October 7, 2011
From Out of the Ashes, a Temple
Although it took 13 years to complete construction on the magnificent Provo Tabernacle, it only took one night for fire to completely destroy the building. The future of the site was left undetermined for several months, and many mourned the loss of a building that was a part of Provo history. However, after President Thomas S. Monson announced in General Conference this past weekend that the Tabernacle would be rebuilt as the second temple in the city of Provo, excited whispers and gasps were audible throughout the audience. The saints now look forward to the restoration and preservation of this beautiful building which, as President Monson said, has been much-beloved by generations of Latter-day Saints.
Construction began on the building in 1883 in order to replace a smaller tabernacle that was just to the north of the location at that time. William Folsom was the building's architect, and he referenced the Salt Lake Assembly Hall on Temple Square in his design. This image from 1902 shows the central spire which was part of the original design, but was removed in 1917 when it was determined to be too heavy for the structure of the building. During that remodeling period the beautiful stained glass windows were also added to the building.
Around 2 am on December 17, 2010 fire caught in the roof structure near the West end of the building. Although fire crews initially attempted to go inside the building to fight the fire, they found that the damage was extensive and for hours they were forced to fight defensively. The roof collapsed about four hours after the fire began, leaving the inside a burning mess of rubble. Provo residents gathered in the morning near the smoldering building and looked on at the shell of the Tabernacle in dismay.
Scaffolding has supported the shell of the Tabernacle in the months since the fire as the future of the site was being determined.
Although no timeline for the reconstruction has been announced, excited church members have already begun their own decoration of the site, leaving a large sign declaring "Happy Day!!!" and white handkerchiefs hanging every few feet.
This artist's rendering of the future temple shows the restoration of the original exterior - including the center spire which will now host the Angel Moroni at its peak. The original tabernacle was built at a time when the saints were called upon to really dedicate themselves and sacrifice in order to move toward completion. There is no doubt the saints today will show equal dedication and support to this new temple as it rises from the ashes.
Learn more about the Temple Building and Temple Patron Fund.
