Manti Utah Temple

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Manti Utah Temple
Number 3 edit data
Announcement 1875-06-25
Groundbreaking 1877-04-25 by
Brigham Young
Dedication 1888-05-21 by
Lorenzo Snow
Rededication 1985-06-14 by
Gordon B. Hinckley
Designed by William H. Folsom
Location Temple Hill
Manti, Utah 84642
United States
Phone number 435-835-2291
Site 27 acres (10.9 hectares)
Total floor area 100,373 sq ft (9,325 m²)
Height 179 ft (55 m)
Exterior finish cream-colored oolite limestone
Temple design Castellated Gothic/French Renaissance
Ordinance rooms 4 with live sessions
Sealing rooms 8
Clothing rental Yes
Cafeteria Full services
Visitors'  center No
Preceded by Logan Utah Temple
Followed by Salt Lake Temple
Official websiteNews & Images

The Manti Utah Temple (formerly the Manti Temple) is the fifth constructed temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Located in the city of Manti, Utah, it was the third LDS temple built west of the Mississippi River after the Mormon's great trek westward. (The St. George and Logan Utah temples preceded it.) The Manti Utah Temple was designed by William Harrison Folsom, who moved to Manti while the temple was under construction. The temple dominates the Sanpete Valley, and can be seen from many miles. Like all LDS temples, only church members in good standing may enter.

Contents

[edit] History

The decision to build an LDS temple in Manti was announced on June 25, 1875 by Brigham Young. The Salt Lake Temple was announced years before in 1847, but construction was still underway and not finished until 1893. The Manti Temple was built, along with the St. George and Logan temples, to satisfy the church's immediate need for these structures. The site for the temple was the Manti Stone Quarry, a large hill immediately northeast of town. Early Mormon settlers in the area had prophesied that this would be the site of a temple. When Brigham Young announced the building of the temple, he also announced that the 27 acre plot would then be known as "Temple Hill."

The temple was completed in 1888, and a private dedication was held on May 17, 1888, with the prayer given by Wilford Woodruff. Three public dedications were held on May 21–23, 1888, and were directed by Lorenzo Snow.

During the construction of the Salt Lake Temple from 1853–1893, the Manti Temple was the location of the Holy of Holies.

[edit] Renovations

The Manti Temple has undergone various remodeling and renovations. Construction of a great stone stairway leading up the hill to the west temple doors began in 1907. In 1935, the temple was fully lit at night for the first time. In 1940 the stone stairs were removed and work began to beautify the grounds. Between 1944 and 1945 the annex, chapel, kitchen, Garden Room, and men’s and women’s areas were remodeled. There was once a tunnel beneath the east tower of the temple through which wagons and cars could pass, but it was closed off in the 1960s.

In 1981 church officials decided that the interior of the temple needed extensive remodeling. The renovation took four years, during which murals and original furniture were restored, offices were enlarged and remodeled, a separate door was made to the baptistery, water and weather damage were repaired, an elevator was installed, and locker rooms were improved among many other projects. In June of 1985, Gordon B. Hinckley directed the rededication ceremonies.

[edit] Style

The Manti Temple combines the Gothic Revival, French Renaissance Revival, French Second Empire, and Colonial architectural styles. The temple has 100,373 square feet (9,325.0 m²) of floor space, eight sealing rooms and four ordinance rooms. The exterior is made of fine-textured, cream-colored oolite limestone from quarries in the hill on which the temple now stands. The two towers of the temple are 179 feet (55 m) tall, and the open center spiral staircases inside the towers are marvels of pioneer ingenuity.

[edit] Photos

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Languages