tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post9210829875516315079..comments2024-03-27T16:24:47.649-07:00Comments on Historic LDS Architecture: Logan Temple: Interior, Renovation, and RestorationBThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-67855308574096018042022-07-25T13:46:07.539-07:002022-07-25T13:46:07.539-07:00Religious buildings don't have to be ADA acces...Religious buildings don't have to be ADA accessible. (However the Church generally tries to make its buildings accessible). Ryan Hallstromnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-7240455903068118552021-10-23T12:52:34.210-07:002021-10-23T12:52:34.210-07:00As someone who was directly affected by the Logan ...As someone who was directly affected by the Logan remodel (my first Temple Baptisms occurred there when I was a Freshman at USU; my husband proposed to me on the grounds of the Temple; he had been endowed there in 1964; and he and I were married there in December of 1967, so pretty much all of my Temple experiences until the renovation happened in that Temple). Thus, the gutting of the Temple was particularly heart wrenching for me. It was really difficult to be able to see clear through that structure for the two years the renovation was ongoing, but that was not nearly as difficult as walking through the renovated Temple during the Open House. I had to go through Open House about 20 times before I could walk through without weeping all the way through! NOTHING was the same. The beautiful stained glass (especially from the President’s Sealing Room off the Celestial Room where my husband and I were sealed) as well as the murals had been removed and replaced with sterile walls. The furniture was changed, and even the two chandeliers in the Celestial Room were sent to two other Temples. The only furniture items which were put back into the Temple were two vases that had been in the Celestial Room! Not only that, all of those replaced furnishings, etc., were removed and sold in the Provo Deseret Industries location without telling anyone in Logan that that was happening!! (Doing that was extremely insensitive to those who had called that Temple “home” for many years and would have loved to have even had a light switch plate to remember their experiences in the Logan Temple!!) The only thing that made the Dedication bearable for me was that I had been in the Assembly Hall once before it was demolished and, because it was redone in an identical manner, I actually thought it hadn’t been re-done when I and my family attended the Dedication in that room as I was a member of one of the Dedication choirs. Because we had attended the Ogden Temple while the Logan was being remodeled, I felt like, once we began attending the newly remodeled Logan Temple, that we were then just worshiping in a newer version of that Temple, except that the color scheme used in the Ogden Temple was more pleasing to me than the new one in the Logan Temple! Fortunately for me, we only lived in Logan for two years after that Dedication, so my personal despair over that remodel didn’t have to be revisited on a weekly basis for longer than that! In saying all of this, I know that, because of structural and access issues, changes had to be made in that Temple, but all of the interior details, which COULD have been replicated in the remodel — at least somewhat, were left out. Again — that was insensitive to the emotional and even spiritual needs of those who had previously worshiped there. Finally, my ancestors helped build the Manti Temple, so I didn’t want the same thing to happen to that Temple (and to the people who had loved it as much as I had loved the original Logan Temple) that had happened to the Logan; and so I am happy that those plans were changed to try to retain as much of the murals, etc., as possible! I think it is extremely sad that the Salt Lake Temple lost all of its pioneer murals in the current extensive remodel as well — especially when the reason for doing that was supposedly that it was needed to make the experience in that Temple the same as the experiences in all other Temples — as if most of the other Temples in the Church don’t have murals in them!!! In all, efficiency is important, but so is history! Those who do not take both into account when making sweeping changes on such important edifices really need to remember that!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-56500205523344840622021-03-26T15:10:52.385-07:002021-03-26T15:10:52.385-07:00Yes, every temple has a ceiling room that can and ...Yes, every temple has a ceiling room that can and occasionally does function as a Holy of Holies. However, my understanding in the Logan Temple is that the Gold Room served this function, and it was located on the southeast corner of the building (not adjacent to the celestial room at all). I don't know a ton about this though, and come to think of it, every other pioneer temple has sealing rooms adjacent to the celestial room. Which makes me wonder if Logan did have any, or if it was the exception.BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-40905144200743708332021-03-26T15:09:45.220-07:002021-03-26T15:09:45.220-07:00I actually learned that these were saved by the Ch...I actually learned that these were saved by the Church Historical Department, but yes, they were torn out and left outside before they got there and saved them. :(BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-43959653549990398682021-03-26T13:43:22.591-07:002021-03-26T13:43:22.591-07:00I suspect the stairs off the celestial room in the...I suspect the stairs off the celestial room in the old floor plan was to a holy of holies like the one found in the Salt Lake Temple. I believe all pioneer era temples had one and understand that each temple has one sealing room that can be converted to that purpose when needed.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11023076838866351376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-49215102122556510432021-03-18T00:51:35.479-07:002021-03-18T00:51:35.479-07:00A friend from the Church Historical Department tol...A friend from the Church Historical Department told me that the pulpits from the assembly room were torn out and left to deteriorate outside in the weather before being hauled away. Fetzer had new adapted pulpits made that weren't so cramped and uncomfortable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-32286795106674211552021-02-26T15:16:27.925-08:002021-02-26T15:16:27.925-08:00(And based on the St. George Temple's new anne...(And based on the St. George Temple's new annex, I do think a new annex is in order.)BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-67255212748518651152021-02-26T15:16:12.819-08:002021-02-26T15:16:12.819-08:00I agree Jason, I don't think a restoration wou...I agree Jason, I don't think a restoration would bring back this layout. They would likely restore the progressive endowment and the murals that have been preserved (and anything else they've kept) but still do the floor plan however it would work today.BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-73612862282477299622021-02-26T15:15:30.959-08:002021-02-26T15:15:30.959-08:00No, there is not; temple floor plans are rarely av...No, there is not; temple floor plans are rarely available.BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-78234672862624743872020-12-04T11:12:41.628-08:002020-12-04T11:12:41.628-08:00Is there an actual floorplan interior layout avail...Is there an actual floorplan interior layout available of the Logan temple anywhere ? (The entire thing ) Mycheyennerosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00257258222108167663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-58485001090940669532020-02-08T16:25:41.513-08:002020-02-08T16:25:41.513-08:00I like seeing the original pioneer craftsmanship i...I like seeing the original pioneer craftsmanship in these old photos, but they also reveal the problems with the original layout. I don't think it would be worth it to try and bring back the original and also make it ADA accessibility. I would hope that if and when the Logan Temple gets another remodel, it will incorporate the pioneer details (like they did when the Vernal and Provo Tabernacles were converted into temples) while implementing a room layout that makes sense and also feels appropriate to the period, like they did with the Nauvoo Temple. With such a layout, I'd like to see the exterior elevator shaft and stairwell they added on the north in the 1970s be removed, and a new annex that fits with the temple's original look. The completed remodel of the St. George Temple might calibrate our expectations.Jasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09352427960889052739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-38083792934725238092019-11-06T14:26:21.019-08:002019-11-06T14:26:21.019-08:00This story is sort of true. It was actually in the...This story is sort of true. It was actually in the 1960's, and President McKay asked the building departmentto look into doubling the capacity of Manti and Logan. The conclusion was that so much of either temple would need to be redone to bring plumbing, wiring and accessibility up to code that it was cheaper to build new temples instead. Specifically, the suggested that building a temple in Provo and another in Ogden could be done cheaper than refurbishing either of the two aged temples. More about this story can be read here:<br />https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/01/two-temples-to-be-dedicated?lang=eng<br />And a more colorful telling here:<br /><br />https://nighuntokolob.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-detailed-story-of-old-and-new-ogden.html<br />And here:<br />https://nighuntokolob.blogspot.com/2016/02/why-were-first-ogdenprovo-lds-temples.html?showComment=1475422315766#c6684809367773381972<br /><br />In the two above articles, some of his details seem to be off (Oakland was the first domestic temple to use film, not Ogden) but most of it I have been able to find hints or at from other sources.Brian https://www.blogger.com/profile/03431265608355674972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-67774839156667891202019-04-10T07:33:10.855-07:002019-04-10T07:33:10.855-07:00It definitely seems like it's in the works--th...It definitely seems like it's in the works--the main question will be what they end up doing in the renovation/"major restoration."BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-45816539422829039362019-04-09T21:14:21.226-07:002019-04-09T21:14:21.226-07:00After the recent GC announcement about restoring t...After the recent GC announcement about restoring the pioneer-era temples, the return of Logan's former glory seems even more hopeful- perhaps imminent. Corey Strangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06668322090378592617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-25227465373014227032018-11-16T00:34:55.943-08:002018-11-16T00:34:55.943-08:00Yes they are but only in part. I have made two DVD...Yes they are but only in part. I have made two DVDs about the Logan Temple. Feel free to contact me via the email address that I left you.Darrin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01684130392473185847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-92156564043601843272018-05-10T21:09:13.509-07:002018-05-10T21:09:13.509-07:00Are the documentaries hosted to watch online? Are the documentaries hosted to watch online? Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512367152218780387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-21817813870546975432017-11-04T06:29:21.349-07:002017-11-04T06:29:21.349-07:00From what I have heard, several years ago leaders ...From what I have heard, several years ago leaders looked into restoring the temple, and it would cost the same amount as building 3 modern temples. President Hinckley said he would rather build 3 new temples since the Logan temple fulfills it's need.<br /><br />I do wish that the interior still had all of the artwork, but I'm glad to have a temple within 10 minutes of my house.Fall Woodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09238656835213737974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-19452931476587721012017-10-17T00:20:35.828-07:002017-10-17T00:20:35.828-07:00I have written a book on the Logan Temple called H...I have written a book on the Logan Temple called How Beautiful: A pictorial history of the Logan LDS temple.<br /><br />I have also produced two documentary films on the history and construction of this grand edifice.<br /><br />I have a lot of other photographs and information that are not included in this presentation of the Temple. If you're ever interested you can contact me at darrinkaysmith@gmail.com.<br /><br />I think you did an excellent job in doing your research and sharing the history of Utah's Beacon of the North!Darrin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01684130392473185847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-80523827886441641442017-10-16T13:44:55.873-07:002017-10-16T13:44:55.873-07:00Interesting story, Raeburn! I'm assuming the J...Interesting story, Raeburn! I'm assuming the Joseph Smith in the mural looks similar to your father? :)BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-55089296015835698502017-10-16T12:21:02.181-07:002017-10-16T12:21:02.181-07:00The oral tradition in our family is that our fathe...The oral tradition in our family is that our father, Frankland J. Kennard (1903-1995), served by invitation as the artist's model for Joseph Smith in the two murals in the old Celestial Room. So, we have a keen interest in those two murals. Raeburn G. KennardPapa Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15655195929501315377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-61432278672932560612017-10-16T12:18:57.554-07:002017-10-16T12:18:57.554-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Papa Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15655195929501315377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-60100048472619286382017-08-28T12:13:23.095-07:002017-08-28T12:13:23.095-07:00Glad I could help, Wendy! That's a really neat...Glad I could help, Wendy! That's a really neat connection to have to the temple!BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-20386926454454837592017-08-20T16:15:21.870-07:002017-08-20T16:15:21.870-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Wendy Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09894307777762296112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-37793805226743708482017-08-20T16:06:17.375-07:002017-08-20T16:06:17.375-07:00I attended the Logan Temple this summer and one of...I attended the Logan Temple this summer and one of my biggest questions was whether the original temple had murals. Thanks for answering this for me. One of my ancestors ran the sawmill for the building of the original temple and served as a "temple doctor," so I have strong ties to this beautiful edifice.Wendy Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09894307777762296112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633308990739313908.post-25682398651804278082017-08-09T11:38:07.461-07:002017-08-09T11:38:07.461-07:00Thanks, unknown. It is really upsetting, but it wa...Thanks, unknown. It is really upsetting, but it was also a time when the preservation movement really hadn't caught on, and I think the Church was feeling some pressure in terms of temple capacity (and didn't think that another temple was the best answer). I don't think any of the Church leaders really looked back on that decision with pride (except Fetzer, who firmly felt that it was needed). I would love to see that film, though!BThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05298641049685893695noreply@blogger.com