Garland Tabernacle

The dates vary on when this tabernacle was completed; however, it was dedicated in 1914. Construction began around 1906.

Manavu Ward Chapel: Entrances

Manti Temple: Doorknob Detail

Preservation Update: Manti Tabernacle Restoration Project

Note: Preservation Updates are a regularly occurring series of posts where I round up recent information on historic LDS buildings and their futures. Depending on the age of the post, there may be newer information available. Click here to see all Preservation Updates.

Happy Pioneer Day! In my post on the Manti Tabernacle, I noted that I had visited the building only a week before it was covered with scaffolding for a renovation project. KSL just covered that project in an article and video on their site.  (In case the link is changed, the story was titled "Manti Tabernacle restoration project underway.")

I love that the Church is carefully restoring the interior to its original appearance. The tabernacle originally had no classrooms; the congregation would divide the chapel with curtains for classes. Eventually, they decided to convert the lower floor into classrooms, which changed the chapel a bit (this information is available in the Manti Tabernacle Centennial Program). In the 1950s, a cultural hall and other offices/classrooms were added on to the back of the building.

 

Where the addition meets the original building

The article also notes that there are only three 19th-century buildings used for Sunday services. One is the tabernacle in Manti. I'm fairly certain that another is the tabernacle in Morgan, Utah. I'm unsure as to what the third one could be--the original chapel in Snowflake, Arizona was completed in 1884 but burned in 1941 and was replaced using the same walls. I'm assuming that does not count.

In any case, I loved some of the quotes used in the article:

“We don't have the (pioneers') journals, we might not even have photographs of them, but we have the place where they went to church every week and so these few, very few buildings that are still standing — it's important to keep them so we don't forget those memories and that story.” --Emily Utt, Historic Sites Curator

"I think restoring these old buildings helps to connect the generations together. We remember the hard work and sacrifice they put forth — it helps us to take courage and be strong when times get difficult." --Scott Hintze, local Stake Presiden

I'm glad steps are being taken to preserve this beautiful building. I am also excited to see what the finished product will look like--as they said in the video, hopefully we won't notice any difference at all.

St. George Temple: Exterior Staircase

St. George Tabernacle: Pulpit Detail

St. George Tabernacle: Interior

The St. George Tabernacle underwent an extensive renovation in 1993 with the goal of restoring the interior to its original condition. It had been changed over the years, as seen in this photo taken in the 1960s:

(Image Source)

Manavu Ward Chapel: Interior

 The Manavu chapel has a gently sloping floor and is highlighted by its beautiful windows.

Three Mile Creek Ward Chapel: Window Detail

Several parts of the building show signs of deterioration. I hope that steps continue to be taken to preserve this building.

Manavu Ward Chapel

The closest date I can find for the construction of this Provo Meetinghouse was 1912. It stands at 400 E and 600 N.

St. George Tabernacle: Spiral Staircase

The two circular staircases that provide access to the balcony on the east end of the tabernacle are the highlights of the building, and are stunning examples of pioneer architecture.

St. George Tabernacle

Open for tours, the St. George Tabernacle is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved in possession of the Church.

Levan Ward Chapel: Windows Detail

St. George Temple: Tower Detail

I love the elegance and beauty of the St. George tower--especially how it has the pattern of stars and clouds that are also present in the terrestrial room, celestial room:

(Image Source)

And in the priesthood assembly room:

(Image Source)

Most of those who visit the St. George Temple hear the story about Brigham Young being immensely displeased with the original, squatty tower, and that tower being struck by lightning only a few years after his death, to be replaced with a more elegant tower. This article from the Journal of Mormon History questions that story, but I still like the new tower.

(Image Source)

 (Source: LDS Church Archives; included in Journal of Mormon History Article)

As it turns out, the tower's dome was replaced with a fiberglass replica in 1992. It still made for an interesting picture!

Three Mile Creek Ward Chapel: Original Portion

It is truly unfortunate that I couldn't find a way to photograph the tower without the power line interfering.