Archæology - Close to Home

[theoldwolf]

In 1867, the original Old Meeting House or Old Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated in Provo Utah, providing the pioneers there a place to assemble and worship. It served in this capacity until 1918-1919, when it was torn down.



In 1893, a larger tabernacle was begun next to the old one, and completed in 1898. The two stood side-by-side until the older building was demolished.





Due to construction errors, the roof began to sag and the central cupola was removed, leaving the building looking the way it did until 2010.



Tragedy struck the lovely old building in December of 2010. A film crew was preparing for a movie shoot, and a 300-watt lamp was removed from the ceiling and placed on a speaker box in the attic. The resulting fire left the building a burnt-out shell.


A picture of the Saviour found in the wreckage, burned everywhere except on the image of Christ.

On October 1, 2011, Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced in General Conference that the Provo Tabernacle would be rebuilt to serve as a second temple in Provo.



In preparation for the groundbreaking for the new temple, the foundations of the old Tabernacle were excavated by professionals and archæaology students. Numerous historical artifacts were found, which will be on display at Brigham Young University after they have been inventoried and conserved. The foundation stones will be given to the city of Provo for use in other building projects designed to preserve the pioneer legacy.



It is envisioned that the new temple will feature a complete restoration of the exterior of the building, including the original central cupola. Provo will be the second city in the world, after West Jordan, Utah, to have two operating LDS temples.

Comments

[thefoxaroo.livejournal.com]

Vernal, Upalco, Ouray; let's go to Provo!

Very interesting history, although quite sad that 112 years of history was destroyed by someone being careless with electrics.

Most appealing photographs too. Is the final pic a photograph or an artist's conception? It looks somewhat CGI in appearance.

I recall you told me a story about the construction of a tabernacle (or other place of worship) in early colonial times where the sandstone proved to be inadequate and had to be replaced by granite? (And I made the tasteless joke "They should never have taken sandstone for granite."). We were walking up the stairs from Gloucester Street to Cumberland Street alongside the southern approach to the Harbour Bridge. Can you recall which building that was? I'd like to hear that story again. I remember you telling me that they had to disguise the foundations for fear of persecution?

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

1) Final pic was architect's rendering.

2) Salt Lake Temple. If you're really interested, you can YouTube a very well-done presentation depicting the history of the construction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2J-PbZ3CpI (I think there are 8 parts)

3) Your joke:

[thefoxaroo.livejournal.com]

2) I've watched the first segment, but my fever is making it too difficult to continue. A great pity because the directing is splendid and the background music is inspiring.

My mother arrives from up north tomorrow and she'll be visiting for the week. After that I'll have time to catch up.

3) Yes, that was your reaction at the time too. :P

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

Found a better copy - all in one video.

http://youtu.be/X_Dr7tUXMMU

Hope you survive the week...