PROVO CITY CENTER TEMPLE A special publication of the Daily Herald
From the ashes Details of the journey, from rubble to remarkable
150th temple milestone
Artist & author Chad Hawkins’ insights on LDS temple growth
Provo City Center Temple
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Contents
GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD
The Provo City Center Temple in late afternoon light on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.
8 Rewind: A Century of History In the 1800s, Provo became a destination in the West, and the tabernacle rivaled other architectural developments in major cities across the United States.
23 Sweet and Somber Notes The tabernacle’s rich music history, full of performances, brought together the community — and couples for marriage, like the Paxmans.
36 The Flames Five years ago, the Provo Tabernacle caught fire. The memories from that night’s events are still burning bright in many minds.
86 Restoration—True to the Period The LDS Church strived for historically accurate preservation and restoration of the tabernacle-turnedtemple, which was heavily influenced by Eastlake styling prominent in the 1890s.
104 Miracle of the Murals Famed local artists fell sick during the endeavor to paint wall-to-ceiling murals in the new temple, but managed to complete them with what they believe was help from on high.
121 The Wax and Wane of Provo Business Through a century of economic development, the landscape of downtown Provo business has ebbed and flowed. With a new temple, people are wondering if it will continue its boom.
Provo City Center Temple
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Money Magazine’s 36th best 22. Home of Little Giant Ladders, place to live in 2015 Stouffer’s and other strong Rated #82 in nation for women companies entrepreneurs 23. Annual World Folkfest Ranked #46 in the country for 24. Canyon walking trails most pizza establishments (#1 in 25. Home of nationally famous artist Utah) Cyrus Dallin, sculptor of original Utah’s first Museum of Art Angel Moroni State-of-the-art amazing Library 26. Home of Justice George Hobble Creek Golf Course-4.5 star Sutherland, only United States rating by Golf Digest Supreme Court Justice from Utah Best in county celebration Art City 27. Movies in the Arts Park Days 28. Fishing and hiking in Hobble Creek Hobble Creek Canyon voted “Best Canyon Places to Camp” 29. Jaker’s gigantic Pumpkin Patch New Aquatic Center in 2017 30. 5K events in Hobble Creek Canyon Pioneer Museum located on Main 31. Magical Christmas lights on Main Street Street Dozens of statues throughout 32. Springville/Spanish Fork airport Main Street and the city. 33. Camel’s Back Mountain Splash Pad 34. Springville Playhouse Sport recreation programs 35. 1880’s curfew bell located on the Award winning Power department city park 31,536 great residents 36. Wayne Bartholomew Park and Nearly Eight elementary schools pond Home of the Mighty Red Devils 25 city parks Scenic canyon parks www.springville.org Historic Main Street Senior Citizens Center
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FROM THE EDITOR
Staff PUBLISHER Bob Williams
MANAGING EDITOR Jordan Carroll
EDITORS Scott Tittrington Jennifer Durrant Doug Fox Pierce Huff Michelle Ostrowski Jared Lloyd
WRITERS Genelle Pugmire Barbara Christiansen SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
The Provo City Center Temple, photographed in evening light on Nov. 11, 2015.
Kurt Hanson Cathy Allred Karissa Neely
THE BRIGHTNESS
OF HOPE
S
Strong foundations and the opportunity for renewal. These two themes surrounding the preservation and renovation of the Provo Tabernacle into the Provo City Center Temple appeared consistently throughout the Daily Herald’s extensive research. Some might not realize the beloved Provo Tabernacle was actually the city’s second tabernacle, and while it hosted U.S. presidents (page 8) and renowned musical performers (page 23), it also underwent multiple renovations, overcoming mandates to be condemned during its lifetime. The building saw days of pristine artistry and achievement as well as decay and ruin — wherein entered the opportunity for restoration (page 86) — not unlike its patrons’ own lives. Beyond describing the new edifice and former community landmark, I believe these themes extend farther in the community.
As we share the history of the tabernacle, along with the developing stories of people and local businesses being written today, we think you’ll see our community has fostered and achieved a sense of renewal, rebirth and opportunity for improvement, beyond the temple itself and within individual lives. Whether Mormon or Methodist, a Provo resident from a pioneer family or a new transplant just graduated from college, any single person can take meaning from the tabernacle. For us, it’s rich with enlightening and endearing history, as well as symbolism that has caused us to more deeply ponder progression in our lives. On December 17, 2010, we could not foresee the exciting and beautiful future waiting in the smoking rubble, but the opportunity was still there. A flicker turned into a fire that fanned the flames of rebirth. Jordan Carroll Managing Editor
Laura Giles Court Mann Kari Kenner Danielle Downs
PHOTO EDITOR Spenser Heaps
ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Craig Conover Heather Wolsey
ONLINE Stacy Johnson Janice Peterson David Bilodeau
CONTRIBUTORS Sylvia Abbott Heather Marcus Morgan Bassett
1555 N. Freedom Blvd. Provo, UT 84604 Phone: 801-373-5050 newsroom@heraldextra.com
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THE HISTORY
Provo Tabernacle A GEM IN UTAH HISTORY STORY BY GENELLE PUGMIRE
United States President William Howard Taft speaking at the Provo Tabernacle in 1909.
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Provo City Center Temple
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRENT ASHWORTH
WE HONOR THE RICH HISTORY OF THE PROVO TABERNACLE AND JOIN WITH THE COMMUNITY IN WELCOMING THE BEAUTIFUL PROVO CITY CENTER TEMPLE TO OUR DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD.
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THE HISTORY
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They came together and mourned. Five thousand or more gathered and wept together — some silently, some out loud — as they remembered not a president, a king, nor a person of note. They had come to the UCCU Events Center at Utah Valley University to offer tribute to a building of brick and mortar, a building with memories imprinted on every singed brick and torched pew. The Provo Tabernacle, for more than 130 years the center of daily life both temporally and spiritually for hundreds of thousands, was gone. Its art glass windows, circular staircases and collectible art pieces were diminished to smoldering rubble among heavy smoke, leaving a mere shell of a building. What was it about this particular building that had people from all over the world mourning its loss? To know why, one must look back at the building and the community that used it as a church, a meetinghouse, a concert hall and a political pulpit.
THE HISTORY
The excitement of the 1880s and 1890s, known as the Gilded Age, produced some of the world’s most influential rulers, industrialists, inventors, performers and celebrities — some of whom visited Provo and its new tabernacle. Contemporary with the construction of the Provo Tabernacle — now the Provo City Center Temple — were the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Carnegie Hall and Ellis Island. In 1893, the Chicago World’s Fair Columbian Exposition drew crowds from around the world. More converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were coming to Utah. Just three years before the dedication of the new tabernacle, Utah became a state. In Provo, one of the hotbeds of the territory, a Presbyterian-style meetinghouse had been built in the 1860s, on the block that would later house the Provo Tabernacle, to succor the saints and provide a central meeting place for the Utah Stake, which covered all of Utah County. The original tabernacle, dedicated in 1867, was 61 feet by 182 feet and seated 1,200. It was 2.5 stories above ground and one full story below and was located just north of the new Provo City Center Temple.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
THE HISTORY
BELOW: An interior view of the Provo Tabernacle when it was painted white in the 1940s-1950s.
A photo of the Provo Tabernacle.
LEFT: A photo taken around the 1865 dedication of the Meeting House.
A train wreck in Provo in 1915.
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An image of the Hotel Roberts, which was one block south of the tabernacle.
Another building adjacent to it contained one of the first indoor baptismal fonts in the territory. It was completed in 1870. Just one block south was the popular Hotel Roberts. It was a draw for downtown business and for travelers throughout the area. “Hotel Roberts was the most luxurious hotel in the Utah Territory,” said Ryan Saltzgiver of the LDS History Department. In 1947, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Utah County published a centennial history of Utah County titled, “Memories That Live.” According to numerous historical accounts, when Brigham Young met with the primary contractors at the time of the first tabernacle’s dedication he told them it was already too small. The description of the meetinghouse, or first tabernacle, includes the following: “The meetinghouse or tabernacle, answered the needs of the people until 1883, when they found it necessary to build a tabernacle that would house three times the number of people as did the meetinghouse they had enjoyed the past 16 years.” Brigham Young’s desire for a larger tabernacle came to fruition. William
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
“The meetinghouse or tabernacle, answered the needs of the people until 1883, when they found it necessary to build a tabernacle that would house three times the number of people as did the meetinghouse they had enjoyed the past 16 years.” Harrison Folsom was called upon to design a newer, bigger tabernacle. Folsom had just completed the designs for the Manti Temple. According to the DUP of Utah County, “H.H. Cluff, J.P.R. Johnson and J. C. Snyder were appointed as building committee for the new tabernacle.” Construction started in 1883 on the building with architecture that followed the Charles Eastlake and Victorian Gothic designs. Built by pioneers, the tabernacle could have easily graced the streets of New York, Chicago or London. According to the Millennial Star publication, “The Provo Tabernacle was the most beautiful in the territory.” A description of the new tabernacle by the DUP of Utah County indicates it sat on wide lawns that covered a city block.
“Cathedral windows are used throughout the building and the beautiful ivy vines cover the walls. The interior is finished with painted, stained and varnished sugar pine wood. The stand was designed by Thomas Allman.” The description continues, “When first finished the benches were made with straight backs and the seats were covered with red velvet — later these were replaced by curved back, spring-filled, leather upholstered benches. A green plush curtain separated the choir from the top pulpit and speakers.” According to the DUP history, “The pipe organ was imported by D.O. Calder and was one of the finest to be bought at that time. The tabernacle has been in service for 60 years.”
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A skyline view of downtown Provo in 1901.
David John, the great-great-grandfather of Provo residents Judy Kelsch and Carol Walker, wrote in his journal about a musical program fundraiser. “On May Day (May 1) 1889 a musical festival was held in the Utah Stake Tabernacle. The proceeds were dedicated to purchasing an organ for the tabernacle,” he said. John was called to take care of the tithing house and collect the funds. He was a member of the Utah Stake presidency under President Abraham O. Smoot. His numerous handwritten journals are a living history of the two tabernacles, the meetings and the memories of early Provo. Other dinners and programs were also held to benefit the cost of the organ and other amenities in the tabernacle, according to John. The tabernacle was dedicated in 1898 by George Q. Cannon, who filled in when LDS Church President Wilford Woodruff fell ill. It housed the Utah Stake, the Provo Stake and
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
several wards and branches. According to the DUP history book, “This tabernacle, situated in the heart of Provo city, was built to stand for future generations.” Nearly every LDS president since Lorenzo Snow has spoken at the tabernacle, as well as leaders from other faiths. Two April general conferences of the LDS Church were held there in 1886 and 1887. The conference sessions were held during a heightened time of concern for the LDS Church regarding its practice of polygamy. Brent Ashworth, a local collector of rare books, documents and art, has special connections to the tabernacle. His father, Dell Ashworth, was the last architect on the tabernacle and was in charge of installing new heating systems during the last upgrades to the building in 1985. Ashworth has numerous documents, photos and other items relating the tabernacle and Provo — along with many stories. “In the 1886 conference there was only one general authority on the stand, Elder
Franklin D. Richards, because he was not a polygamist,” Ashworth said. Ashworth said the U.S. Marshals were in town gathering up general authorities and other men who were practicing polygamy. Many went into hiding. Some were even chased around the Provo Tabernacle. “If we hadn’t have had Teddy Roosevelt as a friend, we’d still be running around,” Ashworth added. In 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft spoke at the tabernacle as a guest of Sen. Reed Smoot.
PROVO’S FAITHFUL
For nearly a century the building provided accommodations for numerous and varied LDS Church meetings only. That changed on Christmas Eve 1996 when members of a local Catholic congregation held three traditional masses in the building. That would be the first time the building was used for a church service other than LDS.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
Brent Ashworth, collector of rare books, documents and art.
THE HISTORY
The Daily Herald reported that the Rev. William H. Flegge, a Provo newcomer, had heard how crowded Christmas Eve services were the previous year at St. Francis, and he approached officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the 1996 news report on the event Flegge said, “I didn’t know what to expect.” Mormon officials agreed to allow the tabernacle for the Catholic church’s use, and the century-old building was transformed for three Christmas Eve services. Parishioners worked all day to move fixtures from St. Francis a few blocks away. “It’s just perfect,” Flegge said as he gestured to the nearly life-sized crucifix positioned amid the choir seats behind the satin-draped pulpit. “It looks like it absolutely belongs there.” The crucifix, candles, communion wine, incense and statue of the Virgin Mary definitely were new. “Last year, people were crowded in and we had to rush them through the Mass,” said Lector Kevin Crowell. “Using the tabernacle made for a more meaningful worship service.”
The congregation was also thankful and applauded when Flegge said, “The Lord would bless his faithful Mormon brothers and sisters for use of this beautiful building.” On at least one occasion the tabernacle was also used as a “Station of the Cross” during a multi-church event at Easter remembering Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the days prior to his crucifixion and resurrection. A few years later, as part of the Freedom Festival Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Robert Schuller from the famous Crystal Cathedral in California spoke. In a speech given by Utah Valley University President Matthew Holland during memorial services for the burnt tabernacle, he said, “The tabernacle has been the place of my sweetest moments of communion with believers not of my particular faith. As Provo Seventhday Adventist pastor Carlos Garcia and head elder Brad E. Walton said, ‘Our congregation has been welcomed to that facility on many occasions. ... It was not only a beautiful, historic building, but a
place where we were all part of a greater community.’” What a unifying and uplifting power those moments have been, Holland added.
FOND MEMORIES
There are hundreds of thousands of sweet memories that took place in the tabernacle. The Daily Herald received a short note from 90-year-old Patricia Pett. She tells of a special program she was involved in when she was in the first grade at Maeser Elementary School in 1930. “Our first-grade class took part in a program at the tabernacle,” Pett wrote. “Our class performed on the stage there, and we marched to the music of Sousa’s song ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’ That has been a special memory for me, and I have cherished and loved that building ever since.” Ethel Belmont Tregeagle, 103, doesn’t get out much anymore. But recently her family took her down to see the new Provo City Center Temple. “It’s beautiful how they’ve restored it,” Tregeagle said. “It looks just like it did. I used to walk by it every day to go to school. I would always call it the temple when I walked by it.”
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THE HISTORY
ABOVE: The procession walks across the stand at the beginning of Christmas Eve Mass at the Provo Tabernacle on Dec. 24, 1996. RIGHT: The Catholic Communion sits in front of a mural depicting Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood, as Christmas Mass was held at the Provo Tabernacle on Dec. 24, 1996. The ceremonies marked the first time a denomination besides the Latterday Saints have used the facilities.
DAILY HERALD PHOTOS
Candles and a cross adorn the stage as Father William Flegge addresses the Christmas Eve Mass at the Provo Tabernacle on Dec. 24, 1996.
“Half the people in Provo felt the tabernacle had belonged to them personally when it burned down. My family included. We attended stake conference there for almost 30 years. We sat on the same bench in the north balcony every time.” Provo resident Diane B. Christensen said her entire family and many of her friends have a connection to the tabernacle. “Half the people in Provo felt the tabernacle had belonged to them personally when it burned down. My family included,” Christensen said. “We attended stake conference there for almost 30 years. We sat on the same bench in the north balcony every time. “Merrill (Diane’s husband) and I both spoke from the pulpit. We took turns sitting
in the big wooden chairs in front of the pulpit when he was in the high council and I was in the stake relief society presidency.” Christensen remembers her husband being in the Provo Stake production of “The King and I” in the mid-1980s. “Merrill sang in the choir when President Benson re-dedicated the tabernacle — they called it the Provo Tabernacle Choir and thought they were very funny,” she said. “Our son Michael had his college convocation at
the tabernacle.” Christensen said when the building burned, her family sat on the couch and cried like they had lost a close friend. When LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced the reconstruction from tabernacle to temple, she said they also gasped like everyone else, and cried some more. “Funny thing is, hundreds and hundreds of people in Provo could tell stories just like this,” Christensen said. “That’s why we’re all so excited to walk back into that building. “In a little place in our minds it will still look like it did five years ago before the fire. But we’ll love discovering what it looks like now.”
THE DOWNSIDES
Throughout its life the tabernacle faced a number of close calls. Historical accounts record that it was partially condemned in 1913 because the roof ’s truss system didn’t support the center tower.
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THE HISTORY
PHOTO COURTESY PROVOTABERNACLE.ORG
A photo of the Provo Tabernacle taken during a parade.
It was renovated in 1917, and the center tower was removed. In 1919, the meetinghouse next door was torn down. In the 1930s and ‘40s, the tabernacle suffered from one of the worst indignities ever to inflict an aging edifice — bats and excrement odor. Worshippers and concert-goers reported detecting a faint, musty, malodorous smell mingling with the aroma of the floral arrangements that frequently decorated the podium. It was later discovered the odor came from the droppings of the thousands of bats that annually inhabited the tabernacle’s attic. The bats caused other inconveniences. They squeezed inside the pipe organ and altered its tone. Provo resident Shirley Paxman recalls stories about stray bats winging their way through the tabernacle during stake conferences. Tabernacle custodian Harry L. Boswell pondered the problem of how to rid the building of bats. Boswell decided to use one of the only available means of solving the problem — a .22-caliber rifle loaded with fine bird shot. On occasion, Boswell would climb the steps leading from the tabernacle balcony into his own private shooting gallery in the attic. After locating a cluster of bats, Boswell would take careful aim and fire, often
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
PHOTO COURTESY OF PROVOTABERNACLE.ORG
A photo of the Provo Tabernacle taken in 1916.
dropping several at a time. More than 13 loads of bat guano were carried out of the attic. Bat manure, considered one of the best types of fertilizer, was placed on the lawns around the tabernacle. Thanks to the bats, the tabernacle lawns in the 1930s and ‘40s dazzled even those with
the greenest of thumbs. The tabernacle was used extensively, and by the end of World War II was in disrepair. It was condemned again in 1949 because of the roof system. Fred Markham, a local LDS stake president, was an architect, and he figured out a way to support the roof. At the time, there was a serious move to tear down the tabernacle.
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THE HISTORY
In the 1980s, it was remodeled again and brought back to its historic character. It was re-dedicated by Monson. The Provo Tabernacle featured Gothicstyle stained glass windows and a steep roof and corner turrets that gave the exterior a distinctive look. A pipe organ provided a stunning backdrop to the elaborate, handcarved rostrum. LDS Historic Sites Curator Emily Utt, speaking to Provo Rotarians during a luncheon lecture, said, “The builders went to extraordinary lengths. It is one of the best tabernacles built.” Gov. Gary Herbert remembered as a young boy going Christmas shopping in downtown Provo and how much he enjoyed going to the tabernacle and seeing the Christmas lights. “The tabernacle was part of the ambiance of the city,” he said at the 2010 memorial service. “Whatever generation pioneer you are, there is a sense of gratitude for those who went before. “That tabernacle represents that for us. We should reflect on their service and sacrifice for the community and recommit ourselves to that same pioneer spirit.”
PHOTO COURTESY PROVOTABERNACLE.ORG
A picture of the completed Provo Tabernacle before the original tabernacle, whose spire is visible at the left of the picture, was demolished.
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Harmony and dissonance
MUSICAL LEGACY
Two very different musical tales from the Provo Tabernacle
JAMES ROH, DAILY HERALD
Shirley Paxman, left, and Monroe Paxman sit for a portrait at their house in Provo in 2012. The Paxmans attended many concerts at the Provo Tabernacle through the years.
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MUSICAL LEGACY
T
STORY BY COURT MANN
The Provo Tabernacle was Provo’s musical epicenter for decades, drawing world-renowned classical musicians from all corners of the globe during the first half of the 20th century. Indeed, the tabernacle’s musical history is as central to its legacy as any other component. Here’s a look at two of its most memorable concerts, 72 years apart, both memorable for very different reasons. *** Monroe Paxman sheds his calm demeanor as he mimics the lumbering, piercing chords of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Etude-Tableau in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 33, No. 9.” His large, lively hands move along an imaginary piano as he bellows notes from the song’s intro. It’s been 77 years since Monroe and his wife, Shirley, saw Rachmaninoff perform that song in the Provo Tabernacle, but they still remembered it well. Sadly, Shirley, 96, died December 17, 2015 on the fifth anniversary of the burning of the tabernacle and the day prior to hers and Monroe’s 73rd wedding anniversary. The Paxmans spoke with the Daily Herald in their Provo home about that memorable concert. Their recollections reveal a very different era in Provo’s history, when the town was far smaller and certainly more obscure, but regularly drew some of the world’s most renowned classical musicians — more renowned than those visiting Provo in 2015. Rachmaninoff’s Provo performance was part of a concert series that Herald R. Clark, Brigham Young University’s Dean of the College of Commerce (Business School), organized for students and Provo residents. Clark was also bishop of the Paxmans’ LDS ward at the time. “Both of our parents had subscribed to the series, so we went on a cheap date,” Monroe Paxman recalled. Though Rachmaninoff planned a visit to Salt Lake City on this particular trip, his only Utah performance that season was in Provo. “All the concerts were held at the tabernacle. Everything community was held at the tabernacle,” Shirley Paxman said. “BYU brought all the great musicians. We heard everybody — every great pianist, violinist, everyone that went on a concert tour in the United States would come to Provo. They liked to come to Provo because they had a very appreciative audience here.” Though Rachmaninoff was one of the tabernacle’s most renowned guests, local train conductors didn’t get the memo: The Orem Interurban railroad ran along two sides of the
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PAXMANS
Shirley and Monroe Paxman are photographed on December 18, 1942 on their wedding day at the Salt Lake Temple.
tabernacle, and a train loudly passed by during Rachmaninoff’s performance. “It was going ‘clank-clank-clank-clank,’ ringing its bell to warn people it was coming,” Monroe Paxman recalled. “Rachmaninoff, without changing his expression, raised his hands and folded them in his lap. When the sounds ended, he took up right where he had left off without missing a note.” Other accounts say Rachmaninoff held his hands right above the piano keys, crashing back down into the song once the train sounds stopped. Either way, he waited patiently. In a 1938 Deseret News article about the concert, reporter Gail Martin remarked, “Rachmaninoff looks more like a monk, worn by rigid asceticism and a contempt for the vanities of this world, than a world favorite.” Rachmaninoff was 65 years old at the time.
He fell ill on a concert tour four years later, a result of advanced melanoma, and passed away a few months afterward. Monroe Paxman interpreted Rachmaninoff’s stoic nature a bit differently: “He was a stonefaced man with a great heart.” Married a few years after the concert, Monroe and Shirley eventually moved into a large home near downtown Provo in 1953 — the home where they still live in today. Shirley Paxman said the home’s proximity to the tabernacle played a big part in their decision to live there. The tabernacle’s cultural, musical and religious gatherings were always within walking distance. “I think it’ll be a great thing,” Shirley Paxman said of the tabernacle’s conversion to an LDS temple. “People will love to go there. And historically, what’s more important than
MUSICAL LEGACY
PHOTO BY JONAS OTSUJI
David Chamberland plays an introductory hymn before the Christ Savior, Son of God Symposium on January 6, 2000 at the Provo Tabernacle.
the tabernacle in Provo, for the “All the concerts community?” were held at the They’ve spent a lot of time in the tabernacle — probably more tabernacle. ... We than most Provo residents. Monroe heard everybody — Paxman recalled the atmosphere inside the storied structure. every great pianist, “Sitting in those seats when the sun came through those stained glass violinist, everyone windows was really a spiritual boost.” that went on a *** The flames were probably already concert tour in the burning when Kim Egginton left the United States would Provo Tabernacle late at night on Dec. 16, 2010. She and others had come to Provo.” just finished the final rehearsal for Shirley Paxman “Gloria,” a musical retelling of Jesus Christ’s life, written by the famous Mormon composer Lex de Azevedo. The concert was supposed to happen in the tabernacle the next two evenings. Mere hours after Egginton left, the Provo Fire Department was on site extinguishing the blaze that gutted the storied tabernacle’s interior. It had been a long time since “Gloria” was performed in a large hall. Azevedo himself frequently told Egginton how blessed he felt at the opportunity, saying he felt God was supporting the endeavor. The tabernacle’s interior was adorned with wreaths, garlands, flowers and Christmas lights during that final dress rehearsal. “Everyone kept remarking about how strong the spirit was in there,”
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DOWNTOWN PROVO’S ROOFTOP CONCERT SERIES, #CITYOFST
FSTARTS
One hundred and sixty-seven years ago this year at a muddy outpost south of the Provo River and upstream from Utah Lake, the first seeds of Provo City were planted. From that small outpost christened “Fort Utah” grew a city with upward momentum and unrelenting success. Started by those early settlers—the Timpamogots tribe, the Catholic Priests, Trapper Etienne Provost and the Mormon colonists—was the beginning of a community enlightened by learning, powered by culture and surrounded by undying beauty. We have them to thank for a city that now stands on top of national charts and exceeds citizen expectations. What makes Provo so special? The answer is as relevant today as it was one hundred and sixty-seven years ago – Provo is the place to begin. It’s the place where your journey starts. In this city you fell in love, began your family, your educational experience, your business, your blog, your band. It’s the spot you started your mission or had your first spiritual awakenings. Provo was your first ski experience, your first hike on the rocky Wasatch Front, the first time you discovered the thrill of outdoor recreation. It was in Provo you realized how much you love the visual arts, or the performance arts, or directed your first film. In Provo you ran your first marathon or 5k and in Provo you decided you’d do another one. The excitement that swirls around being a city of starts is what fuels our prosperity and progress. It makes us the city of possibilities. And when we use the phrase “Welcome Home” in our city branding what we mean is: welcome home to the city where you started. As we celebrate the major achievements in Provo, we’re also celebrating the starts—from the literal to the symbolic—happening here. In a hopeful outpost one hundred sixty-seven years ago a city was molded by mud and formed by determination. It was the start of a city that continues to shape not only this state and country, but the entire world. Tell us what you started in Provo by using the hashtag #cityofstarts on your social media channels. We’d love to celebrate your Provo starts with you.
MUSICAL LEGACY
The cover page of a set of sheet music signed by composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
MUSICAL LEGACY
Egginton said. “How it just felt magical, and how we hoped we could just capture that same — I hate to say perfection, but near perfection — on the night of the concert.” The tabernacle’s alarm system kept sounding off at the close of the rehearsal. Thinking the burglary alarm was somehow being tripped, those involved with the production checked the doors and balconies, to no avail. They called a senior missionary couple who oversaw the building, and the missionaries told them that particular alarm had been finicky lately. Meanwhile, a 300-watt light in the ceiling of the attic, placed too close to other combustible materials, had started smoldering — or was possibly already burning. The 135-page final report on the fire, later released by Provo Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield, determined it as the cause. “Everything had been inspected, but no one had thought about the attic,” Egginton said. Egginton exited the tabernacle on that cold December night and began walking to her car, parked a significant distance west of the tabernacle. Though it was still far away, her car alarm started sounding. “It was just such a creepy feeling that we had the alarm going off in the tabernacle … and then my car alarm from far away,” she said. “But still,
BEST OF THE BEST
Some notable performers from the Provo Tabernacle’s musical heyday. • Metropolitan Quartet, vocalists (1916) • Emma Lucy Gates, American opera soprano (1923) • The Bach Festival (1934) • Marcel Dupré, French organist and composer (1939) • Bidu Sayao, Brazilian opera soprano (1939 or 1940) • Nelson Eddy, American baritone and actor (1940) • Béla Bartók, Hungarian composer and pianist (1941) • Helen Traubel, American opera soprano (1945 or 1946) • Jascha Heifetz, LithuanianAmerican violinist (1951)
there was no smell, no sign of fire. And yet it was almost certainly burning at that time.” After making the long drive home to Layton, Egginton stayed up a few more hours to finish preparations for the show. She went to bed with ear plugs in, sleeping through the 20-plus calls and texts that flooded her cell phone the next morning. She couldn’t believe the news once she awoke, but was determined to put on a show. She said de Azevedo was devastated and
despondent, confused about why he’d felt God was supporting their concert. Egginton told de Azevedo, “We’ve got to pull it together. You watch, I’ll be able to do it. I’ll get you a hall, I’ll get you a piano, I’ll get you an organ. We’ll make this happen. Everybody wants to help.” She spent the next few hours on the phone, making calls and calling in favors. There was a lot to coordinate — the fire had destroyed everything planned for the show, from costumes to instruments to sound equipment. They relocated the show to the Alpine Stake Tabernacle in American Fork and hurried to get the word out. There was a modest turnout that night. A second show was held on Sunday at Utah Valley University’s main auditorium. UVU President Matthew Holland made his entire staff available at no charge. Egginton said the concert became a memorial of sorts for the tabernacle. “Everybody just got together and made it happen — it was a glorious thing to see,” she said, acknowledging the unintended pun. When news of the tabernacle’s renovation into an LDS temple was announced, Egginton remembers bursting into tears of joy. She received a text from de Azevedo that day. “I feel a lot better about the Provo Tabernacle now,” his text read. “A divine fire. All part of a greater plan.
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PROVO CITY CENTER TEMPLE
MILESTONES STORY BY BARBARA CHRISTIANSEN
The Provo City Center Temple, and the Provo Tabernacle from which it has been built, has an extensive history, beginning in the 19th century. The following information has been compiled from the archives of the Daily Herald and the book “Provo’s Two Temples” by Richard O. Cowan.
1800s
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
The Provo Tabernacle prior to its dedication in 1888, photographed on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 at Brent Ashworth’s shop in Provo.
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1861
1882
1886, 1887
1891
1898
First tabernacle built, known as Old Meeting House.
In December, construction begins on new Provo Tabernacle.
1875
1885
First LDS baptistry in Utah County built next to Old Meeting House.
On Aug. 5, memorial held for President Ulysses S. Grant, who died July 23. Chairs brought in as tabernacle still under construction.
LDS Church April general conferences held in Provo inside nearly completed tabernacle. Pressure on general authorities and others for practicing polygamy; Provo deemed safer place to hold conference sessions.
Tabernacle almost lost to fire before it was finished. Electricians installed wires for lights and used a gasoline blowpipe, which exploded within seconds of being thrown out of structure.
Elder George Q. Cannon dedicates tabernacle. Construction took 15 years and $100,000. Cannon filled in when LDS Church President Wilford Woodruff fell ill.
PCCT Magazine | January 2016
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COURTESY OF MARK T. MARSHALL, BY FRED W. TAYLOR
An elephant circus passes in front of the Provo Tabernacle in the early 1900s.
1900s
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1909 U.S. President William Howard Taft spoke at tabernacle as a guest of Sen. Reed Smoot.
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1912 Tabernacle dodged destruction by fire yet again when overzealous health official set outhouse behind building on fire. He wanted to eliminate a public health hazard. Fire burned out of control, putting tabernacle in jeopardy. Baptistry was also razed that year after several years of non-use.
1913 Tabernacle partially condemned because the roof’s truss system didn’t support center tower.
1917 Tabernacle renovated and center tower removed. Stained glass windows added to building at same time.
1918, 1919 Old Meeting House ordered to be torn down over several months.
1938 Herald R. Clark achieved Provo’s cultural coup of the century, arranging for a concert from worldfamous pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
1949 Tabernacle condemned again because of roof system. At the time, a serious move made to tear down tabernacle.
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People stand in front of a frozen fountain outside Hotel Roberts on January 16, 1917.
1951 Tabernacle renovated, including landscaping, painting, plumbing, flooring, roofing, electrical and heating work, at cost of $43,000.
1965 Another major renovation project launched.
1975 On Sept. 9, tabernacle listed on National Register of Historic Places. It was found to be significant both under the areas of architecture and religion.
1980s Tabernacle remodeled again, brought back to its historic character and re-dedicated by now LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson.
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Officials say the fire at the Provo Tabernacle started at 2:30 a.m.
2010 2011 Dec. 17
March 31
At 2:45 a.m. tabernacle caught fire in attic and burned or smoldered for next two days.
Fire officials determined incandescent light placed on wooden box ignited fire that destroyed tabernacle. Final report marked loss at $15 million.
Dec. 19 Hundreds of area residents came to special Sunday memorial service to pay tribute to the tabernacle.
August
Dec. 20
Oct. 1
Work began to stabilize exterior walls.
President Thomas S. Monson officially announced tabernacle would become Utah’s 16th temple.
LDS Church purchased property on block south of tabernacle.
November Foundation of first tabernacle located through use of groundpenetrating radar.
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2012
2014
The name was selected.
Final turret roof put back on.
Jan. 20
Spring
May 12
March 31
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland officiated at groundbreaking ceremonies (pictured) for Provo City Center Temple and gave dedicatory prayer at groundbreaking. More than 6,000 attended.
August Turret roofs removed and placed on ground on north side of building.
September
Angel Moroni placed on center spire of temple.
Aug. 19 Holiness to the Lord stone placed on east gable. JORDAN STEAD, DAILY HERALD
November
A hot air balloon drifted over the Provo Tabernacle during the groundbreaking event for the Provo City Center Temple Saturday, May 12, 2012, in Provo, Utah.
November and December, some stained glass installed in exterior windows
2015
In September and October, reinforced concrete was placed on inside of brick walls.
October
March
The 1875 baptistry uncovered. Earliest known baptistry of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah County. Office of Public Archaeology at Brigham Young University invited to help excavate font. Excavation completed in November.
Exterior of temple completely restored, art glass windows installed, flowerbeds formed. Meanwhile, work done on sidewalks, pavilion and interior of temple, where doors and trim-work were being installed.
November
April 21
In November and December, support piles driven 90 feet into the ground.
2013 January
Fountain delivered and installed.
May
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Students and instructors from BYU’s Office of Public Archaeology excavate and search for artifacts where the original Provo Tabernacle, dedicated in 1867 and demolished in 1919, once stood.
Lights on exterior of temple began to be tested. MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
Crowds gather to watch as workers place the Angel Moroni statue atop the Provo City Center Temple Monday, March 31, 2014.
In January and February, excavation for lower floors done to depth of approximately 45 feet.
March
July Local resident Allen Carlsen Ostergar Jr., 73, announced as the first president of Provo City Center Temple. His wife, Nancy Sigrid Farnsworth Ostergar, will serve as temple matron.
May 24
2016
New construction began with mat footing marks poured.
Open house begins.
In March and April, exterior walls placed on piles while ground excavated.
Jan. 15
Summer
March 20
In summer, support piles removed.
December Center steeple placed.
Temple dedication will be held and broadcast to all Utah LDS meetinghouses. SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Construction workers add a copper roof onto the gazebo at the new Provo City Center Temple on Friday, July 10, 2015.
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DAY OF THE FIRE
From a simple spark STORY BY KURT HANSON
The fire at the Provo Tabernacle on December 17, 2010. Officials believed the historic building caught fire around 2:30 a.m. JIM DALRYMPLE/DAILY HERALD
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
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DAY OF THE FIRE
PHOTO COURTESY LAURA ROWLEY
Officials say the fire at the Provo Tabernacle started sometime around 2:30 a.m.
When he woke up on the frigid December morning at about 3 a.m., Lynn Schofield was startled for a few reasons — the first being that he was called at such an early hour, and the second being the purpose of the call. “I got a phone call from Fox 13 News … and they said, ‘We’re trying to find out information on the incident going on at South University Avenue in Provo,’” said Schofield, fire marshal for the Provo Fire Department, in a November 2015 interview. “I called over to dispatch … and I asked, ‘What’s going on over on South University?’ They said, ‘The tabernacle’s on fire.’” On Dec. 17, 2010, the historic Provo Tabernacle was engulfed in an overnight blaze. When crews arrived on scene, black smoke billowed from a hole in the roof, and orange flames lapped against the outer walls of the centuries-old treasured icon of Provo. “When I got there, the battalion chief who was on duty that night walked up to me as I was getting out of my truck, and he said, ‘I think we’re going to lose this one,’” Schofield said frankly. “I remember looking at him and saying, ‘No, no we already lost this one.’ There was no way to get ahead of it at this point.” Fire officials said alarms notified them of a
Smoke continued to rise from inside the Provo Tabernacle where wood from the collapsed roof continued to burn into the following evening. ANDREW VAN WAGENEN, DAILY HERALD
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
DAY OF THE FIRE
blaze in the historic building at 2:43 a.m. Within minutes, crews arrived on scene. Current Provo Fire Chief Gary Jolley said those crews initially tried to enter the building through the front door but quickly discovered the fire was too large and the building was terribly unsafe. “Black smoke means that you have a not-wellbreathing fire,” Schofield said. “So you’ve got lots of heat.” The crews retreated and took up defensive positions outside the building. Police also closed University Avenue between 100 South and Center Street to through traffic and advised commuters to avoid the area at least until the end of the day. By 4:30 a.m. crews still struggled to contain the blaze. Jolley said the fire department initially hoped to salvage the building, but its massive size and old construction proved to be too much for the crews, despite the 1 million gallons of water sprayed on the flames. Nothing could quench the heat. “In the attic, it was all 130-year-old, 2-by-10 roof trusses,” Schofield said. “So you just have this tremendous fuel package up there. The amount of smoke tells us the fire was well developed.” Schofield was standing by at the scene for a little more than an hour before tearful crowds started to congregate and mourn the tabernacle. “At about 4:30 in the morning, there were 300 people behind the tapeline on University Avenue
ASHLEY FRANSCELL, DAILY HERALD
The fire at the Provo Tabernacle brought crowds of people taking pictures and video on December 17, 2010 on University Avenue in Provo.
and 100 South,” he said. “By 8:30 we probably had more than 1,000 on that tapeline.” The tabernacle was, at the time, filled with lighting equipment, musical instruments and other gear for the “Gloria” concert sponsored by
Brigham Young University. A $100,000 Fazioli grand piano was rented for the holiday event. “When everything’s all burnt up, you can’t really tell the difference between a cheap piano and an expensive piano,” Schofield quipped.
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DAY OF THE FIRE
One of the biggest challenges crews had to face as they battled the blaze was directing the fire hoses. Even after the roof collapsed, much of the debris remained piled up on top of the ground floor. When the lower section of the building began to burn, the debris isolated it from the fire hoses above. And fire crews had to work containment as opposed to attack, waiting for the fire to burn itself out. “Fire suppression lasted for nearly 38 hours,” Schofield said. By comparison, a complete house fire takes about 30 to 40 minutes to extinguish. All the while, firefighters were exposed to below-freezing temperatures, rotating from the heat of the fire to the icy chill of the air outside. But Schofield said they never even realized how harsh the elements were. “I just froze all day long,” Schofield said. “But I never had time to worry about it because we were pretty busy. We had a lot to do.” The fire burned and smoldered through the night, and reactions from onlookers ranged from sadness to shocked disbelief. Like many people, Kathy Kenison, 58, saw the smoke from her home and came to see what had happened. She said she had years of fond memories of playing the organ in the tabernacle. “When I was younger we did this Christmas thing where we’d play music and open the doors,”
ASHLEY FRANSCELL, DAILY HERALD
Firefighters continued to try and put out flames into the afternoon on December 17, 2010 after the fire broke out around 2:30 a.m.
Kenison said, “and the music would spill out into the street.” But that day, an icon of Provo that once stood at the center of the city was left in ruins. Towering steeples were replaced by pillars of smoke. Beautiful
brick walls and a roof built by craftsmen had caved in onto the pews below. The foreseeable future of the Provo Tabernacle was as mutable and obscure as the smoke that billowed from its tresses.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
RECOVERY
PHOTO COURTESY LAURA ROWLEY
Officials work to extinguish the fire at the Provo Tabernacle on Dec. 17, 2010.
EMERGING FROM THE ASHES ANEW
T
STORY BY KURT HANSON
The Provo Tabernacle’s destruction seemed at first to be a tragedy from which the community could not recover, but the years following its fiery devastation have proved quite the opposite. “If you take this as a metaphor for your life, we as humans, children of God, have the ability to recover from horrendous challenges and difficulties,” said Lynn Schofield, fire marshal for the Provo Fire Department. “If you had walked over with me on Dec. 17 and looked down from the Nu Skin balcony at the tabernacle and if
PHOTOS BY MARK JOHNSTON
you walked over there with me today and looked down, they are two completely different buildings that are the same building.” Taking the tabernacle out of the ashes was no easy feat. In fact, it wasn’t until April 2011 before the cause of the fire was even determined. Schofield said fire crews had to essentially take every single charred piece from the scene and rebuild the roof of the tabernacle. “We measured out the tabernacle and News coverage of the historic fire at the Provo Tabernacle in 2010.
www.provocitycentertemple.com
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Crews clean up the debris inside the Provo Tabernacle remains after the fire. COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
Flowers lie on the east wall outside the burned remains of the Provo Tabernacle Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010.
COURTESY OF LDS CHURCH SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
A piece of melted glass salvaged from the remnants of the Provo Tabernacle after it burned down.
Smoke seeps out a broken window at the Provo Tabernacle the morning after the fire.
www.provocitycentertemple.com
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RECOVERY
Fire officials walk Representative Jason Chaffetz, second from right, Provo Mayor John Curtis, fourth from right and Provo Deputy Mayor Corey Norman, fifth from right, around the burned shell of the Provo Tabernacle the day after the fire.
established a search grid, and then we laid out the same grid in the park,” he said. “Once we got into the building, we’d … find a piece of roof truss, mark it, and then hoist it out over to the grid set up in the park.” The tediously technical process continued
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
for about two weeks just to get the collapsed roof off the floor. That allowed fire crews to finally be able to dig through to the floor to determine the area of the fire’s origin. During their investigation, fire crews received a picture from a source that
showed a small lamp sitting on top of a wooden speaker. Stage crews were setting up lighting and sound for a Brigham Young University-sponsored concert that was supposed to occur the night after the fire. Fire crews determined the fire started
A view through the front door of the Provo Tabernacle shows the burned remains on December 28, 2010.
from a small spark in the attic, caused by the lamp. Numerous people reported to fire crews they smelled smoke during the dress rehearsal that night. “Do I find fault with anybody here? No,” Schofield said. But for six months after that discovery, the tabernacle’s future was still up in the air. Several pieces of property around the tabernacle were purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which spurred the discussions about the building’s future. Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the History Department of the LDS Church, said in a Dec. 2014 article published in the Daily Herald that she and several others were constantly assessing how they could redeem the rubble and salvage it into something, anything, worthy to stand on the tabernacle’s grounds. “We thought about every option,” said Utt in the article. “We asked, ‘Is this the best thing for Provo and for the Church?’”
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
Then came the historic announcement in October 2011. “The building of temples continues uninterrupted, brothers and sisters,” said President Thomas S. Monson at the October 2011 General Conference of the LDS Church. “Today, it is my privilege to announce several new temples. … Late last year, the Provo Tabernacle in Utah County was seriously damaged by a terrible fire. This wonderful building most beloved by generations of Latter-day Saints was left with only the exterior walls standing. “After careful study, we’ve decided to rebuild it, with full preservation and restoration of the exterior to become the second temple of the Church in the city of Provo.” The historic announcement, met by audible gasps, commenced laborious and technical work, much of which had never been seen before by craftsmen nor architects. Schofield said the announcement for him
was met with mixed emotions. “It was bittersweet,” Schofield said. “I love the concept of a temple, but I also know how much the tabernacle meant to the greater community. … There will never be another organ recital or concert or mass or community event there. On the other hand, a temple is not a bad way to go.” But Schofield said the new temple is also an architectural wonder, with engineers from centuries apart working on the same structure. “This temple will have been built by craftsmen generations apart,” he said. “When you look at it that way, that’s pretty spectacular. … They’ve never talked to each other, yet they made it into what it is today.” For months, the building stood atop stilts so construction and archaeological digs could be completed beneath it. A baptistry from the 1800s was unearthed in the construction efforts, representing the work of early pioneers who settled Utah Valley. And on May 13, 2012, Elder Jeffrey R.
RECOVERY
Holland of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles buried his shovel into the ashen dirt, representing the groundbreaking on the new Provo City Center Temple. Nearly 6,000 people gathered on the site to watch the historic event. “What an absolutely stunning sight,” Holland said. “This will be the largest group to ever again assemble on this land. It is a moment of history. I am deeply touched.” Through the fire, which once seemed catastrophic, has emerged a temple, deemed magnificent. A course of errors, including an overheated light bulb and inadequate fire alarm, helped not only ignite but fuel the fire and its destructive path. “For the fire to have even started at all, there was a series of events that all had to happen exactly right for it to happen at all,” Schofield said. “To turn it into the temple like they are doing now is a whole new set of things that have to happen.” Schofield said as he’s watched the tabernacle being rebuilt from his window at the Provo Fire Department, he’s seen it rise from the dust to be the spectacular temple it is soon to be. Without the fire, it couldn’t have happened. “If you go along that entire sequence of events, there were really good people, who just, for whatever reason, had a small oversight,” he said. “On a normal day, it wouldn’t have mattered. But that day it did.”
MARK JOHNSTON/DAILY HERALD
Provo City firefighters remove a burned painting of Jesus Christ from the remains of the Provo Tabernacle on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010.
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A welcomed announcement
ANNOUNCEMENT
A hot air balloon drifted over the Provo Tabernacle during the speakers’ presentations throughout the groundbreaking event for the Provo City Center Temple.
Groundbreaking marks pivot point
O STORY BY CATHY ALLRED
PHOTOS BY JORDAN STEAD
Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve, center right, is joined by other LDS elite to take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Provo City Center Temple. Over 6,000 attendees packed the park before him to witness the historical moment.
Often compared to a phoenix rising out of the ashes, the Provo City Center Temple was built within the charred skeletal exterior of the Provo Tabernacle. More than four years would pass before the tabernacle would be restored and dedicated as a temple. Anticipation of some sort of announcement regarding the tabernacle had built during the months previous to the October general conference. The announcement was a climactic buildup of a sequence of events beginning with people responding to the loss of their tabernacle to the tragic fire. Eight-year-old Leah O’Barr perhaps best summarized the somber mood at the time www.provocitycentertemple.com
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Attendees line up at the chance to speak to LDS elite at the groundbreaking event for the Provo City Center Temple.
with her simple words on January 5, 2011. “I just read the guest opinion about the Provo Tabernacle,” O’Barr said. “I think that the LDS Church should rebuild the tabernacle because it has been a place where people feel good feelings and are comforted. I know it will cost money, but some things are worth it. I know people here would donate money. Thank you for listening to my opinion.” As months passed, speculation grew. The LDS Church purchased additional property encompassing two blocks surrounding the tabernacle shell that included private and government-owned properties — a motel, a parking garage and a restaurant. “Since the 2010 fire, church leaders have worked with architects, engineers and historical experts to determine the future of the building,” said church officials in a statement issued May 12, 2012. “The project will include a complete restoration of the original exterior. To facilitate these plans, the church has recently acquired additional property near the tabernacle.”
ANNOUNCEMENT MADE
President Thomas S. Monson announced the temple project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 1, 2011, during the 181st Semiannual General Conference, nearly 10 months after a fire had gutted much of the tabernacle’s interior. “After careful consideration, we have decided to rebuild it with full preservation to become the second temple of the church in the city of Provo,” Monson said. The church also immediately released an artist’s rendering of the temple online, showing the tabernacle with a tall central steeple topped with a gold statue of the Angel Moroni, as is traditional on temples. The surprise announcement of what was soon coined as the “Provo Tabernacle Temple” brought audible gasps from those in the Saturday morning session of conference. A deluge of activity began on Twitter, and later on other social media platforms. Many people expressed joy and even astonishment.
Kena Jo Mathews has fond memories of the tabernacle from her childhood. “It has been such a wonderful community building for so long,” Mathews said. “It’s amazing what they are doing with it. I’m glad they are keeping the building. “Communities are made up of their history. I am glad they’re going to restore it to its original look. It’s a very positive thing for the community.” As a board member of the Utah Valley Ministerial Association, Mathews recognizes the benefit the Provo City Center Temple will bring to Provo’s downtown. At the same time there is some sadness that the community won’t be able to use the building anymore. “Change isn’t always bad,” Mathews said. “We’ll miss it. We appreciate the LDS Church’s hospitality in letting the community use it over the years.” Those familiar with events in downtown Provo know everything from school graduations to the National Day of Prayer services to concerts and civic events have www.provocitycentertemple.com
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“What an absolutely stunning sight.” ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND, AT THE GROUNDBREAKING
taken place in, on and around the tabernacle grounds. The Provo City Center Temple is not the first temple to be built from an already existing building. The Uintah Stake Tabernacle fell into disrepair and was converted into the Vernal Utah Temple, dedicated in 1997. Months would pass before a name was released for the future Provo temple. Named the “Provo City Center Temple,” it is the state’s 16th temple and one of two that does not have the state, province or country in its official name. The other is the Salt Lake Temple.
OTHER PROJECTS COMPLETED
Sister Patricia T. Holland, right, embraces another woman at the conclusion of the groundbreaking event for the Provo City Center Temple on May 12, 2012 in Provo.
Tori Green, left, and Macy Green, center, peek into the Provo Tabernacle as their mother, Sylvia Green, right, looks on at the groundbreaking event for the Provo City Center Temple on May 12, 2012, in Provo.
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By early 2012, demolition of buildings on newly purchased church-owned property began. Jacobsen Construction became the contractor for the building as the excavation drew to a close. The temple project wasn’t the only work occurring during that period. Provo’s city government got into upgrade mode, working on projects to improve the area. After buildings were demolished, the temple grounds created a walkable community from the Utah Transit Authority’s intermodal hub at 600 South and 100 West, where the FrontRunner station is located, to the temple and west to Pioneer Park on 500 West. JanEtta Price, an administrative secretary for the Utah County Health Department Division of Environmental Health, began snapping photographs from the secondstory windows of the Health and Justice Building across from the site. Her photos became a visual record of the changes taking place since the Provo Tabernacle burned in December 2010. To say Brigham Young University used the temple project to its fullest extent as a tool for learning would be an understatement. For instance, the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences and the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at BYU conducted oral history interviews and collected stories about downtown Provo and the Provo Tabernacle. The project documented changes on Provo’s Center Street and in the Provo Tabernacle. Senior art classes at BYU selected the burned-out tabernacle as the subject of their
ANNOUNCEMENT
senior projects and displayed their work in a downtown art exhibit.
GROUNDBREAKING MARKS MILESTONE
On May 12, 2012, more than 6,000 people attended the Provo City Center Temple groundbreaking. “What an absolutely stunning sight,” said Elder Jeffery R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “This will be the largest group to ever again assemble on this land. It is a moment of history. I am deeply touched.” People lined the penthouse balcony and the parking terrace at the Nu Skin building next door. The tabernacle’s soot-stained brick, and the support beams holding them in place, were the backdrop to the event that featured several ceremonial shovels lined up on wooden racks specially made from beams from the burned tabernacle. Holland officiated and gave the dedicatory prayer at the groundbreaking. In his prayer he asked for the site “to be protected against violence, forces of nature and any unhallowed hand that might
bring grief. May we all in the extended community see it as our temple.” Provo resident Erin Matson arrived at 7 a.m., two hours before the groundbreaking, to get a good seat. She had time to reflect on her experiences within the old tabernacle. “We’ve attended the Provo Tabernacle for stake conference,” Matson said the day of the groundbreaking. “When it burned, we were devastated. But when President Monson announced in general conference that it would be turned into a temple, we felt so blessed. We feel blessed to be witnesses to this great experience.” Numerous church and civic leaders attended the groundbreaking, including Gov. Gary Herbert, Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Jason Chaffetz. Utah Valley University President Matthew Holland had fond memories of the old tabernacle. As a young Cub Scout, he read an essay on freedom from the pulpit. “It’s been a part of me from the earliest days of my recollection,” he said. “This is such an honor and personal delight. I am thrilled to be here.” Matthew Holland and then BYU
President Cecil O. Samuelson joined Elder Holland later for photos and to turn a shovel of dirt as part of the ceremonies.
BECOMING A DESTINATION While church temples are considered holy, that doesn’t prevent its members from taking joy in trying to visit every one. Half a century ago, there was little difficulty visiting all four of Utah’s LDS temples, and worldwide there were just 13 temples operating. Some members of the church took vacations centered on visiting temples. With 173 temples now complete, under construction or in the planning process, visiting each and every temple has become a daunting task. The Provo City Center Temple, however, has become more than “just” another temple in this Utah city. “Now everything is different. It’s a destination temple. People will take trips here to go through it,” Provo Mayor John Curtis said.
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TEMPLE WORK
WHAT IS AN LDS TEMPLE?
T
STORY BY CATHY ALLRED
There are 148 temples in operation throughout the world, each dedicated as a House of the Lord by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fourteen more temples are under construction, and 11 more temple projects are planned. A temple is something Latter-day Saints value as extremely important for their eternal progression. In 1836, the first temple was dedicated in Kirtland, Ohio. As second counselor of the LDS Young Women’s presidency in 2004, Elaine S. Dalton gave insight into the purpose of temples and why the Mormon pioneers sacrificed everything they had to build them. “They knew the importance of this work, and they were willing to give all that they had in order to provide a house acceptable to the Lord wherein this holy work could be performed,” Dalton said. Each temple is considered a holy place of worship where individuals make sacred covenants or promises with God. Those promises are a responsibility members of the LDS Church can only take upon themselves after they have shown their dedication to keeping lesser covenants and have had interviews with their ecclesiastical leaders. Newly baptized members must wait at least one year before receiving permission to enter. Members receive endowments and also may be sealed in marriage for all eternity within the sanctity of the temple. The House of the Lord is additionally a sacred place to receive learning. According to the church, the Lord has commanded his people to build temples in this latter-day dispensation, just as in ancient times. Because one purpose of LDS temple ordinances is to unite families forever, the church works to build temples around the world to make temple blessings available for a greater number of people. In “The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man” written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie in 1982, McConkie points out the House of the Lord is intended also as a sanctuary. “We expect to see the day when temples will dot the Earth, each one a house of the Lord; each one built in the
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mountains of the Lord; each one a sacred sanctuary to which Israel and the Gentiles shall gather to receive the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,” McConkie said. “Perhaps they will number in the hundreds, or even in the thousands, before the Lord returns.” The building of temples spans three centuries, from the 1800s to present day. Each era saw change in the external construction of the temples, from the use of towers and spires to conventional-looking buildings in cities where space is scarce, such as Manhattan and Hong Kong. Each design, however, has similarities unchanged by time. Within the walls of each temple are rooms for marriages, several rooms where other ordinances take place, and locker rooms for members to change into and from pure white clothing and their everyday wear. Before a temple is dedicated, there is an open house allowing public tours of the building. The open house may last several days to a couple months. As with nearly all temple dedications, following the prayer, those attending conclude the service with the “Hosanna Anthem” and the Hosanna Shout. During this traditional conclusion, church members wave white handkerchiefs. After the dedication, the temple becomes a House of the Lord and is closed to non-members.
RICHARD COWAN
Provo’s Two Temples Professor and author Richard Cowan’s perspective of LDS temple history in Provo
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STORY BY CATHY ALLRED
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built two temples in Provo — one built from the ground up, the other built from the ashes of a beloved historic building. BYU professor Richard O. Cowan co-authored “Provo’s Two Temples” with Justin R. Bray and shared his insight on the history behind both temples in October 2015. “The best of two decades after the first of the Latter-day Saints settlers established their homes here, Brigham Young is quoted as talking about their needing a temple on the hill just north of the community and so it quickly became known as temple hill,”
Cowan said. Skilled at humorous anecdotes, Cowan added that in 1911 when BYU built the Maeser Building on that hill, the residents said, “Well, it can be a temple of learning.” The site of the Provo City Center Temple where the Provo Tabernacle was built in 1883, later dedicated in 1898, was also not the original site the pioneers chose. Initially, they began building that first meetinghouse by the Provo River east and south of Fort Utah. “I’ve always assumed that that meant it was on 5th West and 5th North over here where we have the Pioneer Museum at North Park,” Cowan said. “You know, I’ve always understood that is where they moved, which is true, but that isn’t the site that Brigham Young had recommended.”
The builders soon learned that perhaps the church president’s advice should have been followed. “It’s interesting that that location proved to be bad right from the onset,” Cowan said. “The first season the river flooded and flooded that site; and Brigham Young as early as the fall of 1849 recommended that it be built in a different location.” Young had mapped out the city with the public square where Pioneer Park is at 5th West and Center streets. The Saints began construction on Provo’s first meeting house. “Well, after 3 years, they had made almost no progress whatever,” Cowan said. “Brigham Young came back to Provo and he brought the whole First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, held a three-day conference in which he chewed
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RICHARD COWAN
out the 2,000 settlers that they were not following his counsel and he had indicated the location that he had earlier said, ‘This is where you should be building the meetinghouse.’” They commenced to build on the correct site the following year. The lintel over the door to the original meetinghouse was restored and interestingly was dated as 1861. “In other words, they anticipated completing the building quicker than it actually was,” he said. According to Rich Talbot, director of the Office of Public Archaeology at Brigham Young University, the first tabernacle was dedicated by President John Taylor in 1867. “Brigham Young saw it and told them, ‘You’ve already outgrown it,’” Talbot said. This tabernacle ran north to south unlike the Provo Tabernacle that was placed east to west, just south of the smaller edifice. The Provo Tabernacle was designed by architect William Harrison Folsom, who also designed many other notable Utah buildings including the Manti Utah Temple, the Salt Lake Tabernacle and the Old Salt Lake Theater. An unusual feature he designed for the tabernacle was the entries to the building. People could enter the tabernacle from the north, south or east of the building to find seating on the main floor. If they wanted to access the balconies, there were four towers, one on each corner of the tabernacle, which people could enter and climb up the circular stairways to get to their destinations. Built during a time of great difficulty and persecution for the practice of polygamy, the Provo Tabernacle was not the only demand placed on settlers in the area. At the same time, they had been asked to help with the Salt Lake Temple and to build a center for education where the Provo Library stands today. “For about 30 years, the two Provo Tabernacles stood side by side,” Cowan said. The older Provo Tabernacle was torn down in 1919. Being made of adobe, it had not been built to last. Hope of a temple at the site Young indicated on top of the hill north of the university was nonexistent a century after his directions. “When my wife and I moved here to Provo in 1961, the people living here in the Provo City Stake were attending the Salt Lake Temple, and the students were assigned to the Manti Utah Temple District. That was the situation when we got here,” Cowan said.
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GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD
Richard O. Cowan holds his and Justin R. Bray’s book published in 2015, “Provo’s Two Temples,” while posing for a portrait at his home in Provo.
There were 13 temples in service churchwide, the most recent one in Utah having been dedicated almost three-quarters of a century earlier. “So the question was, ‘Is the time right
for a new temple built in Utah Valley?’” he said. In 1950, about 4,600 students were on campus and that moved to 10,000 a decade later; and Latter-day Saint membership in
RICHARD COWAN
Utah Valley also increased from around 4,500 in 1940 to about 100,000 in 1960. At the time, 52 percent of all temple activity was being accomplished in just three temples — Manti, Salt Lake and Logan. With that activity, church leaders knew there needed to be a new temple to relieve the other temples of overcrowding. “Well, the suggestion was what about putting it on the little park next to the tabernacle. I think the sense of the group there was that it was too small, no parking and so on. Interestingly, that is just where they are building the temple now but in a different way,” Cowan said. Instead, the temple committee chose the Provo Utah Temple site north of BYU on a hill where it stands today. Emil B. Fetzer was selected to be the architect of the Provo and Ogden Temples, which were to be built simultaneously as basically twin temples. He was instructed to design an economical and efficient building. In January 1972, the open house was conducted at the Provo Utah Temple and welcomed 246,000 people. The organizers for the Provo City Center Temple open house are expecting at least 500,000 to
ABOUT THE AUTHORS After earning his doctorate in history at Stanford University in 1961, Richard O. Cowan taught Church history at Brigham Young University for 53 years. His research focused on Latter-day Saint history during the 20th century. He has authored more than a dozen books related to this topic. Justin R. Bray is a coordinator of the James Moyle Oral History Program in the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Salt Lake City.
800,000 people. “Just like we are interested in the new temple now, people back then were quite interested as well,” Cowan said of the Provo Utah Temple. Once dedicated, the Provo Utah Temple, with its community’s large number of Latter-day Saints and its efficient design, immediately became the most productive temple throughout the church and held that position for 25 years until the dedication
We are Utah Valley
of the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple divided the activities in Utah Valley. Then the Jordan River Temple in Salt Lake Valley became the single most productive. “I wondered at the time of the announcement of the Payson and the Oquirrh Mountain temples if that would divide the activities there and allow the Provo Temple to once again become number one,” Cowan said. “Well, I’m telling you even before those temples went into service, the Provo Temple had increased over the years and in the year 2009, we understand that President (Merrill J.) Bateman, who at that time was that temple president, mentioned that that temple had probably accomplished more ordinances than any temple in the history of the world during a single year.” Concluding a presentation of the two temples and their history, Cowan smiled and said, “One might ask what would be the impact of the Payson Utah Temple and the Provo City Center Temple on the Provo Utah Temple.” He paused as he looked out at the audience. “Well, stay tuned, we’ll have to see,” Cowan said.
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PROFILE
SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Julie Markham maneuvers to take photographs of the construction of the Provo City Center Temple on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. Markham has been documenting the progress of the building and placing the photos on her blog.
Straight from t he source
I
The woman behind the unofficial Provo City Center Temple construction blog
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
STORY BY BARBARA CHRISTIANSEN
If you’re at the Provo City Center Temple, watch for a woman with a pink hat. It could be Julie Markham, who knows much more than most in the general public about the temple’s construction. Along with her hat, she brings her camera to document the work and beauty. In the spring of 2012, Markham had gone with her husband, Ben, to look at the Provo Tabernacle after visiting an archaeological dig at the site. She wondered if anybody
would keep a blog of the upcoming reconstruction as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints transformed the building from a tabernacle into a temple. “I will start taking a few pictures,” she told herself. Little did she know how quickly that would grow and how many times she would go to take photos. And not just a few, but 400 or more each time she visited. Markham spends an hour or more at the site when she goes. How often she visits varies with her schedule and what is
happening at the site. “Most of the time after I got home I would spend two or three hours going through 400 or 500 photos and then another hour or two putting up the posts,” she said. “Some posts were very complicated, such as the post on octagons or other symbolism posts or when I did posts about local architecture or history.” The visits required preparation. “Often I would spend three or four hours the day before working on pictures for studying and planning what I needed to take pictures of, and then six or seven hours after I took pictures to make sure everything fit together in a coherent way,” Markham said. “That sounds like a lot, but it really took me that long to do a post. I am not an expert on local history or symbolism. I had to learn these things and then try to explain them in one-sentence [photo] captions [on the blog] without using my hands.” That has grown to approximately a quarter million pictures and her blog, newtempleinprovo.blogspot.com, had 328 posts as of November 19, 2015. She has loyal readers from around the world. Those readers have become like friends to Markham. “That has been a perk that I didn’t expect at all,” she said. “It has been really worthwhile. “I got to know some of my blog readers pretty well. One man in eastern Utah was confined to a wheelchair. He didn’t think he would ever be well enough to see the temple because he dealt with so much pain. I often sent him pictures after I got home from the site, sort of as a preview. I enjoyed exchanging emails with him, and he told me he enjoyed being the expert on the construction of the new temple within his circle of friends. “One day he stopped communicating with me. I checked online and found his obituary, and I was sad and happy at the same time.” The most popular post Markham has created is “I Saw a Mighty Angel Fly,” about the raising of the Angel Moroni. “Moroni came about 1 p.m., casually, on a trailer,” she posted. “Who knew?” A close-up photo showed more detail. “He didn’t enter the site completely assembled,” she wrote. “A workman is holding the trumpet, still wrapped.” An even closer look showed how Moroni would stay in place.
SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Julie Markham maneuvers to take photographs of the Provo City Center Temple in September.
“Most of the time after I got home I would spend two or three hours going through 400 or 500 photos and then another hour or two putting up the post.”
PHOTO BY JULIE MARKHAM
By the end of the summer of 2012, the four tower caps had been removed from the tabernacle shell for restoration. It was believed that the southwest tower cap could not be saved. After the other three were restored, the workmen were familiar enough with the original construction that they were able to restore the southwest tower cap. Photographed on Aug. 27, 2012.
www.provocitycentertemple.com
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PROFILE
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
“Moroni has a counterweight, a long pipe,” she wrote. “At the bottom of the heavy pipe are keys which have a matching connection inside the steeple which lock him in tight. You are also seeing the grounding cable in case lightning strikes.” She included information she garnered from the crew. Moroni is 13 feet tall and weighs 350 pounds. Markham looks back at that experience with joy. “That was a really fun day, and that post was shared over and over again for months afterward,” she said. Markham started with a standard point-and-shoot camera and her background as editor of her high school yearbook and experience at the Blackfoot, Idaho, newspaper. But her artistic talent took over and she found the right shots and the best lighting to create beautiful images. So much so that she has been accused of sneaking onto the grounds, behind the construction fencing. “I have never stepped a foot on that site except when invited,” she said. The contractors grew to know her and appreciated her work. They even looked for her to give her background information on developments so she “Moroni has a could be accurate in her postings. Although they couldn’t divulge counterweight, information about the project or a long pipe. At the construction, they were able to help clarify general procedures and the bottom of terminology. One example Markham the heavy pipe mentioned was being taught the difference between columns and are keys which beams. have a matching She also learned the engineering principle that the steeple holds the connection roof in place, instead of the other way inside the steeple around. “I made friends with the which lock contractors,” she said. “I wear a pink him in tight.” hat.” That helped them identify her and know when she was in the area, ready to take pictures. If they had some information to give her to ensure the accuracy of her blog, they could reach out to her. “People want me to understand, and I would talk to them to teach it to me,” she said. Initially she wasn’t sure how they knew she was there. One time she found out that a crane operator would be able to see her from the high post. He had a microphone and told the others that the “blog lady” was there. “Even the people working there wanted me to get it right,” she said. Outside research about construction processes and the history of the Provo area, and specifically that of the tabernacle, augmented her information.
PHOTO BY JULIE MARKHAM
Once the steeple base had been completed, the actual steeple is placed on December 13, 2013.
Part of her success came from her husband’s gift of a new camera with a 50 times optical zoom. That allowed her to see and photograph details that were not readily visible from the exterior. “I have been surprised by the attention to detail that the architects put in from the very beginning,” she said. “I noticed there were door handles. The patterns on the plates of the door handles matched the windows. That has happened a bunch. The details in the fountain match the tabernacle. That is pleasing. These subtle details of beauty are there if you take the time to look. “I had a lot of fun with the gablets (small gables). It seemed as though everyone was interested in how they would look and when they would go up. My camera could zoom in on the gables and see exactly what was going on and what the workmen were doing.
“In one post, after talking to a workman about wood, my camera could see at the apex of the gable. I was able to put in a Star Wars joke about, ‘These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.’ That turned out to be a fun post with a small demonstration of my camera’s abilities.” For those who don’t have the time to look for the details themselves, there is Markham’s blog to keep them informed. “I would walk around the construction site for an hour to share with others,” she said. “I want people to be happy. “I noticed early on that people loved it when I used the lines from hymns for captions. Sometimes all I have is pictures and nothing of value to say, so using a hymn is an easy way to get out of thinking up a caption. “And speaking of captions, there are a few readers who I can count on to find typos and tell me. In the beginning, I often mixed
up left and right and the cardinal directions. One elderly gentleman, and later on a second woman, both great-grandparents, faithfully and gently corrected me every time. And I hope they caught them all, frankly. My husband has also been good about proofreading every post within a day or two.” Hymns are not all she has used for the captions. Once she used a Beatles song for a title. It was “Here Comes the Sun.” She has felt a lot of support from family and readers. “Thank you for taking so much time to do this,” one wrote. “We sent the link to our children who have moved away so they can see the transformation also. What a beautiful blue sky and mountains to go with the beautiful temple. Mountains and temples — both sacred places. I appreciate your efforts more than you could ever know.”
www.provocitycentertemple.com
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“I felt like many people wanted me to succeed,” she said. “It was very heartwarming to me.” And some of them helped her. “People would send me pictures when they knew when I was out of town,” she said. “Blog readers would sometimes see me at the site, and sometimes they would hug me. “A woman told me that I couldn’t go out of town because they were depending on me.” Markham has found fulfillment through the project, although that was not her motivation, she said. “People who love this building will be interested in watching it transform,” she said of her initial thoughts. “I can give up two or three hours a month.” That amount of time quickly changed, but she stayed with it. “If I had known how much time it would take, I wouldn’t have done it — maybe,” she said. She plans on continuing her work through the open house and dedication. And perhaps beyond, she added. “I am not sure on a beautiful day I will not go down and take more pictures,” she said. “I am not going to be a quitter.” However, there will be an element of relief. “Nobody will be happier than I am to have this temple done,” she said. “Will I go through withdrawal? No.” She looks forward to attending the open house. “The first thing I want to do is walk from the garage into the temple and see if I can find where the foundation wall is,” she said. “I should be able to find two walls, the south foundation wall and the north foundation wall, between the lower level of the interior and what I have been calling the annex, where the dressing rooms are. In my head those two walls are each about 2 feet thick, and I am curious to see if I can determine where they are. “I want to see the tower stairwells. I am told there is as much art glass on the interior as there is on the exterior, and of course that will be wonderful to see, too.” She has read and heard some comments that the money spent on the temple would be better used to care for the poor, but she said it is appropriate to spend money on temples. “The temple shines light on avenues for change and growth and is a much more effective means to lift people, all people, from their private habits and choices which keep them from progressing and being successful,” she wrote in her testimony
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PHOTOS BY JULIE MARKHAM
The shell of the Tabernacle is supported by piers and I-beams on February 19, 2013, allowing the ground below to be excavated down two levels.
On December 11, 2015, a new bronze statue of a family, created by Dennis Smith, and modeled by his granddaughter and her family, was placed in the north garden.
of temples. “Temples change us in such a way that we recognize that the changes are coming from within us; they aren’t being imposed from the outside.” She and her husband served an LDS mission in West Africa, and while there she further focused her view of temples and their majesty and power. Markham cited skills the local workers learned for the construction of two temples in West Africa. “Skills used in building the temples were learned by local workers, both men
A man works on a beam inside the Provo City Center Temple on September 20, 2013. The pioneers used pockets in the brick walls of the tabernacle to hold beams which would support the balcony. During the restoration, beam pockets were placed in the walls of the new temple. These held the beams which supported the floors.
and women, both LDS and not LDS, and the entire community was lifted as their skills soon became in demand,” she wrote. “Improvements in construction, banking, communications and other areas of infrastructure which we take for granted in the United States are improved when the Church builds chapels and temples in third world countries.”
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150 TEMPLES
BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
Among the trees, the Savior is in the motion of inviting all to receive the blessings found in temple service. Additionally, the Provo Utah Temple is rendered in the distant vegetation behind the temple.
The 150th temple milestone
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Provo City Center Temple marks temple construction landmark for LDS Church Chad S. Hawkins is a well-known temple artist and historian whose career has taken him to six continents and more than 100 temple locations. Chad’s artwork was selected and placed within the cornerstones of 16 different temples. He is the author of seven Deseret Book publications and numerous pieces of artwork, available at www.chadhawkins.com. His latest publication, “Temples of the New Millennium,” includes his artwork, histories and fascinating facts of all 150 dedicated temples. This significant publication celebrates the historic milestone of 150 dedicated temples. 64
PCCT Magazine | January 2016
STORY BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
The LDS Church has become one large family scattered across the earth. Over 15.3 million members are found in nearly 200 nations and territories. With a sense of urgency, temples are continually being built closer to members in distant locations. Today’s church members are blessed to witness and participate in this historic season of vast temple expansion. An important part of the gospel filling the whole earth pertains to the increase of latter-day temples. In the words of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “We expect to see the day when temples will dot the earth, each one a house of the Lord; each one
built in the mountains of the lord; each one a sacred sanctuary to which Israel and the Gentiles shall gather to receive the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Perhaps they will number in the hundreds, or even in the thousands, before the Lord returns.” President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Boston Massachusetts Temple, the 100th operating temple of the Church, on Oct. 1, 2000. Less than 16 years later, another significant milestone in church history will be reached when the Provo City Center Temple is dedicated and becomes the 150th operating House of the Lord.
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Written and illustrated by
CHAD S. HAWKINS Commemorating the landmark occasion of the 150th dedicated temple, this book brings together artwork, little-known facts and compelling true stories of the faith and miracles behind all 150 temples. This beautiful keepsake volume tells the unique story of every temple in the words of those who built them.
ChadHawkins.com
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Provo City Center Temple by Chad Hawkins
TEMPLE
150th www.chadhawkins.com
150 TEMPLES
An image of the Savior can be seen to the left of the temple.
Reflecting briefly on this historic temple expansion milestone provides an appreciation of the hastening of this great work. In this dispensation, the restoration of temple work began with construction of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio. The dedication of the Kirtland Temple was marked by a rich outpouring of spiritual manifestations and blessings. However, only a partial endowment was given in the Kirtland Temple, which served more as a multi-purpose facility than a temple in the present-day sense. Later, in Missouri, attempts to build temples were thwarted by enemies of the church. In Nauvoo, Illinois, Joseph Smith instructed the array of revelations that comprise temple doctrine known today. His teachings included baptism for the dead, the endowment, celestial marriage and sealing together of family members. During a season of great turmoil, the saints in Nauvoo hastened to complete a beautiful temple wherein to perform these ordinances. Four days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young chose the site for the future Salt Lake Temple. While construction progressed on the St. George, Logan, Manti and Salt Lake temples, ordinances were being performed in the Endowment House. Dedicated in 1855, this adobe and sandstone structure provided a location for thousands of endowments and eternal
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150 TEMPLES
marriages for over three decades. Finally in 1893, the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated. The first three decades of the 20th century witnessed construction of three temples in Hawaii, Alberta and Arizona. Subsequently, temple blessings became available overseas with the dedication of temples in Switzerland, New Zealand and England. Desiring to further increase the availability of temples to distant church members, President David O. McKay considered the building of a “Temple Ship.” The planned ship was to sail into ports, “making a continuous tour of where there are people needing the blessing of the temple and the holy endowment.” Although a ship was nearly purchased, the project was never finalized or approved. Continuously enhanced temple architecture and interior design reflected the growing numbers of members serving in temples. For example, the Oakland California Temple was the first temple to include two instruction rooms, each seating 200. This innovative design allowed for two groups to receive instruction simultaneously, allowing for a new session to begin every hour. This highly efficient design was improved and expanded to six instruction rooms for the Ogden Utah Temple, Provo Utah Temple and Jordan River Temple. Further aiding temple efficiencies was the ability to present temple ordinances in movie form. During the construction of the Bern Switzerland Temple, church leadership approved the making of a temple movie. Subsequently, the fifth floor assembly room of the Salt Lake Temple was organized into a makeshift movie set. Huge floor-to-ceiling backdrops were hung and large pulleys lifted props through the room’s large windows. After a year of grueling work, mostly on weekends, the English version was completed. In the following months, other language productions were completed using primarily immigrants and returned missionaries who spoke various languages. Through the years, the process of funding temples also evolved. Earlier temples were funded largely by contributions of members living in the temple district. For example, the Laie Hawaii Temple was financed by members who participated in a variety of fundraising projects, including holding concerts and creating and selling mats, fans, and other craft items at local bazaars. The São Paulo Brazil Temple was funded by church members throughout South America. Those who did not have money to contribute offered their wedding rings, bracelets, gold medals, diamond rings, graduation rings and many other personal objects of gold, silver and precious stones. One member of the church in Argentina even offered his gold dental cap. Although members today are not invited to fund their local temples, the spirit of sacrifice and giving is alive and well among temple-loving members. The biggest surge of temple construction came after President Gordon B. Hinckley announced during October 1997 general conference that small temples would be constructed in remote areas where the membership is small and not likely to grow very much in the future. An example of a temple being 68
PCCT Magazine | January 2016
BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
The upper body of Joseph Smith is seen to the right of the temple holding the Book of Mormon. The season and time of day noted on the clock specifically depicts June 27, at 5:16 p.m. This date and time commemorate the anniversary of the Prophet’s martyrdom and the 2002 dedication of the temple.
MORE OF THE STORY Check out the full article by Chad Hawkins on “The 150th temple milestone” and other exclusive LDS temple facts online at provocity centertemple.com.
built in such a region is the Halifax Nova Scotia Temple in Canada, which is supported by only two stakes. During the mid-1990s, members lived an average of 450 miles from a temple. Between 1999 and 2002, 61 temples were dedicated, dropping the average distance to 220 miles. Today, the average worldwide distance for members to the nearest LDS temple has been reduced to 90 miles. In March 2016, the Provo City Center Temple will be dedicated and the historic milestone of 150
dedicated temples will be reached. Without taking a moment to pause, the tremendous undertaking of temple expansion will continue until future milestones are reached. For now, a total of 173 temples have been dedicated, are under construction or have been announced. This is a season of rejoicing and an appropriate time to ponder the words of President Thomas S. Monson: “Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.”
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UNUSUAL TEMPLES
BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
Original watercolor painting on display inside the Vernal Utah Temple.
4 UNIQUE LDS TEMPLES
T
STORY BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
The Vernal Utah Temple is the 51st dedicated temple and the first to be built from an existing structure. Since its dedication in 1997, three additional buildings share the unique characteristic of being converted into latter-day temples — Copenhagen Denmark Temple, Manhattan New York Temple and Provo City Center Temple. All four of these temples now stand as monuments to those who built their original structures. The following are stories and events pertaining to these historically significant temples.
home but instead agreed to donate it to the church. The bricks on the old home had the same markings as those used in the tabernacle, suggesting that they came from the same clay pit and kiln as the tabernacle bricks. More than a thousand volunteers helped dismantle the home, brick by brick. The job took nearly two months of evenings and Saturdays to be completed. Members of all ages throughout the temple district donated their time and service. When the project was over, about 16,000 bricks had been salvaged and prepared to become a part of the temple.
VERNAL UTAH TEMPLE
Interesting fact: The oxen under the baptismal have a unique history — they were on public display for more than 20 years in the South Visitors’ Center on Temple Square.
Dedicated: November 2, 1997 In August 1907, President Joseph F. Smith dedicated the recently completed Uintah Stake Tabernacle, one of Ashley Valley’s most outstanding landmarks. At the dedication, President Smith said he “would not be surprised if a temple were built here some day.” His prophecy was fulfilled 90 years later when the beloved tabernacle was converted into the new Vernal Utah Temple. With the beginning of construction in the summer of 1995 came a search throughout the area for high-quality period brick to match the brick on the tabernacle walls. This brick would be used to replace damaged bricks and to construct a gateway. Satisfactory brick was found on only one house, owned by Nick J. Meagher. He had planned to raze the
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COPENHAGEN DENMARK TEMPLE
Dedicated: May 23, 2004 The building of the Copenhagen Denmark Temple was announced on March 17, 1999. The temple in Copenhagen involved extensive renovation of the Priorvej Chapel. This chapel’s original neo-classical building plans were created by Joseph Don Carlos Young, the son of Brigham Young. The temple’s baptistry is not located directly beneath the temple rather is strategically placed beneath the reflecting pool on the temple grounds.
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UNUSUAL TEMPLES
Beneath the water in the shallow reflecting pool are windows that let light into the underground baptismal room, providing unique, subtle reflections of the water ripples from above. The temple’s front façade retained the old chapel’s original columns. Five long windows on each side feature colored art glass from England, and above them the roof is made of copper, with a copper clad dome. Materials used in the interior of the temple are distinctly Danish and Swedish. Also included are murals featuring 70 different animals including moose from Sweden. Interesting fact: The temple was built out of an existing chapel that was used as a public bomb shelter during World War II. Copenhagen Temple Historian Lis Billeskov Jansen said, “When people heard the sirens and alarms, they would run into the church.”
MANHATTAN NEW YORK TEMPLE
Dedicated: June 13, 2004 Less than a year after the New York City skyline was decimated by terrorism, the church was planning a temple four miles north of Ground Zero. In the months after September 11, 2001, New York New York Stake President Brent J. Belnap realized the possibility of church members leaving the city. He explained, “Rather than people leaving the city in droves, people with a pioneering desire have just committed more firmly than ever before to build the kingdom here. ... We’re flourishing back here. I guess that’s one of the paradoxes,” the co-existence of times of “incredible sadness and turmoil and yet incredible blessings.” The temple was created within the existing shell of the New York, New York Stake Center. The stake center was renovated to occupy the third and fourth floors with the chapel, classrooms, basketball court and administrative offices. The temple is located on the first, second, fifth and sixth floors. Following its dedication, the temple was not considered fully complete until nearly four months later when a 10-foot, statue of the Angel Moroni was installed.
BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
The image in this temple drawing is recognizable to those who attend this temple. On the surface shadows of the temple is Christ with two apostles on the road to Emmaus. This depiction is patterned after a stained glass scene located on the first floor of the temple. LEFT: This image includes a carefully rendered image of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue. The original Thorvaldsen statue is located in a church near the temple.
Interesting fact: The temple’s baptistry is on the first floor in a location originally occupied by two restaurants.
BY CHAD S. HAWKINS
PROVO CITY CENTER TEMPLE
Scheduled dedication date: March 20, 2016 After more than 130 years of bringing the community together to celebrate and worship, the Provo Tabernacle’s remaining scorched brick shell sat cold and dormant for nearly a year. Finally, during the October 2011 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson made the following historic announcement, “After careful study, we have decided to rebuild it with full preservation and restoration of the exterior, to become the second temple of the Church in the city of Provo.” This news was received by audible gasps throughout the conference center. President Thomas S. Monson set the tone and direction of the Provo City Center project when
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he announced the temple by using the words “preservation” and “restoration.” These two words boldly declared the temple’s design and materials would preserve and restore the legacy of the old tabernacle. The action of preserving the tabernacle actually began the day of the tabernacle fire disaster. Church historians and curators immediately began a six-month effort to painstakingly go through the ash and rubble to document the building’s details and retrieve any salvageable items. Although the
original purpose of their work was to design a new tabernacle, all of their effort became a vital part of the temple’s successful restoration. In the end, more than 14 tons of burned debris was removed out of the building. Interesting fact: The shortest distance between two operating temples is between the Provo Utah Temple and the Provo City Center Temple (2.34 miles). The greatest distance between two operating temples is between the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and the Aba Nigeria Temple (almost 5,000 miles).
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SARAH WEISER, DAILY HERALD
Lloyd and Annetta Wilkey, of Benjamin, take a look at the progress of the rebuilding of the former Provo Tabernacle on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. It was the first time Lloyd and Annetta had come to check out the progress, and Lloyd described it as “one of the 7 wonders of the world.”
A CONSTRUCTION
MARVEL Provo City Center Temple rises from the ashes
R
STORY BY GENELLE PUGMIRE
Construction continues on the former Provo Tabernacle on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. SARAH WEISER, Daily Herald
Richard O. Cowan sat in the same high council chair on the stand in the Provo Tabernacle for more than 20 years. Although his eyesight is gone, Cowan says he learned about the tabernacle in ways most people never did. Sitting in that chair all those years, Cowan took advantage of learning about the tabernacle’s construction by stroking the smooth wood railing and posts next to him. By hand, instead of by sight, he would examine the craftsmanship and feel the sturdiness and strength of the railings. Cowan and his wife, Dawn, enjoyed going to church and cultural events at the tabernacle. On Dec. 12, 2010, they attended the traditional Provo East Stake Christmas
Music Fireside there. It was the last program to be presented in the tabernacle. “I was sitting in the balcony in the back,” Cowan remembers. “A week later, that very balcony was gone.” On Dec. 17, a horrific fire that grew quietly in the ceiling of the tabernacle spread quickly. Hundreds of people weathered the early morning hour and gathered around the tabernacle park. The fire and smoke burned for hours. Some people cried, others were in shock and many stood motionless as they watched their tabernacle, like a great phoenix, dissolve to ash.
WHAT NEXT?
While the fire was still smoldering, Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the
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LDS Church, was on site assessing what had happened, what could be saved, and ultimately what the potential was for what remained. “We know how personal it is,” Utt said. “I was there the day after the fire and every day for six months.” J. Cory Jensen, architectural historian and national register coordinator, said: “I remember watching the water pour into the building as the firefighters tried to douse the flames and seeing it come running out the doorways and turn to ice. “I also remember the charred roof structure as it fell in and just thinking, ‘There is no way this building will make it.’ But then a few days later, seeing the brick walls and corner turrets still precariously standing, but standing nonetheless, I felt that perhaps the building had some hope.” Jensen said then he realized the building was an important landmark in the city, and if there was any way to save the structure, the LDS Church and the city would figure it out. Utt had grown attached to the tabernacle, but she said the building is also held dear by LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson — it’s as much his building as anyone else’s. Those assessing the remains of the building were very aware that salvaging it was important.
MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
Elder Esteban Rojas Veliz speaks to Marlene Stewart, of St. George, outside a fence surrounding the Provo City Center LDS Temple construction site Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013.
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Construction continues on the Provo City Center Temple on June 11, 2013.
“We thought about every option,” Utt said. “We asked, ‘Is this the best thing for Provo and for the church?’” A group of about 20 people met frequently the first few months after the fire to determine if the building should be rebuilt as a tabernacle, torn down and replaced by something new, or maybe transformed as a temple, Utt said. They submitted those ideas to the church’s First Presidency. “Only 15 people in the whole church knew it would be a temple before it was announced,” Utt said. She didn’t even know for certain until she heard it on television. During the 2011 October Semiannual General Conference, Monson began the conference as anticipated with the announcement of new temples in the church. Utt said she was caught totally off guard and was elated with the announcement. The carefully chosen words Monson used — preservation and restoration — were significant to Utt and other historians. “Immediately my phone started ringing off the hook,” Utt said. “When the process of the temple was announced, I was just as passionate about it. This building has been my building. This project will define my career.”
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Before the temple building project could start, there was the question of what was below the ground that would be in the way of the needed northern underground expansion. The answer came when specialized ground-penetrating radar equipment detected the foundation of the original meetinghouse and the nearby baptistry that had been torn down in 1919. Richard Talbot, a Brigham Young University archaeologist, was called to excavate the site and prepare it for the construction crews. “There are always surprises (on a dig),” Talbot said. “The durability of the architecture and the minute things that got left behind are part of the surprise.” Talbot’s archaeology students found buttons, hair pins, toys, a
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broach, ceramics and even chicken bones. The artifacts have been cleaned and are being kept as part of the collection at the LDS Church History Department. It is anticipated some of the artifacts will be on display during the temple open house. Large stones from the excavated basement were given to the city and are now being used around the water feature at Pioneer Park at 500 West and Center Street. They were quarried in Rock Canyon and Slate Canyon.
THE CONSTRUCTION
JAMES ROH, DAILY HERALD
Blueprints of the Provo City Center Temple photographed on January 25, 2013.
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The first major task for Jacobsen Construction, selected for the temple project, was to figure out how to take the 35,000-square-foot tabernacle to the 85,000-square-foot temple. Doubling the size of the original building also meant digging out 40 feet below the ground surface and northward to accommodate two underground stories that would house the Bride’s Room, baptistry, dressing rooms and other maintenance areas, including the temple recommend entry desk from the underground parking lot and the parking lot itself. First, the handmade brick walls had to be reinforced. In Cowan’s book “Provo’s Two Temples,” he said the walls were five bricks
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deep, but soft. “The original lime mortar was soft, so these masonry walls were brittle and lacked horizontal strength,” Cowan said. “They would likely have crumbled easily in an earthquake.” According to architect Roger Jackson with FFKR Architects, “The brick is handmade. Think of the hands that made it. It’s not hard as the modern brick. We looked at every single brick, every single stone, to see if it was salvageable.” Jackson said 95 percent of the original brick is still there. That means they only had to use 10,000 new bricks. The doorways and windows were stabilized, and the inner two layers of brick were removed. “Fourteen- to 16-inch-long spiral steel anchors, or helical ties, were then drilled several inches into the bricks from inside to hold the remaining three layers together,” Cowan said. “A sufficient length of the anchors was left exposed so it could become firmly connected to a reinforced concrete inner lining.” Thousands of these spikes were placed vertically and horizontally around the building. Next came rebar, and then shotcrete, a form of concrete, was sprayed
MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
Construction continues on the Provo City Center Temple on December 30, 2013.
Construction continues on the Provo City Center Temple on October 24, 2013. MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
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MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
Crowds gather to watch as workers place the Angel Moroni statue atop the Provo City Center Temple March 31, 2014.
and smoothed around the interior walls to stabilize them. That stabilization was completed in the fall of 2012.
THE STILTS
The next part of the process was to establish support under the stabilized building shell so that excavation under it could begin. According to Cowan, “Hollow steel casings, 9 inches in diameter, were drilled into the ground to a depth of 60 feet for 146 shoring piles at predetermined locations just inside and outside of the walls.” The holes were then drilled down another 30 feet to a 90-foot depth and filled with concrete. Dirt was removed from around the tabernacle to expose the foundation. “Steel shims and a ‘pancake jack’ on top of these beams were adjusted to carry the weight of the wall about,” Cowan said. “Thus the weight of the structure, an estimated 6.8 million pounds, was shifted from the historic foundation to the system of steel and concrete piles.”
MARK JOHNSTON, DAILY HERALD
Crowds gather to watch as workers place the Angel Moroni statue atop the Provo City Center Temple March 31, 2014.
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large machine simultaneously dug a wide trench and filled it with a mixture of sand, cement, and Bentonite — a special clay that expands when coming into contact with the water to form a tight seal,” Cowan said. “The waterproof cut-off or barrier wall completely surrounded the temple area to below the depth of the future basement.” The excavation went as planned, as curious onlookers thought they were seeing a building lifted up on stilts. The temple shell was never lifted up. It always remained at the original ground level. The soil underneath the temple was as good as they could ask for and it was stable.
THE ANGEL
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
The Provo City Center Temple is seen on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Men work on the copper roof of the pavilion at the Provo City Center Temple on Wednesday, July 15, 2015.
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE Everyone involved knew the project would include dealing with the high water table. Crews hit that at about 18 feet underground. Pumping water 24 hours a day came early in the project. The levels of dirt went from workable to sandy to clay. According to Andy Kirby, LDS Church
project manager, special walls were built to hold the water and allow for pumping. The water pumped was cleaned and sent through the storm drain systems. By the end of January 2013, approximately 25 feet had been dug out from under the tabernacle for the first of the two lower floors. It was already past the 18-foot water table. “Before the excavation went deeper, a
As part of the restoration of the original building, a central spire was to be added again, but this time it wouldn’t be the roof holding up the spire, but the other way around. Steel beams supporting the middle spire go all the way down past the second underground level into the lower foundation support. By October 22, 2013, those steel beams were in place as part of the framework for the central spire. According to Cowan, by Thanksgiving of that year most of the roof ’s structure was completed. The metal components of the 35-foot central spire had been assembled on the ground north of the tabernacle. Its octagonal base was designed to be attached to the framework already in place above the building’s roof. Before the central spire was put into place, the four repaired turrets that were rebuilt with some of the original wood and new wood were put in place. By the end of January 2014, the major components of the roof were in place. The next project was to get the slate shingle roofing on. That was completed, and by the end of March the tower was ready. Church officials had determined the placing of the Angel Moroni statue on the middle spire should bring as little attention as possible. “Builders had planned to place the angel early in the morning of the first day of April,” Cowan said. “But they made a last-minute decision to accomplish this task one day earlier because of forecast of unfavorable weather.” Word of the change leaked out, and by the afternoon hundreds of spectators had gathered at the Historic Courthouse across the street, at the post office parking lot to the south and at other locations to see Moroni
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GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD
The Provo City Center Temple is seen through the doors of the temple’s pavilion on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
placed on the spire. For many members of the LDS Church, the placement of Moroni on any temple is usually the moment when it truly becomes a temple for them. “As the statue was lowered into place, applause erupted from the crowd of about 1,000 eager onlookers who had gathered,” Cowan said. “While placing the figure of Moroni atop the temple’s tower was undoubtedly the most visible achievement, many other projects also beautified the temple’s exterior.”
THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
The construction site of the Provo City Center Temple ignited the curiosity of people from around the world. Interest in the construction process was clearly visible by the volume of daily visitors pressing their faces to the chain-link fence surrounding the site, by the cameras set up for time-lapse photos in nearby offices and from the millions of pageviews on personal temple blogs and news websites. So great was the interest that full-time LDS
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missionaries were temporarily stationed at the east gates to answer questions. That curiosity goes to the very top leadership of the LDS Church. On Aug. 21, 2014, Kirby hosted President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, in a very up-close-and-personal tour of the temple construction site. So great was his interest that Uchtdorf climbed the scaffolding that surrounded the outside of the historic brick walls. It was reported that as he looked at the intricacies of the brick from the scaffolding, he noted he could see how the building had been elevated as it was being prepared for a higher purpose as a temple. “There have been many engineering marvels,” said Kirk Dickamore with Jacobsen Construction. Dickamore said that one-of-a-kind systems and construction innovation gave the crews a renewed sense of hope and purpose. For Kirby, it is a “beautiful symbol of rebirth.” Kirby, who grew up in Mapleton, has a personal connection to the tabernacle turned temple. He remembers his last time in
the tabernacle was to hear an organ recital. “A part of the beauty of the building is that it’s not perfect; it’s very personal ... it has some character. Even the bricks vary,” Kirby said during a speech at the Provo Rotary Club. John Emery, senior project manager for Jacobsen Construction, feels the same way. “It’s a pleasure to get up and come to work,” he said. Jensen said: “I am really impressed with the level of detail the LDS Church has put into reproducing, replicating and restoring the exterior architecture. My wife’s office sits across the street, and we’ve been able to watch the process over the past couple of years. “First, with all of the plastic covering it as they cleaned and re-pointed the brick, and then, with rebuilding the turret roofs, and finally, replicating the original center tower that had been removed so many decades ago. “The building truly is a landmark structure in Provo, and the setting it is in now, and the use it will have, will guarantee its preservation for generations.
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Preservation & restoration Provo City Center Temple true to historic architecture, design STORY BY GENELLE PUGMIRE
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PHOTOS BY GRANT HINDSLEY
The fountain at the Provo City Center Temple.
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DESIGN DETAILS
T
The Provo of 2016 is much different than the Provo of 1883, but in some ways they are much the same. Provo in 1883, like today, was a hotbed of activity and recognized throughout the territory as one of the places to visit or live. New and impressive buildings were going up and businesses were thriving. A great percentage of the residents who settled Provo and the surrounding valley were pioneers or the children of pioneers. Most families emigrated from the British Isles and western Europe. The influence of the Presbyterian Church and the Church of England was brought with them, particularly in much of the architectural designs of church buildings and meetinghouses. Eastlake styling was a significant influence on the Provo Tabernacle and was reflected even on the exteriors of homes in the area, like in the Maeser neighborhood east of the tabernacle that can still be seen today. Charles Eastlake was an English architect who combined old English and Gothic design elements in his architecture. The style was
named after him and was used extensively in the late 1800s. Eastlake also designed furniture and was the Keeper of the National Gallery in London from 1878-1898. William Harrison Folsom, a popular LDS architect, was called to be the designer of the Utah Stake Tabernacle. Folsom’s designs carried the Presbyterian and Eastlake influence. In 1947, the Daughters of Utah Pioneers compiled a book of histories titled “Heart Throbs of the West.” In it are reflections of Folsom’s designs for the new tabernacle. The description reads, “Designed to resemble an English Presbyterian meeting house such as they had known before coming to America, the new Presbyterian church in Salt Lake City may have influenced its design. The corner towers at Provo resembling the large tower of the new church. Another possible source for some design elements was the Catholic Basilica of Saint Louis that Folsom knew from his visit to New Orleans in 1849.” The book continues, “The resemblance of the towers and the corners and the center of the façade of Saint Louis to those of Provo was quite striking. Although the plan for the Provo
William Harrison Folsom, a popular LDS architect, was called to be the designer of the Utah Stake Tabernacle. Folsom’s designs carried the Presbyterian and Eastlake influence.
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GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD
TOP: Door handles on the temple. ABOVE: A beehive-shaped accent outside the Provo City Center Temple on Nov. 12, 2015.
building has more in common with the new LDS Assembly Hall in Salt Lake City. Gothic Revival elements appeared in the painted windows and steep roofs, while the interior of the tabernacle was in the tradition of the New England architecture more like that of the St. George Tabernacle. “The woodwork of the rostrum was a truly remarkable piece of craftsmanship and design, making a variety of Victorian and Greek Revival elements in an elaborate composition of curved, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines,” the history continued. “Although somewhat lacking in unity between interior and exterior, the tabernacle demonstrated both the originality of Folsom’s skills and the breadth of his eclecticism.” When Folsom’s beloved Provo Tabernacle burned in 2010, historical curators like Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the LDS Church History Department, were devastated yet hopeful something could be done. “The tabernacle had been a meeting place for a decade before it was dedicated,” Utt said. “It was used weekly. No other building in Provo has had that amount of use.” Utt said she was caught off guard and was elated with President Thomas S. Monson’s announcement the building would be saved and preserved as a new LDS temple. Significant to Utt and other historians are the carefully chosen words Monson used — preservation and restoration.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
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DESIGN DETAILS
That preservation and restoration has happened — in finite detail. Utt said that during the cleanup stages her team siphoned through the rubble hoping to find emblems of the old tabernacle to help them as they worked through the restoration process. “Where many saw rubble, we saw hundreds of small, significant details,” Utt said. “The Provo Tabernacle is (now) one of the best-documented buildings in the church.” Residents’ curiosity has peaked since the groundbreaking in 2012 as to what the inside and outside would look like. While some answers were being held close to the vest prior to the temple open house, Utt said to think Victorian. Consider the landscape and gardens, the outside pavilion, the fountain, the restored original brick, the center spire, the stained glass windows, all reflecting the era of the 1890s. The original tabernacle was started in 1883 and dedicated in 1898. Utt encouraged people to study the era, to look at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair Columbian Exposition. It bridges time from then to now. Items we use today were introduced then, like dishwashers, fluorescent lights, postcards and commemorative stamps. Our taste buds were introduced to Cracker Jacks, Shredded Wheat, Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Gum and Cream of Wheat.
GRANT HINDSLEY, DAILY HERALD
The exterior of the Provo City Center Temple on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
Utt said the temple features rich woods and colors, ad it did when the tabernacle was first built.
“You’ll see details,” Utt said. “My job is to make sure we are as consistent with the 1890s as possible.”
More Provo City Center Temple online at heraldextra.com Photo Galleries
stories
Construction of the temple, from initial digs and stilts to Moroni topping and details
Read about the details and highlights as the Daily Herald tours the temple.
Throwback: Historical photos of Provo and the tabernacles
Personal stories of the Provo Tabernacle submitted by Daily Herald readers
Photos from the Oct. 1, 2011 temple announcement and later groundbreaking
Quizzes The most interesting temple trivia by author/artist Chad Hawkins
slideshows Quotes from LDS leaders and Utah Valley residents as they share their feelings about the new temple. 10 most interesting facts we found in our research
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Video Interview with historian Brent Ashworth on temple artifacts and memorabilia
DESIGN DETAILS
“The tabernacle had been a meeting place for a decade before it was dedicated, It was used weekly. No other building in Provo has had that amount of use.”
Roger Jackson, with FFKR Architects, is considered one of the finest historical architects in the world. “We are thrilled with what you will see,” he said. “This is well beyond the abilities of all of us. It is truly a gem of the church.” Utt said Folsom’s original building could have been as welcome in the richest neighborhoods of New York, Chicago or St. Louis. While the bricks were handmade, the accouterments were ordered from the finest catalogs of Europe. “This will be a beautiful building. It will serve the saints for many years,” Utt said. “We want people to feel like their building is back. Even the spiral staircases will be available for patron use. The floor plan is consistent with other temples, but the finishings and detailing are wholly Provo’s.” Of course, the Provo City Center Temple has a few modern things like elevators, and slate instead of wood shingles on the roof, but that is to be expected. “You’ll feel like you’re going back in time but with modern conveniences,” Utt said. “Most people who go through this building won’t notice what we’ve done, but they will be washed over by the beauty of it.” The pavilion just south of the main temple entrance is in keeping with the Victorian styling of the temple.
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DESIGN DETAILS
The 5,290-square-foot, two-story pavilion will serve as a waiting area for non-temple patrons and a place for wedding parties to take pictures. It connects to the underground parking via elevator. As for the gardens and surrounding grounds, according to Utt, the Provo City Center Temple has more extensive grounds and less surface parking than any other LDS temple. When it comes to landscaping, both temple patrons and the community get more than just the lush flower gardens, trees and grass that have been planted at the site. The 17-foot, bronze, four-tiered Victorian fountain with ornamental nozzles graces the grounds near 100 South. One advantage of the fountain is those visiting that part of the grounds are more likely to enjoy the sounds of the water lapping and pooling than the sounds of motorists driving by. The finial at the top of the fountain is replicated from a stair newel post from the tabernacle’s interior banister that led to the pulpit and stand. Scalloped shingles matching the original 1800s design were used for the temple’s roof. The top of the fence posts feature beehives. According to LDS Church descriptions, “The entire temple grounds will be beautifully landscaped and will be open to the public
following the temple’s operations schedule, consistent with all LDS temples. The grounds closest to the temple will have a taller fence and gates, whereas the grounds both north and south of the temple fence will have lower perimeter fencing and are not gated.� Public gardens with benches, shrubs, trees and grass will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the north end of the property, similar to the old tabernacle park. “This is an urban temple,� said Gary McGinn, Provo’s community development director. “They are going to landscape the heck out of it.� The interior floors feature the typical rooms found in all LDS temples, including the baptistry, dressing rooms and lockers, offices and a bride’s dressing room on the lower levels. The above-ground levels include a chapel, instruction rooms, offices, lobbies and five rooms where marriages will be performed. Following a historical design perspective, Utt said there is no white paint in the building. “The Victorian era was all about color,� she said. The tabernacle building featured oak and walnut woods, wallpaper and decorative stencil painting. That same Victorian styling is featured in the new temple. The upper floors of the new temple are in a pioneer Gothic style featuring a number of arches.
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According to Richard O. Cowan, author of “Provo’s Two Temples,� stenciling patterns from the original tabernacle are featured in the Bride’s Room. There are stained glass skylights above. Original print wallpaper from the 1800s found during the tabernacle fire has been reproduced for certain walls in the temple, Cowan noted. Windows throughout the exterior and interior of the temple are paired in threes, with a larger window in the middle and two smaller windows on each side. According to Cowan, those window pairings are repeated throughout many of the rooms in the temple and are patterned after the original windows. Florals such as the columbine and lotus are used in the craftsmanship and art glass, continuing with the original theme for the tabernacle. Many interior features survived the fire, including wood moldings, newel posts and balustrades, which allowed for reproduction of the beautiful woodwork found in the pioneer tabernacle. Upon entering the new temple, its similarity to the historic tabernacle will be evident, according to Cowan. Murals depicting the phases of life are in the two instruction rooms. Patrons might recognize Mt. Timpanogos and Utah Lake in one of the murals. Everything is perfect to the time and true to
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
The Provo City Center Temple is seen on November 10, 2015.
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SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Provo City Center Temple is seen at sunset.
the tabernacle. Like the 1880s, even the door hinges are custom made, Utt said. “Architecture is art that everyone experiences because we use buildings every day — whether we go inside of them or just see them from the outside,” said J. Cory Jensen, architectural
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historian and national register coordinator for the State of Utah. “Historic buildings add so much to a city’s character. If you think of any great city anywhere in the world, it is typically the architecture that comes to mind first. I wish more of our cities would understand that. I
think Provo City has in this case.” As preparations began for the open house and dedication, requests for tickets came from all parts of the world. The interest in the burnt-out historical tabernacle-turned-LDS temple has several groups wanting to get a peek inside.
Quotations L. Douglas Smoot: I have a very close connection to Provo Tabernacle. My ancestor Abraham O. Smoot was responsible for building the tabernacle, as he was stake president from 1868-95. The stake included all of Utah Valley. I was born in Provo, my father and his father were born in Provo — we have deep roots in Provo. I was called to be counselor in the stake presidency and then president of the stake — totaling 18 years. And we held stake conference in that building. I spoke many, many times and presided in that beautiful tabernacle. Abraham O. Smoot built the Academy building for Brigham Young Academy as well. Now both buildings have been preserved. What is doubly rich is I led the preservation of the Academy. To me those are two of the most important buildings in Provo. I love the quote, “Well the Lord is not just resurrecting the tabernacle, he’s exalting it.” I have all kinds of special feelings for that building — people have such a love for that building.
N. La Verl Christensen, “Tale of Two Tabernacles: History of Provo Tabernacle and the Old Provo Meeting House”: “It can indeed be said
D. Robert Carter, Provo historian: Overall I think it is a good thing to make the tabernacle into a temple. My only sadness is that it is not a public building now where everybody can see. The tabernacle was a lovely building and it took a long time to build. Before the fire there were a lot of public activities in this venue. I just miss that. The option of having the building torn down was not a good one. It takes so much money to save it, so when the LDS Church said it wanted to create a temple there, I was happy the building would be saved. At least the exterior is there for everybody to see. It is one of the two or three nicest buildings in Provo. The temple is a new spark, new life, new hope for the downtown.
Gene Nelson, director, Provo City Library at Academy Square: With the completion of
the renovated Provo City Center Temple, Provo will have bookend historical icons on University Avenue.
Anna Jean Backus, “Provo Pioneers and their Tabernacles”:
“The Provo Tabernacle … is a grand old building that makes a statement in the thriving community of Provo. It stands in a magnificent beauty that was brought about by pioneers who had need for a fitting edifice to express glory unto God. It was with fortitude, sacrifice of means, hard labor, and the blessing of skilled craftsmen that their efforts became a reality.”
of the Tabernacle builders: ‘They aspired … and built well.’ ”
Zina BennionProulx: “I live one block
from the temple, so I can see it from my front porch! It’s been really fun to watch the progress. We saw it on stilts and watched the grounds coming together. We love walking home at night and seeing the temple. I call it the Thomas Kinkade temple because it’s like a warm, cozy cottage; it has a warm inviting feeling to it. I hope the grounds will be open to the public. I hope I can walk to the temple grounds to get to the post office every day. I hope families can come to the grounds for a gathering place in a green space, as we really have no park area close by. I love the sparkling fountain. They’ve done a magnificent job.
Carma de Jong Anderson, age 85: I remember so much about the era. I was born in 1930 and remember going to the tabernacle all my life. My parents would take me there as a babe in arms, wrapped in a blanket. Later on I remember the big pillars, the overhang balconies. I remember going to stake conference in the tabernacle and walking home with frozen knees because my coat was too short. I went to every musical concert held there because my parents took me. I was there when opera singer Ezio Pinza sang “Some Enchanted Evening” from “South Pacific.” Music from the many concerts reverberated through pillars, right into my bones. I remember the Bartoks performed there. I really loved going to the concerts. Beautiful Christmas programs and Adventssingen were performed. Most recently, I attended the wonderful funerals of Truman Madsen and Hugh Nibley in the tabernacle. I just think it’s going to be wonderful to turn it into a temple. It’s a very fragile building and to destroy historic buildings is just (horrible).
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An inclusive wedding in the tabernacle
E
Engaged in 2006, my daughter Rivka was very excited to have a beautiful church wedding that fall. She and her fiance, Nick Bundra, attended the evangelical congregation now known as CenterPoint Church. They wanted to share the special day with people from their church, our large, close-knit LDS family, many of the groom’s out-of-state family members and other dear friends. So Rivka and I set out to find the perfect place for the ceremony. Visiting old churches in the Provo area, Rivka suggested that we go to the Provo Tabernacle. Before entering, I indicated that the LDS Church disallows weddings in their chapels, assuming the tabernacle would have a similar restriction. The missionaries in the tabernacle confirmed that a wedding could not take place there. We looked around anyway. Just renovated, it looked beautiful, and we knew it was perfect. At her urging, I asked the missionaries again and was assured that the rules were firm. Still, I asked for information to contact the presiding authority. After we walked out of the building, I called the presiding stake president. He reiterated what the missionaries said. Then he paused, “Are there any extenuating circumstances?” I told him about my daughter’s desire for a church wedding that would celebrate marriage
COURTESY OF MAREN TURNIDGE
Rivka Bundra and part of her wedding party pose outside the tabernacle for her marriage in 2006.
while welcoming guests of different convictions. The stake president said he would provide me a reply the next day. Rivka told me that she, Nick and friends from their congregation would be praying that the LDS leaders would let them use the building. My husband and I prayed as well. We prayed, and we
waited. Three days later, my phone rang. Not feeling he could make the decision independently, the stake president had contacted the general authorities. As I recall, he intoned, “I don’t know who you are, but the Brethren are pleased to let you have your wedding in the tabernacle.” After explaining some logistics, he added, “You may have as many rehearsals as you need and the couple is welcome to have communion.” The wedding party filled the stage — 12 bridesmaids, 12 groomsmen, six flower girls, a ring bearer, and others totaled about 40 participants — a mosaic of evangelical, Catholic, LDS, and other friends and family members. My husband, some of our family members and I had misgivings before the wedding because of my daughter leaving the LDS faith. The wedding itself proved to be a uniting and healing experience. Nine years later, not only do Nick and Rivka have a beautiful marriage, they have also blessed us with six grandchildren. Four generations of my ancestors had lived, labored and bore children within blocks of the tabernacle. From childhood I had attended many inspiring events there, and this wedding was a crowning moment made possible by the presiding authorities’ inspired act of inclusiveness.
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Child Enterprises workers build a stone wall on November 20, 2015 at Red Butte Gardens in Salt Lake City.
Picking up the pieces Meticulous care taken to restore historic stonework
R
STORY BY LAURA GILES
Restoring the masonry of the Provo Tabernacle, which was originally completed in 1898, has been a thorough, meticulous and precise work. In order to ensure that the Provo City Center Temple would maintain the brickand-mortar look and original design of the tabernacle, a complete exterior masonry restoration was undertaken. This project began in August 2013 and was completed in June 2015.
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PHOTOS BY SPENSER HEAPS
After the tabernacle was damaged in the December 2010 fire, careful care was taken to preserve the historic integrity of the beloved landmark. “The restoration standards were very strict on the project, and every effort was made to replicate the historic features of the building with all repairs, materials and new installations,� said Craig Child of Child Enterprises, masonry restoration specialists.
COURTESY OF CRAIG CHILD
Child Enterprises workers build a stone wall.
MASONRY
While some of the exterior of the building survived the fire, there was significant damage to portions of it. After the fire, the main four perimeter walls were still intact, but the north, south and east gables had fallen. Complete rebuilds of the gables were necessary. A portion of the masonry was rebuilt at the northeast turret, which had been displaced due to twisting of structural beams when the roof collapsed. The roof collapse also caused significant damage to the four corner turrets, although they were spared in the fire. The masonry areas above the north, south and east entrances had experienced excessive settling damage, and they required extensive rebuilding. The entire top of the building was in very poor condition, according to Child. The restoration project included 100 percent mortar joint removal and replacement. Mortar is used to hold the brick and stone together. Additionally, the replacement of thousands of damaged bricks in the exterior walls was required. The tops of all of the exterior walls were mostly rebuilt, which included the decorative corbeling. Hundreds of stone units were replaced, including windowsills, arch stones and band
Craig Child talks on the phone while visiting a job site.
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MASONRY
courses. Other stone units had to be repaired with the use of patching materials. The mortar used for the repointing — renewing the external parts of the mortar joints — was a specialty lime mortar. Lime chunks and aggregates were added to match the original historic mortar. New stone features were added to the building, including a massive “Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord” stone, which was placed at the east gable. New stone niches, which were originally constructed using plaster, were also added. To maintain the look of the original brickwork, salvaged bricks from other historic buildings, including the historic Brigham Young Academy and historic homes from the Provo and Springville areas, were used on the temple. Child estimates that about 75 percent of the exterior of the new temple has the original brickwork and 25 percent is salvaged replacement brick. “All of the original brick and the replacement brick that were used on the building are historic brick dating from around the early 1900s,” he said. The steps to restoring stonework are not complete after the stones and mortar are in place. When the masonry work was completed, the entire building was chemically cleaned and then treated with a protective chemical sealer.
COURTESY OF CRAIG CHILD
Workers from Child Enterprises work on the masonry on the Provo City Center Temple on March 3, 2014.
“Restoration work is different from general masonry work and is very tedious,” said Child. “Employees engaged in this type of work have to be much more patient and detail-oriented than typical masons.” Rick Child, owner of Child Enterprises, is a fifth-generation masonry contractor in Utah County. He and his sons were happy to have the opportunity to work to restore the Provo Tabernacle after the tragic fire. While there were some people in the community who felt it would be more practical to tear down the burned structure and start anew, Rick Child said he is happy that the building was restored.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
“It’s important to preserve history,” he said. “This has been really, really gratifying for me.” According to Rick Child, there are only two LDS brick temples in the world — the Provo City Center Temple and the Vernal Utah Temple. The temple in Vernal is also a former tabernacle, dedicated as a temple in 1997. Rick Child’s company has been specializing in restoration work for more than 30 years and has done restoration work on the Salt Lake Temple, Logan Utah Temple, the Provo City Library and the Utah State Capitol. “Doing this project was a highlight for us,” he said.
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TEMPLE MURALS
JEREMY HARMON, DAILY HERALD
James Christensen works on a piece in his studio in his Orem home. Christensen is one of the key artists who created the murals for the Provo City Center Temple.
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TEMPLE MURALS
Blessed from on high Provo City Center Temple murals prove to be a sacred endeavor
A BY KARI KENNER
According to Robert Marshall, a key mural artist for the Provo City Center Temple, there’s a saying that’s used by people upon the completion of a project: “Well, it’s good enough for who it’s for.” But what about when that project involves a temple — literally considered the house of the Lord? “We like to turn that around and say, ‘Is it good enough for who it’s for?’ — and you realize that you are trying to make an offering that is acceptable to deity, and that’s a pretty overwhelming responsibility,” Marshall said. Marshall is one of two artists (along with local artist James C. Christensen) to have his mural designs accepted for reproduction in the instruction rooms of the Provo City Center Temple, and one of a team of 10 total artists who took those designs from an initial
draft to an incredible, large-scale parable of sorts, beautifully adorning the inner walls and ceilings of the temple. Countless hours of effort, prayers and the magnifying of talent went into the temple’s murals, leading to a finished product those involved can only describe as inspired. The murals, reflective of the temple’s pioneer heritage, were hand-painted locally and stand as a witness of the purifying flames of trial.
PIONEER HERITAGE RESURRECTED
The Provo City Center Temple, rebuilt from the burned and decimated Provo Tabernacle, isn’t the only temple that rose from ashes. From the inner murals and artwork to the construction process, many parallels can be made to yet another rebuilt, pioneer temple: Nauvoo. The Nauvoo Illinois Temple, originally
DOWNY DOXEY-MARSHALL
“Lavender Light” egg tempera on panel by Downy Doxey-Marshall. Doxey-Marshall is one of the artists who helped complete the murals for the Provo City Center Temple.
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TEMPLE MURALS
constructed by the early saints beginning in 1841, was destroyed by mobs in 1848 and further decimated by winds in 1850. Under the direction of then-prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley, the temple was rebuilt to precise historical specifications and became, once again, an edifice dedicated to the Lord. Though the recently completed Provo City Center Temple was formerly a tabernacle of the church rather than a temple, many have felt similar sentiments toward its tragic destruction and subsequent rebuilding. Rising from the ashes in a restoration of beauty and pioneer heritage, no expense was spared or effort wasted in building a holy temple that did justice not only to its heritage, but also to its future as the faith’s house of God. The murals depicted in the temple are no different, reflecting a beauty and a unity that can only be improved by refining fire of trial and faithful endurance.
NAUVOO: A LAUNCHING PAD FOR MURAL ART JEREMY HARMON, DAILY HERALD
James Christensen works on a piece in his studio in his Orem home. Christensen is one of several key artists who designed and painted the murals in the Provo City Center Temple.
The Nauvoo Temple plays into the story of the Provo City Center Temple in more ways than just rebuilding. It also served as a starting point for several of the muralists who worked on Provo’s designs.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
TEMPLE MURALS
T PROTECTION IS PARAMOUN
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRINGVILLE MUSEUM OF ART
Cassandra Barney’s oil painting “Mary Magdalene” was given a Curatorial Award, at the 26th Annual “Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah Exhibit” at the Springville Museum of Art. Barney is one of several artists who contributed to the murals of the Provo City Center Temple.
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TEMPLE MURALS
Christensen said it all began with a local artist named Frank Magleby, who had gone on a mission for the church to paint easel paintings that went in foreign temples. When the time came for the Nauvoo Temple to be constructed, Magleby was approached and asked if he could put a team together to paint murals to enhance the walls of the temple interior. The group included Magleby, Christopher Young, Gary Smith, Doug Fryer, James Christensen and Robert Marshall. Though Magleby passed away in 2013 and Young went on to other ventures, Christensen, Marshall, Fryer and Smith went on to paint in other temples under the name Frank’s Boys, as a way to honor the artist and instructor that started it all. They are also four of the 10 key artists who worked on the murals for the Provo City Center Temple, along with Cassandra Barney and Emily McPhie (Christensen’s daughters), Downy Doxey-Marshall, David Linn, Jennifer Thompson and Clark Schafer. For Christensen, the opportunity to have a hand in such a holy work has been an incredible undertaking, especially in light of something he experienced at a young age. “I had an experience going through the murals at the open house of the Los Angeles Temple (in the mid-1950s),” he said. “I saw the murals there and it just overwhelmed me, and I
COURTESY OF THE LDS CHURCH
Gary Smith, a mural artist for the Provo City Center Temple, also did murals and paintings for a number of other temples, including the Brigham City Temple instruction room, pictured above.
thought, ‘What kind of a person could do these sorts of things?’ and it was just beyond me. No one could wish for anything better than to do a mural for a temple.” Christensen said it was just after that the church quit doing wall murals in temples — until Nauvoo, that is. Many years and several temples later, Christensen still sees the opportunity as a blessing, and a unique addition to his career as an artist. “Am I a religious painter?” he asked. “I don’t
do many Bible scenes and that sort of thing. My own direction has moved a little more fantastical and stylized, though I have done a few. But I’ve always accepted that it was a gift and a privilege and a responsibility (to create artwork for LDS temples). I’ve tried to use my art to uplift and occasionally chastise, but most of the time I encourage people and give them a job and give them things to think about. But I’m always very aware that I was blessed with a gift.”
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
TEMPLE MURALS
PROVO MURALS: THE WORK OF MIRACLES
Though work on the Provo City Center Temple murals was a months-long process, for Doxey-Marshall, daughter-in-law of Robert Marshall and a key player in ensuring the murals were finished, it was a sincere blessing. “It was amazing, just the last few months of finishing up,” she said. With her father-in-law suffering illness and requiring surgery, fellow painter and designer James Christensen relapsing into cancer and requiring treatment and even another mural artist having a car accident, there were plenty of obstacles the artists faced. “But everybody was really blessed,” she said. “Now they’re all doing a lot better. (James’) cancer is gone, and Robert is getting back to health. I don’t even know how it all happened. I think everyone was blessed just from their efforts and their faith and their work on this temple.” Christensen himself also came to the same conclusion. “I can’t help but make a parallel between being willing to do these kinds of church projects and getting my health back,” he said, regarding his health issues during the course of painting the murals. “I was able to work through the whole (process of radiation), much
to the amazement of my doctors. I was wiped out and I wasn’t working at 100 percent, but at the end of the day, we got it done and had the ability to get it done.” Now officially 100 percent cancer free, Christensen said one of the biggest miracles is how unified the murals look, despite the size of the team that worked on them. “By the time we were finished, there were about 10 (sets of) hands that painted on those murals,” Christensen said. “What was amazing is when you see them, they look like they could have been done by the same person. … It was pretty magical for me to see how all these artists with very different painting styles could come together and execute a piece that actually worked. It is incredible.” In regard to the beautiful, hand-painted murals of the Provo City Center Temple, those many hands made possible the work.
FROM CONCEPT TO CANVAS
So how are murals designed and selected for temples? It’s a question Robert Marshall is very familiar with. “The LDS Church has continued to paint murals in most of the temples, not all, and we’ve been fortunate enough to be selected to work on a few of them,” he said. “Every mural is directed by a particular designer and
COURTESY
“Protector” by Cassandra Barney was on display at the Springville Museum of Art as a part of a family exhibit: “Curiouser and Curiouser.” Barney, along with her father, James Christensen and sister, Emily McPhie, were among the mural artists that worked on the Provo City Center Temple.
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TEMPLE MURALS
JEREMY HARMON, DAILY HERALD
James Christensen, seen here in his studio in his Orem home, published his first limited edition print 20 years ago. He is also one of the key artists who designed and painted the murals in the Provo City Center Temple.
various artists are invited to send in proposals, anywhere from three to six, usually.” According to Marshall, the process includes an initial screening of a proposed mural or piece of art by a committee of art dealers, architects and church representatives, as well as acceptance from the Presiding Bishopric of the church and finally First Presidency approval. In the case of the Provo City Center Temple, four murals were presented, and those proposed by Marshall and Christensen were accepted, with the other artists joining in to help bring the designs to fruition. Marshall said the mural-painting process comes complete with tender moments and those rife with frustration due to the sheer size and magnitude of the work, but the end hope is that the skills of the artists will be able to meet the challenge. According to fellow muralist Gary Smith, therein lies the real challenge. “To have your work in the temple and to have it part of the ambiance of the whole room and have it as something that supplements the presentation and puts the individual into the environment which invites the spirit — it’s kind of a different thing than just painting for yourself or painting for a broad audience and specific purpose,” Smith said. “It’s a very spiritual experience.”
ART EXPLORED: THE MURALS IN DETAIL
The murals for the Provo City Center Temple took a lot of careful work and inspiration, finding just the right details while omitting others that were originally planned. The scope of such a project is daunting, and, according to Smith, is a reason many artists don’t attempt mural work. “It is probably, I would say, one of the highest things an artist can do in regard to giving of yourself and your talent,” Smith said, in regard to working on murals for the temple. “Not a lot of artists can paint murals because they’re so large.” To give an idea of just how large the murals had to be, the design Smith submitted for the Jordan River Temple provides for a 17-foot-tall mural. The Provo City Center Temple murals took a page out of the book of the Salt Lake City Temple muralists, and included designs to encompass not just the walls, but the ceilings as well, for a total, according to Smith, of roughly 680,000 square inches of painting for just one room — essentially over 56,000 square feet of work. According to Smith, the murals in modern temples vary from the Salt Lake Temple in one key way: rather than just being painted onto the plaster of the walls which allows
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TEMPLE MURALS
for deterioration and the need for repair or replacement, modern murals are done on prepared canvas that is installed in the temple. “A lot of the original murals done in the 1920s and 1930s or even before — a lot of those paintings don’t exist anymore just because of structural problems,” Smith said. “The rooms all have the same feeling but tend to have changed a bit over the years just because they had to correct things that were problems.” Because they were on canvas, the majority of the murals used in the Provo City Center Temple could be painted off-site, at the BYU Motion Picture Studio, with just details and the ceilings actually painted in the temple itself. Smith said the painting process, though it encompassed many months of time, started simply before getting more complicated as it progressed. “We would pray before we started and would ask for the spirit to be with us as we painted and would get inspiration as we would go along,” Smith said. “We started with a very small concept, just 24 by 33 inches, and had to take that idea and blow it up to 60 feet long, and a brushstroke becomes like a foot. You have to deal with everything that’s in between and recreate everything as you go along. A lot of detail is added that isn’t necessarily in the original study. There’s a lot of differences that take place.” The murals themselves share some common themes. The artwork, though, is unlike that of any other temple. “This is not a pioneer temple like Salt Lake, Manti and St. George,” Christensen noted. “They have three rooms of murals and (temple patrons) moved from the Creation Room to a Garden Room and a World Room. These rooms are called instruction rooms.” Christensen notes that in the new temple, patrons don’t move from room to room. “It was decided to paint the murals that would show all three of the concepts of the old rooms together.” The artists were tasked with representing the creation of the world, a beautiful garden and an incredible landscape all in one progressive mural. “The room I designed starts in the back with the creation and land and water and celestial stuff going on, and then it sort of morphs into plants and animals and garden up both sides,” Christensen said. Though he states there are no hidden images to be found in the murals of the temple, Christensen did go on to note that careful observation can add entire layers to the work. “The temple is a sacred place, and I
Courtesy of the LDS Church
The Nauvoo Temple was among the first in more recent times to include murals on the walls of the instruction rooms. Four of the artists that collaborated on the Nauvoo murals also took part in the Provo City Center Temple murals, including James Christensen, Robert Marshall, Gary Smith and Doug Fryer.
wouldn’t do any tricks,” he said. “The closest we came was to put quite a bit of detail in it. You might find a red bird flying in front of red poppies — the bird is about the same size as the flowers and so it takes a while, but as you’re watching you realize, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s not just five poppies, one of those is a bird.’” “My favorite part are the flamingos — that was my happiest day, painting flamingos,” Cassandra Barney said of the fine details. “The colors are just beautiful (in the murals). … Overall I think it’s just stunning — the whole temple is stunning. I went in sort of thinking it would not be as beautiful as it is, and I was really impressed, and the murals fit
nicely. It doesn’t look hodge-podged. It looks like it was just supposed to be that way.” Smith also commented on the new concept used in the two ordinance rooms, noting specifically the contrast between the execution of the two murals. “(Robert Marshall’s) is more allegorical — it has the creation which takes place on the ceiling and wraps down around into the back and forward into the separation of land and water then into the garden and into the world, so both rooms have that concept but are totally different from each other,” Smith said. “(Christensen’s) has the Utah Valley in it and Mount Timpanogos and Utah Lake with wildlife around the lake.” www.provocitycentertemple.com
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TEMPLE MURALS
EQUAL TO THE TASK: ARTIST ABILITIES MAGNIFIED
Each of the artists involved with the Provo City Center Temple shared their joy at having been involved in such a sacred work, though a common theme among them was an overwhelming sense of humility. “I don’t know if I want to tackle any more (temple murals) just because I don’t have as much energy as I used to but to be able to work on two, on kind of those landmark temples (Nauvoo and Provo City Center) has been pretty exciting,” Christensen said. “You find yourself saying, ‘Why me?’ And you know, I’ve been around long enough to know a lot of other artists in the church, and it was a little baffling why they picked me — the guy who paints fairies and puffy dwarves.” For Doxey-Marshall, one of the best and hardest parts of the whole process was the detailing on the ceilings, which had to be done in the temple itself and required climbing scaffolding to paint horizontally in Michelangelo-and-the-Sistine-Chapel fashion. “I could only work maybe three hours at a time,” she said. “I had to stand up to paint and lean my head back to paint right above my head … but it was an amazing thing. I
COURTESY
“The Penitent and Humble Seeker” by Emily McPhie was on display at the Springville Museum of Art as a part of a family exhibit: “Curiouser and Curiouser.” McPhie, along with her father, James Christensen, and sister, Cassandra Barney, were among the mural artists that worked on the Provo City Center Temple.
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COURTESY OF THE SPRINGVILLE MUSEUM OF ART
“Question” by David Linn, one of the artists who helped complete the murals in the Provo City Center Temple. This piece of art was a part of the Springville Museum of Art’s exhibit, “Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah,” that showed at the museum in 2010.
COURTESY
“Golden Angel” by James Christensen. Christensen is one of the key artists who helped design and complete the murals for the Provo City Center Temple.
didn’t even think I could do it. I don’t know how it worked, but it did. It was amazing to get on your construction clothes, hard hats and boots and go in there and paint.” “It’s a testimony to me (of the power of) the prayers of a whole lot of friends and people,” Christensen said in conclusion. “Through this whole process, both (Marshall) and I were able to keep working, and I think some of the helpers were beyond their own abilities.” According to Doug Smith, it was an honor to be able to work on a project that would not only be seen by that many people, but also remain as a legacy in the temple. “It’s a great honor to be able to work on
the temple that is actually going to get such a high profile because of what it was — it has historic value and is a temple,” he said. “The historic quality of it is significant to a lot of people that used to attend conferences and symphonies and things like that in the tabernacle. It was wonderful for me when I found out the church was going to preserve it as a temple when it could so easily have been torn down.” Ultimately, everything was finished, and the murals stand as a beautiful feature in a historic temple but also as a project that has enhanced the special atmosphere of the temple and the lives of those who contributed to it.
COURTESY
“Golden Angel” by James Christensen.
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READER SUBMISSION: JESSICA BRISCOE
READER SUBMISSION: JAMES SUBASHE
The day the tabernacle Empty tours said goodbye to us
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Growing up I had a lot of special memories in that building. The week before December 17, 2010, I was driving down University Avenue and got stopped at the traffic light facing the tabernacle. I never got stopped at that light, but that day I did. I looked over and saw the tabernacle and thought, “What a beautiful building.” I had driven down University Avenue all the time, right past the tabernacle many times without appreciating the amazing building in our midst. But that night, it stood out to me. It was lit up and bright. It was beautiful. The next week I turned on the news and saw that there had been a fire. I sat on the carpet in front of the TV and just wept. Then, I remembered the feeling I had the last time I had seen the tabernacle that night a week before. It was such an unusual experience that I distinctly remember thinking, “It was saying goodbye.” Goodbye to those experiences and purposes that it had before. Goodbye to the memories of the past that are now cherished. I remember when they found the picture
of the Savior’s Second Coming in the burned debris. At that time I think I accepted that it had burned down for a purpose, even though I didn’t understand why. After the announcement from President Monson that they were going to restore the tabernacle into a temple, I also cried. I watched as they started to restore this beautiful building and make it into something new. Now as it is about to be dedicated to become something much more: more beautiful, grander and with a marvelous purpose. It went through fire to become edified, just like we are as we prepare to go to the temple each time we enter those doors. We all go through the fires of trial and come out of it as something more. Now, I see it lit up again, glowing more brightly than before with the Angel Moroni on its new spire, and soon it will glow even brighter filled with the Spirit of the Lord. It has been reborn. New memories, glorious memories, will be made there by me and countless others.
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In 1983, I was a Provo Tabernacle tour guide functioning as a Seventy’s group leader from the Bonneville Stake. My assignment was to serve on a 2-hour shift for 12 weeks. The first 11 times I went there no one showed up. Every Sunday, we would meet with the Stake President for an hour or so to receive instructions and give feedback of our time on our tabernacle shift. I had nothing to share. Other group leader’s inspired experiences were shared with the group, which kept us excited to continue with the assignment. I still remember President Richard Cracroft. His counsel to us who hadn’t received any visitors on our shifts was this, “Keep going to your shift time. Keep learning your presentation,” which included information on 12 specific areas of the tabernacle. So, I did. By the time I was to my last night of service, I was so discouraged that I told my wife I didn’t even want to go, and she gave me that look that told me I had better go. It was a Wednesday night at about 7 p.m. and I had missionary handouts close by. I was getting ready to do the tour on my own one last time when I heard a ruckus outside the doors of the tabernacle. In came about 45 youth from the Springville Stake with their leaders. For the next hour and a half time flew by. We had an incredibly edifying experience recognized by all who came. Now done with the assignment, I floated on cloud nine for weeks afterwards. Whenever I think back to that experience, I get a spiritual lift. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
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Provo City Center Temple
OPEN HOUSE
People talk and take photos outside the new Payson Temple during the second day of its open house, in Payson on April 25, 2015.
Preparing for 1 million visitors How the city readied for everything from business to weather
STORY BY DANIELLE DOWNS
PHOTOS BY GRANT HINDSLEY
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I OPEN HOUSE
In early June 2015, when the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the dates for the open house for the Provo City Center Temple, city officials got right to work to handle any and all aspects associated with the planning of an event that commonly brings thousands of visitors to any city. The Provo City Center Temple opened its doors to visitors starting Jan. 8 for VIP tours. The temple will remain open for a public open house every day except Sunday from Jan. 15 to March 5. According to Wayne Parker, the city’s chief administrative officer, that makes the Provo City Center Temple open house the longest temple open house the church has ever done. The temple will then be closed for several days to ready it for operation before its March 20 dedication. The LDS Church will also hold a cultural celebration March 19 in Provo. The traditional event features tens of thousands of participants who will use narration, song and dance to celebrate Provo and the surrounding region that will primarily be serviced by the new temple. Less than one year ago, Utah County took part in another temple open house, cultural celebration and dedication, when thousands of visitors flocked to Payson for the unveiling of the Payson Utah Temple. More than 13,000 youths from the temple
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
People wait in line to start their tour of the new Payson Temple during the second day of its open house, in Payson on April 25, 2015.
district participated in the cultural celebration that took place June 6, 2015 at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Parker said Provo is expecting nearly a million visitors to pass through downtown to
visit the temple during the open house period. In preparation for those visitors, the City Center Temple Open House Working Group was formed. That group, Parker clarified, is not to be confused with the LDS Church’s committee that
OPEN HOUSE
was also working to make the open house a success. Rather, Parker said the two groups talked regularly and coordinated with each other to ensure the open house would be a success. The church’s committee is responsible for essentially everything that goes on inside the temple block, while the city’s working group is mainly focused on events occurring outside the wrought-iron fence. In preparing for the open house, Parker said he and other city officials knew early on it wouldn’t be an average open house in many aspects. When the church made the decision to transform the former tabernacle’s shell into a temple, city officials knew it was going to generate a lot of public interest. “The tabernacle has been a part of the social fabric of this community for decades,” Parker explained. From high school graduations and Brigham Young University college convocations to organ recitals and stake conferences, “it’s just a place people have a lot of affection for.” The city expects people will come from all over the world to observe how elements such as the architecture, interior design, craftsmanship and period furniture are meshed with modern mechanical equipment. “I think it’s a fascinating study in historic preservation and renovation,” Parker stated. As a result, he reiterated city officials quickly
recognized the project was going to have local, national and even international attention as it went forward. One critical component of any temple open house is ensuring the safety of all those involved, and this open house is no different. According to Lt. Jeff Lougee of the Provo Police Department, officials have tried to make the temple area “a city amongst itself ” in order to care for all of the visitors. One element that has proved especially tricky is the issue of weather. Lougee said because the open house is during the winter, there are “a lot of unknowns.” It could be a fairly mild winter or it could be a very snowy, cold winter, and his team has to be prepared for any situation Mother Nature might throw their way. According to Lougee, there are staff members on hand to keep the sidewalks and roadways clear of ice and snow for the visitors. Lougee said there will be medical professionals close by to handle injuries in case of incidental slips and falls that may occur due to ice and snow, in addition to any other medical needs that might arise. Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County, has served as the lead of the working group’s beautification sub-committee. The subcommittee, composed of individuals from city departments as well as other downtown
entities, has worked during the past several months on “a little bit of everything” to make sure things are cleaned up and spruced up so downtown Provo is ready to show its best self and give people a comfortable experience, Hulterstrom said. “It’s kind of like trying to get the carpets cleaned before the relatives come at Christmastime,” explained Hulterstrom, adding though many of the projects are things the city would probably do anyway, the temple open house and its accompanying masses has afforded “a heightened sense of urgency.” Christine Hale, events coordinator of Downtown Provo Inc., said that while some stores have been a part of the community for 40 years or longer, people don’t know about them because they don’t take the time to walk around downtown. However, Hale said she’s excited at the prospect of having people experience not only the new temple, but also what downtown Provo has to offer. “Downtown Provo is a really vibrant community, so there’s got to be a good mix of both the spirit of the community that’s here and the spirit of the temple so they’ll want to enjoy both experiences when they come,” she said. Brady Curtis, executive director of Downtown Provo Inc., said the committee he heads has worked on creating a new restaurant guide highlighting the different food venues where visitors can stop to eat
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OPEN HOUSE
People wait in line to tour the new Payson Temple during the second day of its open house, in Payson on April 25, 2015.
while in Provo for the temple open house. In addition, he and his team have been working on creating a wedding guide featuring businesses in downtown Provo that can be used for planning a wedding such as venues, jewelers, bakers and florists. “It’s a good opportunity to get businesses in that market,” he said. Another project underway is a gallery — curated
by two BYU students — featuring the history and architecture behind the temple. It is expected to be open throughout the month of February at the Utah County Health and Justice building, located directly across the street from the temple. “When you look at the Provo City Center Temple, it has such an incredible, unique architecture,” Hale explained. “It really is this turnof-the-century, pioneer-mixed architecture mixed
with a sort of European church heritage. It’s just a really unique structure.” For all of those involved behind the scenes, it can be an exhausting task preparing for what many have touted as the largest event Provo has ever seen, and even Parker admitted there have been some sleepless nights. However, he also emphasized that, at least for him, it’s been a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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PCCT Magazine | January 2016
Downtown
BUSINESS
The journey of revitalizing the business sector in the heart of Provo
W STORY BY KARISSA NEELY
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With the opening of the Provo City Center Temple, area residents and businesses hope the city’s heart will continue to swell. Downtown Provo has seen many ups and downs during its long history. Hundreds of businesses have come and gone since the first commercial buildings were built in the 1860s. The three-story Taylor Brothers Building was one of these early buildings. Built in 1866, it was one of the tallest buildings in downtown, towering over neighboring businesses. Now it’s small, compared to the city’s ultra-modern Utah Valley Convention Center, which sits just to its east on the corner of 200 West and Center. In its time, the Taylor Brothers Building
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SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Neon signs line the path by the Taylor Bros. Building on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 in downtown Provo.
COURTESY OF THE L. TOM PERRY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS/BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
A historical photograph of the Taylor Brothers Company Building, circa 1890, one of the first and most modern examples of commercial architecture in downtown Provo at the turn of the century.
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was considered an architectural marvel, paving the way for more businesses to follow. Throughout its history, it stood as an example and commentary on the vitality of the city’s center, thriving for many years before falling into disrepair in the mid-1900s. It was later saved and thoroughly remodeled by William Bancroft, and now stands as a proud ode to the city’s historic heritage, while also functioning as a fresh multi-use retail/office building. The rest of Provo’s downtown business area has seen much of the same cycle. During the 1950s, downtown buildings and businesses were thriving in the Post-War era. Families with pioneer stock, and even some without, owned and ran many of the businesses, forming a neighborhood community — enjoying lunches together, partnering with each other for further business ventures, even employing each other’s children. Some of those legacy businesses, like Provo Art and Frame and Clark’s Tuxedo, have since closed their doors and moved on, and the downtown area has seen some slumps. But others have remained.
BUSINESS
WAYFINDING KIOSKS COMING DOWNTOWN To further facilitate pedestrian-level navigation downtown, Provo City will be installing a few interactive kiosks throughout downtown streets by early February 2016. “They will feature a touch screen on the kiosk that will have a video feed with local content,” said Wayne Parker, Provo’s chief administrative officer. “When you touch the screen, it will bring up a map, and you can look for local restaurants—by type, by menu.” Parker said the touch screen will also share detailed info about retail, office and other amenities. The kiosks will also be smart phone compatible.
CENTURY-OLD HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES Of those that have remained, a few companies were born and still reside in their same spot after more than 100 years. Startup’s Candy Company has been making candies and chocolates on 100 West since it opened in 1898. Berg Mortuary has been on Center Street since 1900. Central Bank, originally known as the State Bank of Utah, has served area residents from its spot on University Avenue since 1902. On Center Street, Heindselman’s Yarn and Needlework has been crafting at 176 W Center Street since 1904. Just a bit farther west of them, B & H Pharmacy has been a staple there since 1913. Mullett-Hoover, sandwiched between the two of them, is the young’un of the lot, engraving awards and trophies since 1926. Just another block down, Modern Shoe has just recently hit its senior years, having been in the business of selling and repairing shoes since 1940. Around the corner on 100 North, Harmon’s Auto has been selling and repairing cars since 1936. Allen’s Camera, just off of Center Street on University Avenue, has seen the camera business since 1946 — through black and white film, to color, to digital.
COURTESY OF PROVO CITY
An aerial view of downtown Provo in the 1980s.
RESTORING AND REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN Provo City officials have made a major revitalization push in recent years, with the hope of restoring the area’s former glory. Though the buildings are old, through recent efforts, the area is again taking on a new life. “There were lots of conversations about how to revitalize downtown in the early 2000s,” said Nathan Murray, Provo city’s business development coordinator for downtown. The talks paid off, and downtown businesses seem to be thriving. Many new ventures coming into downtown are applying for and earning a Downtown Facade Grant through Provo City. As business owners put in money to remodel the older buildings, they are getting matching funds to spruce up
SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Cars wait at the stoplight intersection of University and Center Street on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 in downtown Provo.
www.provocitycentertemple.com
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SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
A customer enjoys a meal in Enliten Bakery and Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 in downtown Provo.
storefronts as well. Hoping to helping them through this process is Downtown Provo Inc., a business advocacy group that works with the city, according to its executive director, Brady Curtis. “A lot of businesses on Center Street have taken advantage of the grant, and it’s getting noticed,” Brady Curtis said. “I’ve had other cities call and ask about what we’re doing here.” Murray said that just in the last year, there has been a significant decline in empty store fronts in the area bounded east and west by 500 West and 300 East, and north and south by 200 North and 200 South. Though the area’s older buildings have undergone major remodels in recent years, business owners and developers have tried to marry modern convenience with the historic heritage of the area. The Wells Fargo and Zions Bank buildings kicked off the downtown upswing in 2007, forming two solid anchors with their modernized rebuilds. Nu Skin continued the trend, forming a nice trifecta and breathing new life into the neighborhood, bridging the past to the future with its multiblock headquarters finished in 2013. The Utah Valley Convention Center also made a loud and 124
PCCT Magazine | January 2016
GETTING TO DOWNTOWN The Provo Orem Transportation Improvement Project (TRIP) is set to break ground in 2016. The integrated rapid bus system will use specialized buses and dedicated lanes to quickly and efficiently transport passengers from anywhere along its route. The system starts at Orem’s Intermodal Hub, and ends at the Southgate Center, near the Novell Complex.
Major stops in between will be: • • • • •
Utah Valley University University Place Brigham Young University Provo City Center Temple Provo Towne Center Mall
emphatic statement with its completion in 2012 that downtown Provo was determined to stay. These projects, in addition to the new Provo Recreation Center and the work being done for the downtown LDS temple, have infused $600 million into the city alone. “We’ve had a host of businesses relocate to the
Provo-Orem TRIP by the numbers Route is 10.5 miles long 18 stations 25 modern articulated buses 18 buses on the road at one time 51 percent of project will have exclusive lanes • 5 minute bus frequency during peak travel times • 15 minute bus frequency during off-peak travel times • Travel time, end-to-end, is 38 minutes • • • • •
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downtown area, and we’re finding that historic space is at a real premium now,” said Provo Mayor John Curtis. “Available space on Center Street is almost all gone, except for those that need major investment and redevelopment.” Reflecting a change in the demographics of Provo, the area has slowly been becoming a mecca
BUSINESS
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Downtown Provo is seen in 2015.
for young students and professionals. The Rooftop Concert Series has been beneficial in bringing back the area’s nightlife opportunities. And stores like Unhinged and Rewind Exchange cater to the fashion crowd, while Bianca’s La Petite French Bakery, Sodalicious, Taste and the Mighty Baker have recently opened their doors to excite the taste buds. A new urban mixed-use development, 63 Center, was built to house both residents and stores right in the heart of downtown, while the incoming Temple View Apartments just east of the temple hope to bring in those who like a more peaceful view. “With the entrepreneurial spirit and music scene we now have, we’re building cultural capital in the area. That will guide further investment. The way you feel about your neighborhood matters and prompts more investment down the road,” Murray said.
PROVO BLOOMS LIKE A ROSE Not only is downtown starting to be reborn, but the rest of Provo is growing and expanding as well. Currently there are 2,449 businesses in the city, with an additional 1,546 home-based businesses. Provo doesn’t have as much open land as some other cities, but officials are working to wisely use what space is left. Approximately 1,150 apartment units are currently under construction, in the approval process or in planning stages, Murray said. Utah Valley Regional Medical Center is in the midst of its $450 million hospital expansion project,
and Brigham Young University has nearly $100 million in planned construction projects as well. City officials, Murray said, are also working very diligently on the redevelopment of properties in East Bay, to make sure that area grows in a way that makes sense for both residents and businesses. “We see lots of interest in properties downtown as well as in East Bay and near the Intermodal Hub. Office and industrial space has a really low vacancy rate, and there are some plans for new spec space at Mountain Vista Business Park (in southeast Provo) and elsewhere,” Murray said. “We feel the present development market is in an upcycle, and we are trying to capitalize and help foster a positive environment in Provo.”
WILL THE TEMPLE HELP?
Provo officials believe some businesses are banking on the new temple to help them succeed. Dixon Holmes, Provo’s deputy mayor over economic development, said they forecast many will do well, but some may not see much increase in business, just because of the nature of their product or service — and not because they are bad businesses. “It will be interesting to see what temple patrons will do as they come. If they just get in their cars and drive away, there will be no benefit to the area,” Holmes said. “But if they stay and get something to eat, or stop and shop, then we’ll see a significant benefit. We just have to believe at least it will bring positive exposure to downtown.” Murray said he talked to the Ogden City Department of Economic Development to gauge
how the Ogden temple remodel impacted their downtown business. Officials there didn’t notice much benefit, he said, but overall, Provo officials are excited to see the ripples visitors to this new temple may create. “Everything is going extremely well, and the temple only adds a new layer, a beautiful ambiance to downtown,” Mayor Curtis said. The city has also been prepping to make getting to the temple and downtown even easier. Provo officials and the Utah Transit Authority have been planning and negotiating the Provo-Orem Transportation Improvement Project, a rapid busbased mass transit system for the area, since 2005. It will quickly get people down to the main parts of the cities, with a stop just down the block from the temple. For business owners, that’s great news. “Any kind of transportation that brings more people downtown, or makes it easier for people to get downtown is that much better,” Brady Curtis said. Since construction of the transportation project won’t start until after the temple is open, the city is hoping to encourage people to lock those car doors and stick around by making sure people can find parking. “... We have large amounts of parking, but we’ve done a terrible job of telling people where it is, so the wayfinding signs we’ve been installing are to address that,” Mayor Curtis said. Once those wayfinding signs are in place, the city can only sit back and wait to see if the people come. www.provocitycentertemple.com
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TOP THINGS TO DO PLACES TO EAT IN PROVO
& STORY BY JORDAN CARROLL
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Chocolate bars cool on a tray at Coleman & Davis. “Every chocolate manufacturer says, ‘Well, we make the world’s best chocolate, and we don’t compromise.’ However, they do,” Davis said. “When we say it, we really mean it.”
F
Provo’s entertainment and food culture developed into a Utah treasure
Former residents or university alumni who have moved away might not recognize some parts of Provo if they’ve been absent for the last five years. The urban downtown culture has morphed into something unique to the city, while the rest of the town has seen development with a new recreation center, expanding medical center, completion of the Utah Valley Convention Center and growth surrounding the Brigham Young University campus.
THINGS TO DO
Despite what college students used to say about the lack of entertainment in the town, Provo is the epicenter of activities in Utah County. In recent years, the city has truly embraced more entertainment and music. Just within the downtown area, one can find a comedy club, Comedy Sportz; multiple music venues including Velour Live Music Gallery (where musicians like Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees, Joshua James and Lindsey Stirling have played) and Muse Music; seasonal markets like the Provo Farmers Market, Bijou Market and Beehive Bazaar; and undiscovered gems like Taste, the chocolate shop and its adjoining chocolate factory. Throughout the year, the city is host to multiple
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SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Book on Tape Worm plays at the Velour Live Music Gallery.
FOOD & FUN
JAMES ROH, DAILY HERALD
Scott Peirce walks a highline in Rock Canyon on April 12, 2013.
festivals including the Freedom Festival, Festival Latinoamericano, Utah Pasifika Festival and the Rooftop Concert Series — all of which are traditionally held between June and September. Haven’t been to one? Look it up, and thank us later. RECREATION
Living in or visiting Provo is not complete without exposure to the great outdoors along the Wasatch Front through various activities. Rock Canyon offers space for hiking, climbing
SPENSER HEAPS, DAILY HERALD
Senior group keeps passion for skiing alive at Sundance Mountain.
and even slacklining, while Sundance Mountain Resort features skiing, zip lining and mountain biking. Utah Lake borders the city to the west, allowing for fishing and summer water sports, while Provo River to the north is renowned for its fly fishing, and even offers up chilly floating trips in the summer months.
SPOTS TO SEE MUSEUMS
Provo and its neighbor Springville have a number
of museums that feature unique and major exhibits, along with other impressive collections. BYU’s on-campus Museum of Art has hosted exhibitions of Carl Bloch’s religious paintings, the art of Norman Rockwell and costumes from Hollywood cinema. Of course, one would be remiss to not mention Utah’s first art museum — Springville Museum of Art — just six miles away from downtown Provo. It is known for its Russian collection and showcases of juried, contemporary Utah art. Other museums in the area worth visiting include
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a range of interests. BYU’s Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is full of adventure and animals — sometimes live ones. It’s a great attraction for kids. The Crandall Historical Printing Museum, located along Center Street in Provo, is where visitors can learn about the development of the printing press, see a working replica of the Gutenberg Press in action, and learn about the printing of historical American documents and LDS books. Best-kept (and unnecessary) secret
The Provo City Library is perhaps one of Provo’s best-kept secrets out in the open. The building, once the Brigham Young Academy, resembles the character and architecture of the new Provo City Center Temple and was saved by residents who voiced outcry at its possible demolition. Today the building not only hosts an impressive collection of physical and digital media, it also hosts classes for children and adults, as well as events in its stunning upstairs ballroom. BYU sporting events
James Roh, Daily Herald
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Fred Warner yells while the team gets psyched up for their game against East Carolina in October 2015.
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No matter the time of year, the university seems to always be teeming with collegiate sporting events the public can attend — basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, baseball or rugby. For the latest games, visit byucougars.com. Other places to see in the city include the classic Provo Utah Temple, as well as places along Provo’s Historic Tour that can be taken by using an Android app that shows historic downtown places.
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FOOD & FUN
MORE ONLINE For a full list of our recommendations on what to do, where to visit and restaurants to try in Provo, visit provocitycentertemple.com.
PLACES TO EAT
While there are plenty of popular chains and fast casual places in Provo, the city’s reputation for entrepreneurship has extended into restaurants and food, providing many unique local eateries with various ethnic inspirations. DOWNTOWN
First, while downtown attending the open house or visiting temple grounds, there are plenty of fun places to eat in the immediate area for breakfast, lunch or dinner. New and different flavors can be found on every block, from Black Sheep Cafe (contemporary Southwestern Native American) and El Salvador Restaurant to Indian restaurants India Palace and Bombay House. Those looking for more traditional American or comfort food will find Guru’s Cafe, and Bruges Waffles and Frites, to hit the spot. Communal might also fall under this category, though it’s higher priced with its commitment to locally obtained ingredients. CITYWIDE
Throughout the rest of the city is a continued
JAMES ROH, DAILY HERALD
The Amano Dos Rios Molten Chocolate Cake from Black Sheep Cafe in Provo features chocolate from Art Pollard in Orem.
variety of cuisine. Among our favorite places are Cubby’s Chicago Beef (Tri Tip Steak Salad and Rosemary Fries); Green Panda (Taiwanese dishes and Boba Smoothies); the popular Brazilian buffet at Tucanos; the original JDawgs; and SLABpizza. SWEETS
Keeping with tradition, a trip or outing in Provo must always include sweets (or specifically ice cream). The Provo Bakery has filled a need for baked goods for decades, while the BYU Creamery attracts alumni from around the world with scoops of Graham Canyon and LaVell’s Vanilla. Other places on our go-to list include Taste, Hruska’s Kolaches, Rockwell Ice Cream Co., Pop’nSweets and Sodalicious.
SAMMY JO HESTER, DAILY HERALD
Chili Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala and Light Orange Coconut Curry are offered at India Palace in Provo.
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