The Salt Lake Temple is an iconic and sacred structure at the heart of the 10-acre Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah area. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold the temple in high esteem as the house of God, and therefore, no public tours are allowed inside. Only those who have a temple recommend can enter the premises.
The temple was dedicated on February 14, 1853, after years of construction which began in 1853. The temple’s original architect Truman O. Angell designed it with a combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. The temple’s capstone, a granite sphere, holds a statue of the Angel Moroni and turns heads from its commanding position.
Interestingly, the temple is not a place for Sunday worship services. Members of the church hold special ceremonies inside the Salt Lake Temple. These include the endowment ceremony, washing and anointing ceremony, marriage sealing ceremonies, and baptisms for the dead. While some may find these practices unusual, church members believe these sacred ceremonies are essential for spiritual progression.
Despite being a sacred and holy place, the Salt Lake Temple has faced a few challenges throughout its history. In 1962, two bombings happened outside the temple that caused minor damage to the building. In 1999, a powerful F2 tornado hit Salt Lake City, damaging parts of the temple’s exterior but not compromising its structural integrity. In 2020, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Salt Lake City, causing significant damage to areas surrounding the temple. The temple itself sustained minor damage to its granite walls, but no significant structural issues were found.
While the temple is understandably closed to the public for most of the year, visitors can still admire its impressive exterior throughout the year. Visitors can get an up-close look at the temple’s Gothic and Romanesque architecture, from its intricate details to its remarkable towers. The temple’s reflecting pool also adds to its beauty, reflecting its grandeur on the water’s surface.
The Salt Lake Temple is one of Utah’s most significant landmarks, representing the heart and soul of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While it’s closed to the public for most of the year, visitors can still admire its stunning exterior and learn about its unique history and significance. Whether you’re a believer or not, visiting the Salt Lake Temple will leave a lasting impression on those who journey.
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