoon. The highly anticipated event began at approximately 2:30 p.m. Crowds gathered at various locations around the former tabernacle.[33]Walch, Tad (March 31, 2014), “Angel Moroni statue ascends to top of Provo City Center Temple”, Deseret News, retrieved March 31, 2014
2014 April 3-Scaffolding Removed from Provo City Center Temple Tower
The newly installed figure of the angel Moroni atop the Provo City Center Temple is now more visible with the removal of scaffolding from around the slate roof of the central tower. If you missed seeing the placing of Moroni, view these video presentations including “Moroni cam.”
2014 April 26-South Side Pour at the Provo City Center Temple
The basement entrance and concrete parking facility on the south side of the Provo City Center Temple have been partially covered with a new concrete pour. On the north side of the building, the white sheeting that provided protection during the brick restoration has been removed.
2014 May 1-Defining the Provo City Center Temple Landscaping
As seen in this beautiful aerial photograph of the Provo City Center Temple, work has begun on plotting the landscaping structures that will be incorporated on the north side of the temple. Learn more about how Mormon temples are built.
2014 May 15-Pouring Pavilion Foundation at Provo City Center Temple
A unique feature of the Provo City Center Temple is a Victorian-style pavilion where guests can await wedding parties. The basement level walls are being poured with an opening to the underground parking area, allowing couples to pass from the temple basement to the pavilion elevator.
2014 May 24-New Window Openings for Provo City Center Temple
On the western side of the Provo City Center Temple, construction workers have cut window openings, which will be filled with art glass. The new ground-level windows will bring natural light into the temple president’s office. The south-side garage roof progresses rapidly.
2014 June 4-Laying Shingles at the Provo City Center Temple
Workers at the Provo City Center Temple are making steady progress laying shingles along the roof. On the north side, the oval-shaped landscaping structures have been poured and a skylight has been added over the bride’s room. The delicate work of brick restoration is underway around the entire building.
June 6, 2014-Provo City Center Temple Patron Pavilion
Framing went quickly yesterday for the superstructure of the patron pavilion at the Provo City Center Temple. The charming structure will look similar to a garden gazebo. An elaborate three-tiered Victorian-style fountain will stand nearby.
2014 June 27-Planter Locations Marked on West Side in Provo
Work has commenced on the west side of the Provo City Center Temple defining the areas where planters and landscaping structures will be placed. Conduits carrying utility cables from the mechanical building will run under the west-side landscaping.
2014 July 9-Provo City Center Temple Parking Structure
The remaining sections to be poured of the expansive underground parking facility at the Provo City Center Temple lie on the south side where supporting columns and large grids of rebar can be seen. Restoration work continues on the building’s exterior.
2014 July 26-Pioneer Day Finial and Finish Line at the Provo City Center Temple
Thursday marked a state holiday in Utah, which commemorates the day that pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley. In Provo, one festivity included a 5K run from the Provo Utah Temple to the Provo City Center Temple with some participants donning Pioneer garb. It was business as usual for construction workers who lifted a copper finial atop the northeast tower.
2014 August 5-Finials Attached to Provo City Center Temple Towers
All four finials have been attached to the corner towers of the Provo City Center Temple. The beautiful copper shines in the sun, complementing both the Victorian styling of the building and the gold-leafed angel Moroni atop the central tower.
2014 August 19-Pavilion Roof Added at Provo City Center Temple
Construction workers at the Provo City Center Temple added metal roofing to the gazebo-shaped pavilion today. The elevator shaft can been seen inside the structure, which will transport patrons from the underground parking garage.
2014 August 23-Holiness to the Lord Inscription Revealed at Provo City Center Temple
High on the eastern wall of the Provo City Center Temple under a brick-bordered gothic arch, the sacred words Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord have been inscribed in stone.
2014 September 10-Provo City Center Temple Parking Garage
Little work remains until the Provo City Center Temple parking garage has been fully covered and completed. A driveway entrance will soon be poured on the south side, complementing an entrance on the west side by the post office.
2014 September 24-Provo City Center Temple Steeple and Rain Gutters
The center steeple of the Provo City Center Temple is being covered in a white, beautifully detailed cladding. Bronze hangers will hold copper rain gutters with European-style half-round downspouts manufactured in Italy. The building will also feature a sophisticated snowmelt system.
2014 October-Mounting Gablets at the Provo City Center Temple
Beautiful white gablets supported by scrolled corbels are being mounted at the apex of each gable at the Provo City Center Temple. Inside, drywall installation is giving dimension to the soaring gothic arches and vaulted ceilings found throughout.
2014 October 10
The underground portions of the temple had been closed up by October 10, 2014 and work moved on to landscaping and finishing the interior.
2014 November 1-Art Glass Installed in Provo
Stained in beautiful pastel greens and golds, Gothic arch windows have been installed in the central steeple of the Provo City Center Temple with the corner towers to follow. Inside, the baptismal font is being faced with stone while quartzitic sandstone is lining the underground entrances.
2014 November 15-Lamp Posts Installed at Provo City Center Temple
The grounds of the Provo City Center Temple are seeing the addition of new lamp posts along University Avenue and fence posts along Center. Work moves forward on the south lot including pouring the planter, placing geofoam, and enclosing the pavilion.
2014 November 25-More Stained Glass Appears at the Provo City Center Temple
Window installers are paying meticulous attention to detail as stunning panes of triple-glazed art glass fill the pointed-arch window openings of the Provo City Center Temple. The abstract floral pattern and regal color palette stay true to the early American interpretation of Victorian design. Concrete forms have been removed from the south-side circular planter.
2014 December 8-Posts Installed on North Side of Provo City Center Temple
A series of white posts have appeared on the northern side of the Provo City Center Temple grounds, which surround the large concrete planter. Window installers continue to fill window openings with art glass.
2014 December 16-Geofoam Blocks Fill South Lot at Provo Temple
A throng of geofoam blocks have taken residence on the south lot of the Provo City Center Temple, which will support a surface-level parking lot. On the north side, beautification plans for Center Street have started with the removal of planters and sidewalks.
2014 December 24-A Candle in the Window at the Provo City Center Temple
New stained glass at the Provo City Center Temple is a fitting reminder of the Reason for the Season. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14–16
2015 January 19-Protective Sheeting Surrounds Provo City Center Temple
The Provo City Center Temple has donned a chic white frock to help keep cool winter temperatures from slowing construction progress. Landscaping efforts continue with more fence posts and geofoam.
2015 January 30-A View of the North Side Gable in Provo
White sheeting came down yesterday morning from the north side of the Provo City Center Temple, giving construction observers an unobstructed view of the beautiful dentils, arches, gablet, and other detailing on the north side gable.
2015 February 7-Scaffolding Coming Down from Provo City Center Temple
More of the character-rich exterior of the Provo City Center Temple has been revealed with the removal of scaffolding and sheeting from the west side of the building, joining the also-visible north side.
2015 February 18-Ten Commandments Return to Provo Site
In addition to documenting the installation of more lamp posts and fence posts, the Provo City Center Temple Construction Blog has captured the return of the Ten Commandments monument that will stand on the temple grounds.
2015 March 6-Beautiful Morning at the Provo City Center Temple
With the scaffolding removed from around the Provo City Center Temple, construction observers are delighted with views of the temple from any angle including this elevated view from the west. Art glass is being manufactured for the interior including a Holiness to the Lord transom.
2015 March 24-The Provo City Center Temple at Dawn
Mountains and city lights create a beautiful backdrop to the Provo City Center Temple where workers get an early start each morning. Outside, trees are being planted and sidewalks poured. Inside, doors and trimwork are being installed.
2015 April 1-Pedestrian-Friendly Grounds at the Provo City Center Temple
Downtown Provo pedestrians who pass through the Provo City Center Temple grounds will be in for a treat, once the temple is dedicated. The generous lighting, wide walkways, and beautiful array of trees and flowers are a walker’s dream. Lighting tests of the lampposts are now underway.
2015 April 21-Victorian Fountain Installed at Provo City Center Temple
The exquisitely detailed bronze Victorian fountain that anchors the landscaping south of the Provo City Center Temple has been set in place. Features include ornamental nozzles and a finial cast in the style of a newel post from the tabernacle. Window installation is underway at the pavilion.
2015 May 2-Pruning Trees at the Provo City Center Temple
The Provo City Center Temple grounds will feature numerous trees—some mature and many newly planted—but all will look in tip-top shape for the temple opening. Landscaping efforts will continue through the spring and summer.
2015 May 10-Provo City Center Temple Monument Sign
A beautiful monument sign has been mounted to the concrete sign holder at the Provo City Center Temple, which workers have faced with stone along the bottom portion. Much of the activity at the temple is focused on the south lot.
2015 May 18-Exterior Lighting Tests Begin in Provo
Exterior floodlighting of the Provo City Center Temple captured the attention of motorists on University Avenue this evening as tests of the lighting system began. Shrubs are being planted and work is progressing nicely on the pavilion.
2015 June 9-Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for Provo City Center Temple
The First Presidency has announced the opening dates for the Provo City Center Temple. A public open house will be held Friday, January 15, through Saturday, March 5, 2016. The temple will be dedicated Sunday, March 20, in three sessions.
2015 June 23-New Monument Sign Installed at Provo City Center Temple
An empty slab of concrete is no longer showcased in the monument sign holder at the Provo City Center Temple. It has been covered with a beautiful piece of inscribed stone. The new sign corrects the original, which designated the temple as the Provo City Center Utah Temple.
2015 July 18-Pioneer Day Fireside in Provo
In commemoration of Pioneer Day, a fireside will be held at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Provo South Stake Center, 835 S 500 W, featuring Ryan Saltzgiver (an archaeologist who helped with the tabernacle excavation) and the new temple president and matron. Pictured here is new art glass over the north entrance to the Provo City Center Temple.
2015 July 30-Finial Installed Atop Provo City Center Temple Pavilion
On Monday, July 27, a copper finial was installed atop the shiny dome of the patron pavilion at the Provo City Center Temple. Known locally as “the gazebo,” the pavilion creates a space for non-patron guests and wedding parties. It features beautiful Victorian-inspired details throughout.
2015 August 14-Lintel Stone Installed at Provo City Center Temple Site
The inscribed stone that once capped the front entrance to the “Old Provo Tabernacle” (the original meetinghouse that stood on the north lot) has now been installed near the Ten Commandments monument—just a few feet from its original location—as a fitting tribute to that pioneer building.
2015 September 17-Steeple Railing Going Up at Provo City Center Temple
A new addition being installed at the Provo City Center Temple is the decorative white railing that surrounds the steeple. Work moved forward inside and out despite the rainy weather. The original pulpit from the Provo Tabernacle will soon be installed inside the temple.
2015 September 30-Fountain Now Operational at Provo City Center Temple
The grand Victorian-style water feature on the south side of the Provo City Center Temple went into permanent operation this week with its captivating sprays of water. “…But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
2015 October 27-Provo City Center Temple Open House Tickets
The Church has announced that free reservations for the public open house of the Provo City Center Temple will be made available beginning Monday, January 4, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. The open house runs from January 15 through March 5, 2016.
2015 November-Furniture Delivery at the Provo City Center Temple
On Thursday morning, delivery trucks arrived at the Provo City Center Temple with furniture that will be placed throughout the rooms of the temple. Once the interior is completed, official photographs will be taken in anticipation of the public open house that begins on January 15.
2015 December 7-“Moroni the Younger” Visits the Provo City Center Temple
A beautiful American Kestrel falcon has become a regular guest at the Provo City Center Temple, captured here in a photograph taken by the author of the brilliant Provo City Center Temple Construction Blog. The author notes that construction workers have fittingly dubbed the falcon Moroni the Younger.
2015 December 14-Family Statue Added to Provo City Center Temple Grounds
Last Friday, a beautiful family statue was set in place on the grounds of the Provo City Center Temple. It is an updated version of the statue found at a handful of other temples including the Seattle Washington Temple. The temple’s open house begins in a month.
2016 January 4-Open House Tickets Now Available for Provo City Center Temple
Free reservations for the public open house of the Provo City Center Temple became available this morning at 10:00. Given the high demand for tickets, users may experience server delays.
Open House
Following a five-year restoration of the former Provo Tabernacle, the Provo City Center Temple is now complete. The more than a century-old icon (Provo Tabernacle) located in the central Utah community of Provo will now serve as a House of the Lord. Prior to it’s dedication a public open house was held from Friday, January 15, 2016 through Saturday, March 5, 2016, excluding Sundays. The 44 day open house drew more than 800,000 visitors, an average of 18,182 visitors per day.[34]“Open House Announced for Provo City Center Temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, June 9, 2015[35]Walch, Tad (March 9, 2016). “Provo City Center Temple open house drew more than 800,000 visitors”. Deseret News. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
| Start Date | 2016 01 15 |
| End Date | 2016 03 05 |
| Days | 44 |
| Attendees | 800,000 |
| Per day | 18,182 |
Cultural Celebration
On Saturday evening, 19 March 2016, four and a half years after President Thomas S. Monson announced plans for the Provo City Center Temple, approximately 4,500 youth joined together to celebrate the completion of the 150th temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to commemorate the heritage of the Provo region through narration, song, and dance.
The cultural celebration took place at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. Before the celebration began, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed the youth from the Provo and Springville area stakes. Many other LDS Church leaders attended the event, including youth general auxiliary leaders. The theme of the celebration was “Beauty for Ashes” (see Isaiah 61:3) which represented the old Provo Tabernacle that was gutted by fire in 2010 being transformed into a beautiful sacred edifice.
Dedication
The temple was dedicated in three sessions on Sunday, March 20, 2016 by Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Russell M. Nelson, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was in attendance at one of the three sessions. Also in attendance at one or more sessions were M. Russell Ballard and Gary E. Stevenson, both of the Quorum of the Twelve; members of the Presidency of the Seventy; members of the Seventy responsible for overseeing the church’s Temple Department (Kent F. Richards, Executive Director, and Michael T. Ringwood[citation needed] and Larry Y. Wilson, Assistant Executive Directors); Dean M. Davies, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric; and auxiliary leaders, including Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President.[36]“‘Beauty for Ashes’: 4,500 youth participate in cultural celebration”, LDS Church News, Deseret News, March 19, 2016[37]“150th Temple Is Dedicated: Provo City Center Temple becomes the 16th Utah temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, March 20, 2016[38]Walch, Tad (March 20, 2016), “Elder Oaks dedicates Provo City Center Temple as 150th temple of the LDS Church”, Deseret News
The dedicatory sessions were held at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. MDT, and broadcast to Utah meetinghouses. The normal three-hour block of meetings were cancelled to allow members to participate in the sacred events. Tickets, distributed through local church leaders, were required to view the broadcast. A cornerstone ceremony, with music provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, took place at the southeast corner of the temple at the start of the first dedicatory session. Elder Oaks and Elders Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Richards and the new temple presidency, helped secure the cornerstone with mortar, the symbolic completion of the temple. Elder Oaks also invited a young woman and young man to place mortar around the cornerstone to represent, what he called, “The rising generation that will come to the temple in the future.” The dedication took place on the 115th anniversary of the death of William Harrison Folsom, the original architect of the Provo Tabernacle.
DEDICATION ORDER
150
| Date | 2016 03 20 |
| By | Dallin H. Oaks |
| Role | Apostle |
| Sessions | 3 |
| Attendees | # |
⮜Preceeded by Tijuana Mexico
Followed by Sapporo Japan⮞
Dedicatory Prayer
Construction Duration
| Span | Duration |
|---|---|
| Announced to Groundbreaking | 0 y, 7 m, 11 d |
| Groundbreaking to Dedication | 3 y, 10 m, 8 d |
| Announced to Dedication | 4 y, 5 m, 19 d |
On Tuesday, 22 March 2016, the the temple opened for active temple waork. The temple serves Latter-day Saints living in 29 LDS stakes in Provo and Springville, including university student and single-adult stakes.
One of the most striking parts of the whole history and now conversion of the Provo Tabernacle into the Provo City Center Temple is all of the stories. The structure has already been a part of thousands of lives. From those that walked door to door collecting funds for the original building to the owner of a single shoe left there in the 19th century and found in the excavations, those that met their spouses at events there, heard speakers that changed their testimonies forever or sat in their graduation ceremonies in those seats, nervous about what to do next. And that’s before the hundreds of people that have worked to convert the building into a temple even came on the scene.
Dedicatory Order
GLOBAL
150
REGION
N. AM.
101
COUNTRY
US
72
STATE
UTAH
16
COUNTY
UTAH
4
CITY
PROVO
2
Summary
This is the second city in the LDS Church to have two temples, following South Jordan, Utah which has the Jordan River Utah and Oquirrh Mountain Utah temples. It is the second tabernacle in Utah to be converted to a temple, following the Vernal Utah Temple. It is the fourth LDS temple converted from an existing building. (The three previous being the Vernal Utah Temple, the Copenhagen Denmark Temple, and the Manhattan New York Temple.) It is one of only two LDS temples not to include the name of the state/province or country in which the temple is located (the other being the Salt Lake Temple).[39]Although some other temples vary from the official naming guidelines, all of them except Provo City Center and Salt Lake include at least the name of the state/province or country. For official guidelines, see “Temples renamed to uniform guidelines,” Deseret News, October 16, 1999 (accessed October 27, 2015). Since that article was published, the temple in Omaha, Nebraska, has been renamed to “Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple” (see Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple page at LDS.org).
The Provo City Center Temple was the 150th active temple dedicated by the church. The number is significant in that the nearby Provo Utah Temple was the 15th temple, denoting that there are now 10 times as many active temples as there were just 40 or so years ago. The Provo City Center Temple was the 16th temple in Utah and the 74th temple in the United States.
At the time of it’s dedication there were 15 temples under construction and 8 temples announced and awaiting groundbreaking. Additionally there were 3 temples undergoing rennovation, including both of the temples in Germany.
Detail
Announced
- Urdaneta Philipines
- Winnipeg Manitoba
- Durban South Africa
- Kinshasa D. R. C.
- Arequipa Peru
- Abidjan Ivory Coast
- Port-Au-Prince Haiti
- Bangkok Thailand
Under Construction
Under Renovation
Dedication Order
Presidents
| Temple President | Temple Matron | Years Served |
|---|---|---|
| Blake Marshal Roney | Nancy Lee Watson Roney | 2025–2025 |
| Curtis John Hoehne | Joanne Jacox Hoehne | 2022–2025 |
| Alden LeGrand Richards | Cindy Lou Orton Richards | 2021–2022 |
| Alan Lee Wilkins | Margaret Allred Wilkins | 2018–2021 |
| Allen Carlsen Ostergar Jr. | Nancy Sigrid Farnsworth Ostergar | 2016–2018 |
Details
Location
The Provo City Center Temple is the fourth temple that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has adapted from an existing building — the others are the Copenhagen Denmark Temple, the Manhattan New York Temple and the Vernal Utah Temple.
The Provo City Center Temple stands at the corner of 100 South and University Avenue in Provo’s Central Business District. In August 2011, news reports revealed the Church’s acquisition of the Provo Travelodge Motel and the Los 3 Amigos Restaurant on the block south of the tabernacle.
Site
Landscaping around the temple is extensive, bringing lush flower gardens, trees, and greenspace to downtown Provo. The public gardens and benches on the north side of the property are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fences topped with columns topped by beehives will surround the temple—both a lower ungated fence around the perimeter of the property and a taller gated fence around the temple proper. . Special features include a magnificent 17-foot, four-tiered bronze Victorian fountain with ornamental nozzles and a finial cast in the style of a newel post from the tabernacle. There is a 5,290-square-foot, two-story Victorian pavilion (one story above ground, one below) about halfway between 100 and 200 South—connected by elevator to the underground parking area—which will provide a waiting area for non-temple patrons and a photograph-taking venue for wedding parties.[40]Genelle Pugmire, “LDS Church: New Provo temple to stay true to historic roots,” Daily Herald 26 Jan. 2013, 27 Jan. 2013.
Exterior
Patterned after a similar situation with the 1997 dedication of the Vernal Utah Temple, which was built from the Uintah Stake Tabernacle of the early 1900s, this second Provo temple was built upon a complete restoration of the original exterior design of the Provo Tabernacle including the central tower from the original building.[41]Meyers, Donald W. (October 5, 2011), “Mormon temple to rise from ashes of Provo Tabernacle”, The Salt Lake Tribune, retrieved November 9, 2012
The Provo City Center Temple captures the historic beauty of the former Provo Tabernacle through meticulous preservation and careful study of the design of the original structure. Scalloped shingles, matching the original 1800s design, have been placed on the roof. A magnificent 147-foot central tower has been built to replace the original tower that had to be removed in the early 1900’s. The body of the temple is one main cube with four projected gables at the midway points of each side, bringing the whole design to a cross-wing design.
Towers
Each corner of the tabernacle features a large Octagonal tower that runs the height of the building and extends another half story above the drip-line of the primary roof. Each tower is topped with an octagonal cupola , the base of which flares out to extend beyond the tower. Each of these towers was built for, and in the new temple still contains, a spiral staircase. On the east end, each of these staircases is attached to an ordinance room and provides access to the upper story of the temple for use in completing the progressively arranged endowment ceremony. On the west end, the North tower is attached to hallways, and the south tower attaches to the marriage waiting room, allowing patrons attending weddings access directly to the sealing rooms up stairs.
Cladding
The temple is clad in the original orange red facing brick. The bricks were each made by hand and were brittle. Combined with the soft lime mortar, and it is likely the tabernacle would not have survived a serious earthquake. Every single brick removed from the interior of the shell was examined to see if it could be reused. An estimated 95% of the original brick is in use on the temple, with only about 10,000 replacement bricks needing to be used.
Windows
The windows of the Provo City Center Temple feature Gothic arches on the upper story, and a depressed segmented arch on the bottom story windows. due to the need to add a second floor to what had once been a single large room in the tabernacle, the bottom story windows had to be cut shorter. Rather than destroy and reconstruct parts of the facade, stone lintels were put in the window openings to fill the section the upper story would eclipse.
Exterior Finish
text
Architectural Features
text
Specifications
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|---|---|---|
| Height | # | # |
| To Shoulder | # | # |
| Width | # | # |
| Length | # | # |
| Footprint | # | # |
Symbolism
Inscription
There are three inscriptions on the Provo City center Temple. The first is in the upper pointed arch of the east gable in a sandstone plaque. The text is engraved in the sandstone, and the letters are gilded.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
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The second inscription on the Provo City Center Temple is above the south entrance, in the transom above the entry way doors. The inscription is made of stained art glass.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
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text
The Third inscription on the Provo City Center Temple is on the south side of the temple above the underground entrance. This inscription, like the first, is inscribed into the sandstone, and gilded.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
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Cornerstone
The cornerstone on the Provo City Center Temple is on the east most face of the south east tower. The text on the cornerstone is engraved into the stone and unpainted. Unlike most cornerstones, this cornerstone features 2 dates, one for the tabernacle, and one for the temple.
TABERNACLE COMPLETE 1898
TEMPLE DEDICATED 2016
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Spires and Moroni
Spire
Moroni
Spires and Finial
Spires
The Provo City Center Temple is one of 3 temples that have five spires. The other two are Oakland California and Cochabamba Bolivia Temples. The center spire of the temple stands 133 feet above the main floor, 138 feet above ground level. The 4 corner towers stand at about 82 feet above floor level, or about 87 feet above ground level.
Spire Details
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| Type | dome, steeple, tower, spire |
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Finial
Finial Details
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Church officials had determined the placing of the Angel Moroni statue on the middle spire should bring as little attention as possible.
“Builders had planned to place the angel early in the morning of the first day of April,” Cowan said. “But they made a last-minute decision to accomplish this task one day earlier because of forecast of unfavorable weather.”
Word of the change leaked out, and by the afternoon thousands of spectators had gathered at the Historic Courthouse across the street, at the post office parking lot to the south on the roof of the NuSkin building next door and at other locations to see Moroni placed on the spire. Cameras and happy faces watched as construction workers lined the center tower with scaffolding and used a crane to place the statue on top.
The statue as carved by Karl Quilter in 1985. It is placed on the temple so that his chest and feet are facing east.
| Sculptor: | Karl Quilter |
| Commissioned: | 1978 |
| Completed: | 1985 |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Height: | 10 ft (3.2 m) |
| Weight: | ~400 lbs (136.1 kg) |
| Currently On: | 51 temples |
| Finish: | Gold |
| Placed: | 2014 03 31 |
| Faces: | East |
Interior
The temple is four levels—two above ground and two below. The lower levels house the baptistry, dressing rooms, offices, and bride’s room with a large skylight while the upper levels house the chapel, endowment rooms, sealing rooms, lobbies, and additional offices. The main entrances to the temple are on the south side near the 50-car surface parking lot and through the 245-car underground parking area. Both lots are accessible from 200 South and 100 West.
Interior components that survived the fire including wood moldings, newel posts, and balustrades, were used as models for the production of rich woodwork and other design elements used throughout the temple.
Inside the temple is a historic window that was rescued from the Astoria Presbyterian Church in Queens, N.Y., when that building was razed in 2008. An art dealer preserved the windows. He sold them to an LDS art collector, who in turn donated at least 4 of them to the Church. All 4 have now been placed in Temples, 2 in the Cedar City Temple, one in the Provo City Center Temple, and one here in the Star Valley Temple. In each temple the panels are set in ornate wood partitions constructed behind the recommend desk, with lighting behind the panels to allow the glass to be displayed in it’s full beauty.[42]Katherine Lyon and Alex Mortenson, “Why Cedar City and 2 Other LDS Temples Have Stained Glass Windows Rescued from a Presbyterian Church,” LDS Living, 23 October 2017
Holdman Studios of Lehi, Utah, performed their restoration.[43]“Cedar City Utah Temple Fact Sheet,” Newsroom, LDS Church, 23 October 2017
Entry
text
| Area | 32,240 f2 (2,995.19 m2) |
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| Sealing Rooms |
Baptistry
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Initiatory Spaces
text
| Style | detached, attached, combined |
| Type | stationary, progressive |
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Instruction Rooms
text
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| Type | # |
| Capacity | # |
| Murals | y/n |
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Celestial Room
text-images
Sealing Room
text-images
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| Largest Capacity |
Assembly Hall
text-images
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| Capacity |
Contractors
| Architect | FFKR Architects |
| Contractor | Jacobsen Construction Company |
| Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing | VBFA |
| Murals | Robert Marshall |
| Murals | James Christensen |
| Interior Stone, Tile Finish | Global Stone |
| Water Fountain | Water Design Inc. |
Region
TEMPLES IN UTAH by county
| Box Elder | 1 | Brigham City |
| Cache | 2 | Logan · Smithfield |
| Carbon | 1 | Price |
| Davis | 3 | Bountiful · Layton · Syracuse |
| Iron | 1 | Cedar City |
| Salt Lake | 6 | Draper · Jordan River · Oquirrh Mountain · Salt Lake · Taylorsville · West Jordan |
| San Juan | 1 | Monticello |
| Sanpete | 2 | Ephraim · Manti |
| Tooele | 1 | Deseret Peak |
| Uintah | 1 | Vernal |
| Utah | 9 | Lehi · Lindon · Mount Timpanogos · Orem · Payson · Provo Rock Canyon · Provo City Center · Saratoga Springs · Spanish Fork |
| Wasatch | 1 | Heber Valley |
| Washington | 2 | Red Cliffs · St. George |
| Weber | 1 | Ogden |
Total: 32
TEMPLES IN UNITED STATES by state
Total: 158
TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA by country
Total: 209
Sources and Citations
Additional Articles
Announcement
Groundbreaking
Construction
History
- Tabernacle Interior (1908 Deseret News)
- Tabernacle nears 100 (1983 Deseret News)
- Tabernacle History (1984 Deseret News)
- Tabernacle Rededicated (1986 Deseret News)
- Tabernacle history (1986 Deseret News)
- Tabernacle Facelift (1997 Deseret News)
- Fire Guts Tabernacle (2010 KSL)
- Provo City Center Temple: A Mighty Change at the Heart by Mariah Proctor
- High and Lifted Up – The Mormon Provo City Center Temple by Keith L. Brown
- Tabernacle to Temple: Provo’s Legacy of Worship
References
| ↑1 | ”Historic Provo Tabernacle,” Archived March 16, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | “salt lake architecture: provo tabernacle”. Saltlakearchitecture.blogspot.com. January 17, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2013. |
| ↑3 | ”Historic Provo Tabernacle” Archived October 15, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.. |
| ↑4 | Morgenegg, Ryan (February 28, 2012). “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!”. Church News. Retrieved October 15, 2013. |
| ↑5 | Morgenegg, Ryan (February 28, 2012). “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!”. Church News. Retrieved October 15, 2013. |
| ↑6 | “The Provo Tabernacle’s Remodeling Phases,” Historic Provo Tabernacle 2 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑7 | Scott Taylor, “Provo Tabernacle remembered for its past?and presence,” Deseret News 17 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑8, ↑11 | Carter, D. Robert (December 17, 2010). “Unwelcome bells at Provo Tabernacle”. Daily Herald. |
| ↑9 | “Fire guts Provo Tabernacle”. KSL-TV News. December 17, 2010. |
| ↑10 | Dennis Romboy, “Report: Light fixture, human error caused Provo Tabernacle fire,” Deseret News 31 Mar. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑12 | Donald W. Meyers, Kristen Moulton, and Bob Mims, “Provo’s cultural heart broken by Tabernacle fire,” Salt Lake Tribune 17 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑13 | Caleb Warnock, “Scorched portrait of Christ saved from Tabernacle,” Daily Herald 18 Dec. 2010, 2 Oct. 2011 |
| ↑14 | David Hall Jr., in Heather Whittle Wrigley, “Provo City Center Temple Teaches Lesson on Conversion,” Church News, Apr. 26, 2012, https://www.lds.org/church/news/provo-city-center-temple-teaches-lesson-on-conversion. |
| ↑15 | Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in Gerry Avant, “President Uchtdorf Visits Provo City Center Temple Site,” Church News, Aug. 29, 2014, https://www.lds.org/church/news/president-uchtdorf-visits-provo-city-center-temple-site. |
| ↑16 | William R. Walker, in Heather Whittle Wrigley, “Provo City Center Temple Teaches Lesson on Conversion,” Apr. 26, 2012, https://www.lds.org/church/news/provo-city-center-temple-teaches-lesson-on-conversion. |
| ↑17 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “New Temples Announced for France, Africa, Colombia, Utah and Wyoming,” 1 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑18 | “Mormon church president announces plans for new temples in Utah, Wyoming, Colombia, Africa”. Washington Post. AP. October 1, 2011. Retrieved <span class=”nowrap”>October 5, 2011. |
| ↑19 | Walker, Joseph (October 1, 2011), “LDS general conference opens with the announcement of six new Mormon temples”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012. |
| ↑20 | Walker, Joseph (1 October 2011). “Provo Tabernacle to rise from ashes as a temple”. Deseret News. |
| ↑21, ↑23 | Donald W. Meyers, “Mormon temple to rise from ashes of Provo Tabernacle,” Salt Lake Tribune 1 Oct. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011. |
| ↑22 | “News Release: New Temples Announced for France, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Colombia, Utah and Wyoming”, Newsroom, LDS Church, October 1, 2011, retrieved November 9, 2012. |
| ↑24 | Walker, Joseph. “LDS Church Acquires Land Near Provo Tabernacle.” Deseret News, 1 Jan. 2024, www.deseret.com/2011/9/1/20213175/lds-church-acquires-land-near-provo-tabernacle. |
| ↑25 | Derek P. Jensen, “Provo selling more land near tabernacle to LDS Church,” Salt Lake Tribune 28 Sept. 2011, 2 Oct. 2011 |
| ↑26 | Walker, Joseph (March 23, 2012), “It’s official: the Provo City Center Temple”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012. https://www.deseret.com/2012/3/23/20500327/it-s-official-the-provo-city-center-temple/ |
| ↑27 | Ryan Morgenegg, “Provo Tabernacle excavation: Work completed!,” Church News 28 Apr. 2012, 12 May 2012. |
| ↑28 | Walker, Joseph. “Provo City Center Temple Groundbreaking Plans Announced.” Deseret News, 31 Dec. 2023, www.deseret.com/2012/4/5/20405063/provo-city-center-temple-groundbreaking-plans-announced. |
| ↑29 | Genelle Pugmire, “City surpluses property before planned sale to LDS Church,” Daily Herald 31 Oct. 2012, 31 Oct. 2012. |
| ↑30 | Weaver, Sarah Jane (May 12, 2012), “Rising from ashes: Ground is broken for LDS Church’s 2nd temple in Provo”, Deseret News, retrieved November 9, 2012 |
| ↑31 | Meyers, Donald W. (May 22, 2012), “Mormon Church breaks ground for new temple on Provo Tabernacle site”, The Salt Lake Tribune, retrieved November 9, 2012 |
| ↑32 | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, “Ground Broken for Provo, Utah’s Second Temple,” 12 May 2012. |
| ↑33 | Walch, Tad (March 31, 2014), “Angel Moroni statue ascends to top of Provo City Center Temple”, Deseret News, retrieved March 31, 2014 |
| ↑34 | “Open House Announced for Provo City Center Temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, June 9, 2015 |
| ↑35 | Walch, Tad (March 9, 2016). “Provo City Center Temple open house drew more than 800,000 visitors”. Deseret News. Retrieved April 7, 2017. |
| ↑36 | “‘Beauty for Ashes’: 4,500 youth participate in cultural celebration”, LDS Church News, Deseret News, March 19, 2016 |
| ↑37 | “150th Temple Is Dedicated: Provo City Center Temple becomes the 16th Utah temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, March 20, 2016 |
| ↑38 | Walch, Tad (March 20, 2016), “Elder Oaks dedicates Provo City Center Temple as 150th temple of the LDS Church”, Deseret News |
| ↑39 | Although some other temples vary from the official naming guidelines, all of them except Provo City Center and Salt Lake include at least the name of the state/province or country. For official guidelines, see “Temples renamed to uniform guidelines,” Deseret News, October 16, 1999 (accessed October 27, 2015). Since that article was published, the temple in Omaha, Nebraska, has been renamed to “Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple” (see Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple page at LDS.org). |
| ↑40 | Genelle Pugmire, “LDS Church: New Provo temple to stay true to historic roots,” Daily Herald 26 Jan. 2013, 27 Jan. 2013. |
| ↑41 | Meyers, Donald W. (October 5, 2011), “Mormon temple to rise from ashes of Provo Tabernacle”, The Salt Lake Tribune, retrieved November 9, 2012 |
| ↑42 | Katherine Lyon and Alex Mortenson, “Why Cedar City and 2 Other LDS Temples Have Stained Glass Windows Rescued from a Presbyterian Church,” LDS Living, 23 October 2017 |
| ↑43 | “Cedar City Utah Temple Fact Sheet,” Newsroom, LDS Church, 23 October 2017 |
Last updated on: 12 September 2025