Friday, March 28, 2014

Salt Lake City Temple


Oldest Building in My Town, finished in 1893


It took the pioneers 40 years to complete this temple. Originally, sandstone was used for the foundation of the building but when Johnston's Army was on the way to Utah in 1857, all of the foundation was covered with dirt. People set up areas in the homes getting them ready to burn in case they had a war. The pioneer families moved south while leaving their men to fight. With only a few skirmishes with the Army, Johnson found there was no real reason to fight with the Mormons.

In 1858 when tensions had eased of having the US Army camped south of Salt Lake,  the pioneers uncovered the sandstone to find that many of the stones were cracked so it was determined that granite needed to be used.

They cut large granite stones from the mountains in Cottonwood Canyon, a good 30 miles from the site and these large stones were transported by wagon.  Not only were men working on the temple but they had to farm to feed themselves and their families while building this beautiful temple. "Holiness to the Lord" is inscribed over the door.


Reflections of the spires in the fountain across the street.


A large baptismal font being held on the backs of 12 brass oxen is the in basement and represents the 12 tribes of Israel. Many of the measurements were taken from Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem from the Bible.


Salt Lake Baptismal Font


23 comments:

Cranberry Morning said...

That is a stunning baptismal font, Ruth. Isn't it gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

We have family in Lehi and visit often. I've only ever seen the temple from a distance but your photos make me want to take a tour. Next time we're up their I'm going with my camera.

Ginny Hartzler said...

It looks like a castle in Disneyland, so children shouldn't mind going to church there!

NanaDiana said...

That baptismal font is AMAZING!!! Wow! xo Diana

Ida said...

Stunning Temple, The baptismal is amazing. It always makes me a little sad though to think of how much money is spent on these temples that could be used to help the poor.

Gattina said...

Very interesting post ! I have seen this Temple years ago but unfortunately only from far when we drove around Salt Lake city.

'Tsuki said...

That is a beautiful temple ; nice catch on the fountain reflection !

biebkriebels said...

At my first visit to the US some time ago, we landed here and I visited this cathedral. I looked up my name and found even one person with that name. It is a huge cathedral.

Unknown said...

wow! awesome building. this is a great way to travel and see other areas of the world.

Anonymous said...

Very grand! Good shots.

♥ Łucja-Maria ♥ said...

Ruth, a very interesting post.
The beautiful temple.
Greetings from far away Polish.
Lucia

Pauline said...

I love this temple, you could post about it every week and I'd be happy. I'm a bit in awe of the baptismal font, have never seen one like that!

nature ramblings said...

Lovely temple!! I have actually visited Salt Lake City and walked around the temple. Lovely photos!

Nefertiti said...

Superbe !

Anne said...

It's superb Ruth, such a beautiful place.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

are you writing a family book? I can only trace my family 100 years.

Ercotravels said...

Nice place, well captures!

Paulette said...

Happy Birthday, dear cousin. Enjoy your day.

GingerV said...

WOW, I am impressed with that baptismal, someone had very grand ideas. I love the story of changing out the foundation from sandstone to granite. taking the temple from "We don't know if we'll make it" to " we will be here forever"
I'm with Pauline you could show and tell about this space every day, and I'd be happy.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Whoa. That is one epic sized Baptismal! Beautiful!

Viera said...

Such a beautiful Tempel...in all details... Wonderful reflection.too...

NatureFootstep said...

hm, I fell in love with that fountain. :)

Suzan said...

Why do people always have to war and fight over religion??
Not being very true to your faith if you have to kill someone because their faith!! Grrrrrrrr!
I would one day LOVE to come here to do some genealogy research!!
That Baptismal is awesome!!

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