Preservation Update: Blanding Tabernacle (South Chapel) Reopens

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.
 
The San Juan Record published an article stating that the Blanding Tabernacle's renovation is complete. They held an open house on March 28, and on March 29 the building was being used again. Click here to see the original post about the renovation.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The images they posted are rather small, but you can see the changes. Here is the original view of the tabernacle:

 (Image Source: Church History Library)

And here are the post-renovation photos:

(Image Source: San Juan Record)

(Image Source: San Juan Record) 

(Image Source: San Juan Record) 

Obviously, there have been some significant changes in terms of the woodwork, but the painting was restored by the original artist and replaced. According to the article, the cry rooms, period light fixtures, and glass above the south entrance were all restored or brought in to retain the historical feel of the building.

  

(Image Source: San Juan Record) 

I'm very glad this beautiful building continued to be preserved. I'm also excited to see when the Manti Tabernacle, still under renovation, will reopen. I will definitely keep you updated!