Salt Lake Temple
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Recent News Articles
- July 29, 2020 – What’s inside the Salt Lake Temple time capsule?
- July 29, 2020 – 3 lessons President Cordon learned from her ancestor’s coin in the Salt Lake Temple time capsule
- July 29, 2020 – Salt Lake Temple Time Capsule Is Opened 128 Years Later
- July 8, 2020 – First six months of Salt Lake Temple renovation reveal the project’s enormity
- May 19, 2020 – Photo gallery: Angel Moroni statue, capstone removed from Salt Lake Temple for repair, renovation
- May 18, 2020 – Crane lifts damaged Angel Moroni statue off Salt Lake Temple
- May 18, 2020 – Angel Moroni Statue and Capstone Is Being Removed from Salt Lake Temple
- April 16, 2020 – Time-Lapse Video of Salt Lake Temple Renovation Project
- April 3, 2020 – Angel statue will be brought down on Salt Lake LDS Temple as earthquake repairs, renovation work continue
- April 2, 2020 – Stone Removal Set to Begin at Salt Lake Temple After Earthquake
- March 24, 2020 – Some Mormons see a message in the Angel Moroni’s fallen trumpet
- March 19, 2020 – Fallen Angel Moroni Trumpet Recovered From Salt Lake Temple Spire
- March 19, 2020 – Earthquake caused structural damage to three important Latter-day Saint buildings, 12 meetinghouses
- March 18, 2020 – Condition of Salt Lake Temple After Utah Earthquake
- March 18, 2020 – Utah earthquake causes Angel Moroni on Salt Lake Temple to lose his trumpet
- January 17, 2020 – Crews Prepare Salt Lake Temple Grounds for Excavation
- January 7, 2020 – Salt Lake Temple Undergoes Decommissioning
- January 3, 2020 – Salt Lake City’s Temple Square begins four-year construction and renovation
- December 30, 2019 – It’s the start of a new era as Salt Lake Temple begins its 4-year renovation
- December 28, 2019 – Utah couples line up to wed in temple ahead of 4-year closure
- December 27, 2019 – Crowds pack Temple Square in advance of closure
- December 26, 2019 – Visitors flock to Temple Square on last Christmas before temple closes for renovations
- December 4, 2019 – Visitor experience about to change at Salt Lake City’s Temple Square. Here’s how and why.
- December 4, 2019 – Start of multi-year renovation of iconic Salt Lake Temple is days away; new interior renderings released
- December 4, 2019 – New Renderings Released for Salt Lake Temple Renovation
- November 29, 2019 – Temple Square Brings Christmas Cheer to Salt Lake City
- November 26, 2019 – Will Temple Square have Christmas lights during the Salt Lake Temple reconstruction?
- November 21, 2019 – Temple Square lights switch on Nov. 9; seasonal celebrations scheduled
- November 15, 2019 – Salt Lake Temple’s four-year renovation set to begin this year
News Stories
Contents of the Salt Lake Temple Time Capsule
Two days after the removal of the capstone from the Salt Lake Temple, the First Presidency witnessed the opening of the time capsule on May 20, 2020, from the loading dock of the Church History Library. Since then, conservation experts have carefully catalogued the capsule's severely water-damaged contents. "We did not expect to find much because we knew that the contents of the capstone had not been insulated from the weather during the 128 years that had elapsed," said President Russell M. Nelson. "But we wanted to be there anyway, just to be close and to pay tribute to the leaders and courageous pioneer craftsman who against all odds built this magnificent temple."
Sealing Room Wing Removed from Salt Lake Temple
An evening view of the Salt Lake Temple shows the north wall of the historic building with the sealing room wing removed after more than five decades of use. That addition will eventually be rebuilt but only after a base isolation system is installed under the massive stone foundation of the temple to mitigate the effects of seismic activity. Over the past several months, landscaping has been removed and shoring activities have been underway to prepare for installation of the system. Demolition continues on the annex.
End Wall of Salt Lake Temple Annex Brought Down
Watch a video showing the end wall of the Salt Lake Temple Annex coming down. The substructure of the facility has been dismantled and the majority of the superstructure has been demolished. Demolition also continues on the sealing wing annex, starting with removing the roof and disconnecting the interior from the historic side of the temple. Shoring work has been carried out along North Temple Street to prepare for the deep excavation coming to the north side of the temple where the former annex stood.
Demolition Underway on Salt Lake Temple Sealing Room Wing
As demolition continues on the Salt Lake Temple annex, crews have now begun to raze the sealing room addition on the north wall of the temple. The current annex and the sealing room wing were both constructed in the 1960s. The annex will be replaced with two patron pavilions and an underground recommend desk area with a large skylight. The sealing room extension will be rebuilt slightly wider than before and more true to the original exterior of the temple. Renovation has been underway for almost six months.
Salt Lake Temple Foundation Stabalization Continues
Crews continue to stabilize the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple as the massive structure is prepared for a base isolation system that will provide significant protection against seismic events. Demolition is underway on the annex north of the temple and on portions of the historic wall surrounding Temple Square. Over the last couple of months, several spire stones and the angel Moroni statue have been removed from the top of the temple.
Removing Moroni from the Salt Lake Temple
The angel Moroni statue and capstone are being removed from the Salt Lake Temple by construction crews this morning. The schedule for this planned removal was moved up following the earthquake in March. The statue and capstone will be refurbished and preserved until they are reinstalled at a future date. Work continues on removing stones from the upper spires of the temple, which will also be preserved until they are reinstalled later in the project.
Finials Removed from Salt Lake Temple Spires
The careful work of removing the granite finials from the spires of the Salt Lake Temple has made excellent progress. Refurbishment of the stones was anticipated to occur later in the renovation, but following seismic activity in the Salt Lake Valley that started in March, the spires were addressed immediately. Scaffolding has been installed around the base of the tower that supports the angel Moroni. Demolition of the annex roof, bridal party exit, and additional portions of the Temple Square wall has also begun.
Spire Stones Coming Off the Salt Lake Temple
For the past few days, crews have lifted several spire stones off the Salt Lake Temple with the help of a large crane. The now-trumpetless angel Moroni statue will also come down. Just five days ago, President Nelson stood in an auditorium near the temple and invited people of all faiths and beliefs to join in a global fast today, Good Friday, for COVID-19 relief.
Spire Stones to Be Removed from the Salt Lake Temple
A crane has been installed on the south side of the Salt Lake Temple to carry out the removal of spire stones that were damaged during the recent earthquake that affected Salt Lake City. The angel Moroni statue and other stones from the east and west sides of the temple will also be temporarily removed for preservation during the project. Scaffolding will be erected around the spires to provide better access to the construction crew.
Over 100 Temples Close in Response to the Novel Coronavirus
As the number of temporary temple closures grows to over 100, we remember a passage from the dedicatory prayer of the Salt Lake Temple: "Or when the children of Thy people, in years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of Thy promises to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto Thee from the depths of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to them, we humbly entreat Thee to Turn Thine ear in mercy to them; hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which they ask."
COVID-19 Restrictions Increase Temple Closures to 58
Government restrictions have been imposed in more jurisdictions, bringing the total of COVID-19-related temple closures to 58. In addition, further adjustments have been announced to missionary service and to the format of the April 2020 General Conference, which will originate from a small auditorium on Temple Square with pre-recorded music and attendance limited to the First Presidency and those who will be speaking or praying in that session.
Salt Lake Temple's Moroni Loses Grasp on Trumpet During Earthquake
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake rolled across the Salt Lake Valley this morning, dislodging the trumpet from Moroni's grip and underscoring the need for the base isolation system and other seismic upgrades planned for the Salt Lake Temple. Excavation along the foundation is well underway on the south side of the temple where an underground tunnel has been removed. On the east side of the temple, the iconic wooden doors have been temporarily replaced with construction doors to be used during the renovation.
Glass Windows Replaced in the Salt Lake Temple
The grounds on the south side of the Salt Lake Temple are looking unusually barren with the absence of familiar structures that have stood on the site for decades. Excavation is deepening around the temple foundation while construction activities continue inside the edifice. Glass windows are being replaced with temporary construction windows made of heavy mil plastic. Access scaffolding has been removed from the south wall, and the majority of the South Visitors' Center basement has been hauled away.
Construction Entrances Added to South Wall of Salt Lake Temple
Two construction entrances have been created on the south wall of the Salt Lake Temple, connected by a tower of scaffolding. On the south lawn, much of the rubble produced by demolition activities has been removed. The basement of the South Visitors' Center is being extracted while demolition continues on portions of the wall surrounding Temple Square. A temporary structure is being built along the east side of Temple Square on the Main Street Plaza.
South Visitors' Center Brought Down at Temple Square
By the end of last week, little was left standing of the South Visitors' Center on Temple Square. Much of the rubble was moved into the basement to be used as a ramp, and just a few pieces of wall remained. The chain-link barrier that sectioned off the construction area is being replaced with a wooden barrier. All of the landscaping on the south side of the temple is being cleared away, and preparations have begun for excavating along the deep foundation stones of the Salt Lake Temple.
Demolishing the South Visitors' Center on Temple Square
Wrecking equipment is bringing down the South Visitors' Center and portions of the south wall along Temple Square today. Removal of the building and wall will provide access to excavation crews who will dig along the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple. Trees, statues, and monuments were moved from the south side of the temple last week, and most of landscaping is gone. The temple is being decommissioned by teams who are moving out furniture and abating hazardous materials.
Preparing to Raze the South Visitors' Center
Construction activity is already underway at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, just days after the closure of the Salt Lake Temple on Sunday. The gate and a portion of the ornamental fencing along the south side of the block have come down, and chain-link fencing is going up to mark the area of construction. The short wrought-iron fence between the temple and South Visitors' Center has been removed, and the concrete surrounding the visitors' center is being crushed and removed in preparation for demolishing the building.
Salt Lake Temple Closes for Four-Year Renovation
The Salt Lake Temple officially closed for renovation today, and evidence of construction activity could appear as early as this Thursday—the day after New Year's Day. The temple has been packed with couples desiring to be sealed in the temple and patrons wanting to see the interior of the ordinance rooms one last time before the four-year closure. It is anticipated that the South Visitor's Center and portions of the Temple Square wall will be demolished by mid-January.
Interior Renderings of the Salt Lake Temple Renovation Released
Members of the media were briefed today about preparations underway for the pending renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, which closes on December 29, 2019. Four interior renderings of the project were released in conjunction with the event. During the initial phase of construction, crews will secure the construction area with a fence, and by mid-January, the South Visitors' Center and portions of the wall surrounding Temple Square will be demolished. In the spring, the temple's north addition will come down. Renovation of the Church Office Building plaza is anticipated to begin in late 2020. Temple Square will remain open during the renovation with the Conference Center becoming the primary venue for the guest experience including views of the construction from the balcony and roof levels. The annual Christmas lights will continue but on a smaller scale.
Celebration of Christmas Begins at Temple Square
The annual Christmas light display at Temple Square burst to life tonight at 5:30 p.m., marking the beginning of the celebration of the Christmas season. Celebratory activities include the First Presidency's Christmas devotional, Tabernacle Choir concerts and other musical performances, Nativity displays, and movie presentations in Legacy Theater. You can watch Temple Square live on YouTube.
Salt Lake Temple Renovation Plans Unveiled
President Russell M. Nelson announced at a news conference on April 19, 2019, that the Salt Lake Temple will close on December 29, 2019, for approximately four years for a major renovation and restoration project including improvements to the surrounding grounds and facilities. The temple is expected to reopen in 2024 when guests will be invited to tour the interior during an open house. The project will address seismic issues by creating a base isolation system for the temple foundation. Aging mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be replaced inside the building, and the interior will be refreshed while preserving its historic details. The existing annex and north-side addition (built in the 1960s) will be demolished and replaced. The South Visitors’ Center will also be replaced with two visitor pavilions. In the future, the temple will be accessible through a patron tunnel from the Conference Center parking facility or from patron pavilions located on the north side of the temple connecting to the recommend desk area and grand hall featuring large skylights with generous views of the temple.
Renovations Coming to Pioneer-Era Temples
Before his announcement of twelve new temples to be constructed across the globe, President Russell M. Nelson announced that plans were underway to renovate and update the temples of the pioneer generation including the historic Salt Lake Temple. The dates and details of those projects will be announced as they are developed.
Salt Lake Temple Plays Backdrop to Youth Flash Mob
LDS Youth of the South Jordan Utah River Stake proclaimed their testimony of Christ—after completing the Book of Mormon—with a flash mob set in front of the iconic Salt Lake Temple.
Salt Lake Temple Open House Experience in Visitors' Center
It's been over 100 years since the public was invited to tour the Salt Lake Temple, but a new permanent exhibit opened in the South Visitors' Center today featuring a near-identical 1:32 scaled replica of the temple, offering an open house experience of this magnificent edifice.
Prayers for Haiti Offered Near Salt Lake Temple Reflection Pool
On Sunday, January 17, families and friends with connections to Haiti, including former missionaries, gathered at the Salt Lake Temple grounds near the reflection pool to pray and sing for their suffering brothers and sisters in the region of Port-au-Prince.
Christmas Lights at Temple Square a Long-Held Tradition
It's been 44 years since the first strands of Christmas lights were weaved through the landscaping of Temple Square. The long-time tradition was once accompanied by an opening ceremony, but the popularity of the event brought crowds that were too large.
Rumors of a Salt Lake Temple Closure Unfounded
"There are no plans to close the Salt Lake Temple for remodeling," said Elder William R. Walker, Executive Director of the Temple Department. Rumors of a closure accompanied the opening of two new temples in the Salt Lake Valley in Draper, Utah and South Jordan, Utah earlier this year.
Million Dollar Views of Salt Lake Temple For Sale
Million dollar views of the Salt Lake Temple and Oquirrh Mountains are for sale in the Church's new mixed development in downtown Salt Lake City, called City Creek Center. The high-rise condominiums in Richards Court and The Regent are selling despite the economic downturn.
Garden Tours and Advice Offered at Temple Square
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now hosting tours of its famously landscaped grounds in and around Temple Square. Tours and lectures by expert horticulturists will be offered regularly through the summer months. For more information, please read this news article.