Temple Square

Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Temple Square is a ten acre area, set aside and beautifully landscaped, which houses essential living history in Utah. At the center is the Salt Lake Temple adorned with six magnificent granite spires, and the majestic domed tabernacle – home of the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir – adjacent to it. Also housed within the tabernacle is the one-of-a-kind tabernacle organ, which has been heard around the world on thousands of recordings accompanying the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The history of the organ is unique, stemming from England, with the actual wood that was used to build it coming from the area of Parowan, in southern Utah. The organ, which contains over 11,600 pipes, is considered one of the finest in the world.

In addition to the Temple and the Tabernacle, are the Assembly Hall, two visitors’ centers, beautiful and serene flower gardens and statuary. Guided tours are available free of charge, or you can stroll through the area and explore on your own. The grounds are open to visitors; however, there are no tours inside the Temple.

The history of the Temple spans several decades. The site was chosen by Brigham Young in April 1853, but the temple took 40 years to complete and was dedicated on April 6, 1893. The grounds surrounding the Temple are lush and beautiful to visit.

Temple Square’s two visitors’ centers offer various activities including interactive exhibits, movies, and other information and artifacts that describe the history of the area, the Temple and the grounds. In addition, there are weekly free concerts and other family-oriented events at the Assembly Hall, featuring local and international artists. During the winter months, the North Visitor’s Center offers Saturday evening family concerts to the public, called “Saturday Family Night at Temple Square.”

Within walking distance there are two malls, as well as the Salt Lake downtown business district. In addition, there is the Museum of Church History and Art, the Family History Library, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Church Office Building, The Beehive House and the Lion House.

The Beehive House is an interesting look at history, as it was the home of Brigham Young and his family during the 1800’s when he was president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and governor of the Utah Territory. The home has been painstakingly and exquisitely restored and is a National Historic Landmark. Throughout the home there are glimpses into Brigham Young’s family life – the play room, the family store, a fairy castle and, of course, the sitting room, where the family gathered together to sing and pray together. A beehive, the symbol of a strong work ethic, which Brigham Young firmly believed in, sits on top of the home.

A trip to this historic area in Utah can be both interesting and enriching, regardless of what your religious or spiritual background or preference is. It is a look into the history of Utah and the foundation of how much of the history began and how Utah has grown. It is also an essential part of the history of the western United States, which can give all who visit a glimpse into the people and perseverance that established this area.

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