THE GREAT TEMPLE AT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH--HISTORICAL
{136} Where in 1847 nought but a wilderness of sagebrush and sunflowers
stretched from the Wasatch barrier westward toward the shores of the
great salt sea, now appears a stately city, even as was then foreseen
in prophetic vision. On the site selected but four days after the
advent of the pioneer band of "Mormon" colonizers, stands a massive
structure, dedicated to the name of the Most High. It is at once an
object of wonder and admiration to the visitor, and a subject of
sanctifying joy and righteous pride to the people whose sacrifice and
effort have given it being.
On the east center tower appears an inscription, the letters deep-cut
in stone and lined with gold:
Holiness to the Lord
THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Commenced April 6, 1853
Completed April 6, 1893
In one of the upper rooms a splendid art window presents an excellent
view of the completed building, with side inscriptions as follows:
{137} Corner stone laid April 6, 1853, by
President Brigham Young
Assisted by his Counselors
Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards
Dedicated April 6, 1893, by
President Wilford Woodruff
Assisted by his Counselors
George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith
These memorial tablets in stone and jeweled glass give the essentials
as to dates in the history of the great Temple; some further data,
however, may be of interest to the reader.
The Temple Block, a square of ten acres, was laid off in 1847, and
is today one of the choicest sites within the city. At the General
Conference of the Church held in April, 1851, an official vote was
taken whereby the erection of the Temple was authorized. Be it
remembered that this action was that of a people despoiled and in
poverty, struggling with the unsubdued desert, the while menaced by
hostile savages; and that at the time the entire population of Utah
did not exceed thirty thousand souls, of whom fewer than five thousand
were living within the area of the prospective city. A general epistle
issued by the First Presidency of the Church, April 7, 1851, is
instructive in this connection:
"A railroad has been chartered to extend from the Temple Block in
this city to the stone quarry and mountain on the east, for the
conveyance of building materials; the construction to commence
immediately. * * * We contemplate laying a wall around the Temple
Block this season, preparatory to laying the foundation of a Temple
{138} the year following; and this we will be sure to do, if all
the Saints shall prove themselves as ready to pay their tithing,
and sacrifice and consecrate of their substance, as freely as we
will; and if the Saints do not pay their tithing, we can neither
build nor prepare for building; and if there shall be no Temple
built, the Saints can have no endowments, and if they do not
receive their endowments, they can never attain unto that salvation
they are anxiously looking for."[1]
It had been decided to surround the entire block by a substantial
wall. The beginning of work on this enclosure was deferred through
lack of material and men until August 3, 1852; but from that date
it progressed with fair rapidity, and on May 23, 1857, the wall
was finished, practically as it now stands. It extends a full city
block,--one eighth of a mile in each of its four directions; and, it is
interesting to note, these dimensions are practically the same as those
which, according to Josephus, enclosed the grounds on which stood the
Temple of Herod.[2] The wall has a base of cut stone,--a red sandstone
from the mountains on the east; the base is four feet in height, and
supports courses of adobes which extend ten feet higher; then follows a
coping of red sandstone one foot in thickness, giving the wall a total
height of fifteen feet. The adobes are hidden by a durable dressing of
cement. Passage to and from the square is provided for by large gates
in the center of each of the four sides. When this wall was built,
City Creek ran through Temple Block; the stream is now confined to a
straight channel north of the block; and the arches under which the
stream once passed may be seen in the base of the wall both on the east
and west sides.
{139} The construction of the wall, in itself a great and costly
undertaking for people situated as were its builders, was but an
incident to the greater labor of erecting the Temple. Interest in the
work was never allowed to flag; it was the theme of both poet and
preacher, and the ever-pressing duty was kept in public view. The
people were given to understand that the commission to build the Lord's
House was theirs, and not that of their leaders alone.
The site was dedicated and ground first broken for the foundation
February 14, 1853. The occasion was a notable one, and was observed
by the Saints as a day of general rejoicing. Between the date of
breaking ground and the time of the next succeeding conference of the
Church, preparations for the laying of the corner-stones were carried
on with determination and vigor. The glad event occurred on the 6th
of April, 1853--the twenty-third anniversary of the organization of
the Church,--and was celebrated by the people with such evidences of
thanksgiving and genuine joy as assured their devotion to the work so
auspiciously begun. Civic and military bodies took part; there were
processions with bands of music, and solemn services with prayer.
The mayor of the city was marshal of the day; the city police served
as a guard of honor, and the territorial militia marched with the
congregation of the Saints. The placing of the corner-stones was
celebrated as an accomplished triumph, though but a beginning.
Let it not be imagined that the work was carried through without
hindrance or set-back. The foundation was commenced at the south-east
corner June 16, 1853, and was completed July 23, 1855. A course of
rubble {140} was laid on the actual foundation and this was succeeded
by courses of flagstone. The work had gone forward but slowly, when, in
1857, a serious interruption occurred. At that time the people prepared
to abandon their homes, temporarily at least, and seek an abiding place
elsewhere in the desert. The cause of the portending exodus was the
approach of an armed force sent by the United States government to
subdue an alleged rebellion in Utah. This military movement had been
ordered through an utter misunderstanding of facts, based on vicious
misrepresentation. The coming of the soldiery had been heralded with
dire threats of violence; and while the people knew themselves innocent
of any act of disloyalty toward the government or its officers, they
had not forgotten the harrowing scenes of organized persecution in
Missouri and Illinois, due to misapprehension, and they preferred the
uncertainties of the desert to the dread alternative of a possible
repetition of the past. In the saddening preparations for departure,
the people carefully covered the foundation work on the site of the
Temple; excavations were re-filled, and every vestige of masonry was
obscured. At that time no part of the foundation had been carried above
ground-level. When the covering-up process was complete, the site
showed nothing more attractive than a remote resemblance to the barren
stretch of a roughly plowed field.
It is pleasing to note that a peaceable adjustment between the army
and the people was effected. The Saints returned to their homes; and
the soldiers established a camp,--afterward to become a post,--at a
distance of forty miles from the city.[3]
{141} The interruption in building operations thus occasioned was
followed by a short period of comparative inactivity, after the
return of the people. The foundations were uncovered; but, before the
resumption of stone-laying, it was found that the rubble overlying the
foundation proper and immediately under the flagstone layers seemed to
have less stability than was required; and straightway both flagging
and rubble were removed. Stone of best quality was substituted, and
the work of actual construction was continued with renewed energy. The
reconstruction was a work of years.
The temple enclosure was for a brief period the communal center of
mechanical industry,--the one great work-shop of the intermountain
commonwealth. The Church had established there its public works,
comprising a power plant in which the energy of City Creek was
harnessed to the wheel, air-blast equipment, iron foundry, and machine
shops for the working of both wood and metal.[4] Much of the work here
done had no connection with the extensive building operations on Temple
Block.
Beside the interruptions and delays already noted, other hindrances
were inevitable, and, under the best of conditions progress could be
but slow. Not until years after the "move" incident to the entrance
of the federal soldiery, had the material of the main structure
been decided upon. As far back as the October conference of 1852
the question of material had been considered. Oolite {142} from the
quarries in Sanpete County, red sandstone from the hills near-by,
adobes with intermixed pebbles,--each had been suggested; and the
matter was brought to vote, though it must be admitted, the question
presented was somewhat indefinite in form. At the forenoon session
of the conference on October 9, 1852, President Heber C. Kimball
submitted the question: "Shall we have the Temple built of stone from
Red Butte, adobes, rock, or the best stone the mountains afford?" In
reply a resolution was adopted by unanimous vote to the effect "that
we build a Temple of the best materials that can be obtained in the
mountains of North America, and that the Presidency dictate where the
stone and other materials shall be obtained." The action is significant
as showing the faith, reliance, and determination of the people. The
Temple they were about to rear should be in every particular the best
the people could produce. This modern House of the Lord was to be no
temporary structure, nor of small proportions, nor of poor material,
nor of mean or inadequate design. It was known at the outset that the
building could not be finished for many a long year, for decades,
perhaps, and by that time this colony would have become a commonwealth,
the few would have grown to a multitude of souls. The Temple was to be
worthy of the great future. Sandstone, oolite, adobe blocks, each and
all were considered, and in turn rejected. The decision was to this
effect,--the walls should be of solid granite. An enormous deposit
of this durable stone had been discovered in the Cottonwood canyons,
twenty miles to the south-east, and to those faith-impelled people it
was enough to know that suitable material was available. At whatever
cost of toil {143} and sacrifice, at whatever toll of self-denial and
suffering, it should be procured.
The so-called "temple granite" is in reality a syenite, and occurs
as an immense laccolith in the Cottonwood section of the Wasatch.
The erosion of long ages had cut deep canyons through the eruptive
mass; and glaciers, descending with irresistible force, had dislodged
and transported countless boulders, many of them of colossal size.
These isolated blocks, known as erratics, furnished the supply of
building stone; it was not found necessary to quarry into the granite
mountain-mass in place. In the canyon the boulders were divided mostly
by the use of hand-drills and wedges, though low power explosives were
used to a small extent. The rough blocks were conveyed at first by
ox-teams; four yoke were required for each block, and every trip was a
labored journey of three or four days. A canal for the conveyance of
the rock by water was projected, and, indeed, work thereon was begun,
but the plan was abandoned as the prospect of railroad transportation
became more certain.
The plan of the building was given by Brigham Young, President of the
Church, and the structural details were worked out under his direction
by the Church architect--Truman O. Angell. A description by the latter
was published as early as 1854, both in Utah[5] and abroad.[6] {144}
For convenience of comparison with the details of actual construction
as now appear, this early announcement of what was then to be is here
reproduced:
"The Temple Block is forty rods square, the lines running north and
south, east and west, and contains ten acres. The center of the
Temple is one hundred and fifty-six feet six inches due west from
the center of the east line of the block. The length of said House,
east and west, is one hundred and eighty-six and a half feet,
including towers, and the width ninety-nine feet. On the east end
there are three towers, as also on the west. Draw a line north and
south one hundred and eighteen and a half feet through the center
of the towers, and you have the north and south extent of ground
plan, including pedestal.
"We depress into the earth, at the east end, to the depth of
sixteen feet, and enlarge all around beyond the lines of wall three
feet for a footing.
"The north and south walls are eight feet thick, clear of pedestal;
they stand upon a footing of sixteen feet wall, on its bearing,
which slopes three feet on each side to the height of seven and a
half feet. The footing of the towers rises to the same height as
the side, and is one solid piece of masonry of rough ashlars, laid
in good lime mortar.
"The basement of the main building is divided into many rooms by
walls, all having footings. The line of the basement floor is six
inches above the top of the footing. From the tower on the east to
the tower on the west, the face of the earth slopes six feet; four
inches above the earth on the east line, begins a promenade walk,
from eleven to twenty-two feet wide, around the entire building,
and approached by stone steps on all sides.
"There are four towers on the four corners of the building, each
starting from their footing, of twenty-six feet square; these
continue sixteen and a half feet and come to the line of the base
string course, which is eight feet above the promenade walk. At
this point the towers are reduced to twenty-five feet square; they
then continue to the height of thirty-eight feet, or the height
of the second string course. At this point they are reduced to
twenty-three feet square; they then continue thirty-eight feet
high, to the third string course. The string courses continue all
around the building, except when separated by buttresses. These
string courses are massive mouldings from solid blocks of stone.
"The two east towers then rise twenty-five feet to a string course,
or cornice. The two west towers rise nineteen feet and come to
their string course or cornice. The four towers then {145} rise
nine feet to the top of battlements. These towers are cylindrical,
having seventeen feet diameter inside, within which stairs ascend
around a solid column four feet in diameter, allowing landings at
the various sections of the building. These towers have each five
ornamental windows on two sides, above the basement. The two center
towers occupy the center of the east and west ends of the building,
starting from their footings thirty-one feet square, and break off
in sections in line with the corner towers to the height of the
third string course. The east center tower then rises forty feet
to the top of battlements; the west center tower rises thirty-four
feet to the top of battlements. All the towers have spires, the
details of which are not decided on.
"All these towers, at their corners, have octagon turrets,
terminated by octagon pinnacles five feet diameter at base, four
feet at first story, and three feet from there up. There are also
on each side of these towers two buttresses, except when they come
in contact with the body of the main building. The top of these
buttresses show forty-eight in number, and stand upon pedestals.
The space between the buttresses and turrets is two feet at first
story. On the front of two center towers are two large windows,
each thirty-two feet high, one above the other, neatly prepared for
that place.
"On the two west corner towers, and on the west end, a few feet
below the top of battlements, may be seen in bold or alto relievo,
the great dipper, or Ursa Major, with the pointers ranging nearly
towards the North Star. (Moral, the lost may find themselves by the
Priesthood.)
"I will now glance at the main body of the House. I have before
stated that the basement was divided into many rooms. The center
one is arranged for a baptismal font, and is fifty-seven feet long
by thirty-five feet wide, separated from the main wall by four
rooms, two on each side, nineteen feet long by twelve wide. On the
east and west sides of these rooms are four passages twelve feet
wide; these lead to and from by outside doors, two on the north
and two on the south. Further east and west from these passages
are four more rooms, two at each end, twenty-eight feet wide by
thirty-eight and one-half long. These and their walls occupy the
basement. All the walls start off their footings, and rise sixteen
and one-half feet, and there stop with ground ceiling.
"We are now up to the line of the base string course, eight
feet above the promenade, or steps rising to the Temple, which
terminates the cope of pedestal, and to the first floor of said
House. This room is joined to the outer courts, these courts being
the width between towers, sixteen feet by nine in the clear. We
ascend to the floors of these courts (they being on a line with
first floor of main house) by four flights of stone steps nine and
one-half feet wide, arranged in the basement work; the first {146}
step ranging to the outer line of towers. From these courts doors
admit to any part of the building.
"The size of the first large room is one hundred and twenty
feet long by eighty feet wide; the height reaches nearly to the
second string course. The room is arched over in the center
with an elliptical arch which drops at its flank ten feet, and
has thirty-eight feet span. The side ceilings have one-fourth
elliptical arches which start from the side walls of the main
building, sixteen feet high, and terminate at the capitals of the
columns or foot of center arch, at the height of twenty-four feet.
The columns obtain their bearings direct from the footings of said
house; these columns extend up to support the floor above.
"The outside walls of this story are seven feet thick. The space
from the termination of the foot of the center arch to the outer
wall, is divided into sixteen compartments, eight on each side,
making rooms fourteen feet by fourteen, clear of partitions, and
ten feet high, leaving a passage six feet wide next to each flank
of center arch, which is approached from the ends, These rooms are
each lighted by an elliptical or oval window, whose major axis is
vertical.
"The second large room is one foot wider than the room below; this
is in consequence of the wall being but six feet thick, falling
off six inches on the inner, and six on the outer side. The second
string course provides for this on the outside. The rooms of
this story are similar to those below. The side walls have nine
buttresses on a side, and have eight tiers of windows, five on each
tier.
"The foot of the basement windows are eight inches above the
promenade, rise three feet perpendicular, and terminate with a
semi-circular head. The first story windows have twelve feet length
of sash, to top of semi-circular head. The oval windows have
six and one-half feet length of sash. The windows of the second
story are the same as those below. All these frames have four and
one-half feet width of sash.
"The pedestals under all the buttresses project at their base two
feet; above their base, which is fifteen inches by four and a half
feet wide, on each front, is a figure of a globe three feet eleven
inches across, whose axis corresponds with the axis of the earth.
"The base string course forms a cope for those pedestals. Above
this cope the buttresses are three and a half feet, and continue to
the height of one hundred feet. Above the promenade, close under
the second string course, on each of the buttresses, is the moon,
represented in its different phases. Close under the third string
course, or cornice, is the face of the sun. Immediately above is
Saturn with her rings. The buttresses terminate with a projected
cope.
{147} "The only difference between the tower buttresses, and the
one just described is, instead of Saturn being on them, we have
clouds and rays of light descending downwards.
"All of these symbols are to be chiseled in bas-relief on solid
stone. The side walls continue above the string course, or cornice,
eight and a half feet, making the walls ninety-six feet high, and
are formed in battlements, interspersed with stars.
"The roof is quite flat, rising only eight feet, and is to be
covered with galvanized iron, or some other metal. The building is
to be otherwise ornamented in many places. The whole structure is
designed to symbolize some of the great architectural work above.
"The basement windows recede in, from the face of outer wall to
sash frame, eighteen inches, and are relieved by a large caveto.
Those windows above the base recede from face of wall to sash
frame, three feet, and are surrounded by stone jambs formed in
mouldings, and surmounted by labels over each, which terminate at
their horizon, excepting the oval windows, whose labels terminate
on columns which extend from an enriched string course, at the foot
of each window, to the center of major axis.
"My chief object in the last paragraph is to show to the judgment
of any who may be baffled, how those windows can be come at, etc.
All the windows in the towers are moulded, and have stone jambs;
each being crowned with label mouldings.
"For further particulars, wait till the House is done, then come
and see it.
"The whole House covers an area of twenty-one thousand eight
hundred and fifty feet."
The entrance of the Union Pacific Railway into Utah, in 1868, served
temporarily to retard work on the Temple, as the call for laborers on
the great trans-continental line was deemed imperative. Eventually,
however, the activity in railroad construction operated as a great
assistance in the undertaking; for, to the main line, branches
succeeded; and, by 1873, a side line had reached the granite quarries.
From the city station a track was constructed up South Temple Street,
and into Temple Block.
The work of construction proceeded so slowly as to {148} arouse a
feeling akin to impatience in the hearts of over-anxious Saints,
and mild restraint was called for. At other times gentle urging was
necessary. The work was apportioned to the people of the Territory,
which, for convenience, was divided into temple districts. Stakes and
wards and quorums of the Priesthood were assigned their parts, and an
effective system of divided labor and responsibility was developed.[7]
President Brigham Young died in 1877, at which time the granite walls
of the Temple had reached a height of about twenty feet above ground.
During the administration of his successor, President John Taylor, the
work was continued without important interruption for another decade,
and thereafter was urged with even greater vigor under the direction of
Wilford Woodruff, the next President of the Church. As the concluding
laps of a race are generally marked by increased energy incident to
the final spurt--the supreme effort to reach, the end in glory and
triumph, as in a powerful drama, interest becomes more intense, and
action more concentrated with the approach of the finale, so, in this
great undertaking, the fact that the end was looming above the horizon
of sight called forth redoubled energies on the part of the people.
When the granite had risen to the square, and when the spires began
to appear in place, a feeling of almost feverish anxiety was manifest
throughout the Church.
LAYING OF THE CAPSTONE
{149} The sixth day of April, 1892, was determined upon as the date for
placing in position the capstone of the Temple, and the announcement
was hailed with joy in every ward and branch of the Church, and in
every household of the Saints.
The day marked the close of the annual Conference, and was hallowed
by all the observances of solemn assembly. As a preliminary to the
principal ceremony, a vast congregation had assembled in the Tabernacle
at an early hour, and in this the several organizations of the
Priesthood occupied distinctive places on the main floor while the
galleries were reserved for the accommodation of the general public.
At the close of an impressive service, the multitude proceeded in
formal procession to the open space on the south side of the Temple,
where a temporary platform had been erected with the flag of the nation
waving above. An adjoining stand accommodated the choir, which numbered
over two hundred singers. There was band music of the highest order,
and every essential element of fervent worship combined with joyous
celebration had been provided.
Over forty thousand people were gathered within the confines of Temple
Block; and other thousands, unable to find a place in the great square,
stood in the streets or looked down from roofs and windows of adjoining
buildings. It is of record unchallenged that this assembly was the
largest ever known in Utah. At high noon the special service was begun.
The music of both band and choir, the marches, and anthems, and hymns,
had been specially composed for the joyous occasion. The prayer was
{150} offered by President Joseph F. Smith, of the First Presidency,
and the great "Amen" was echoed by two score thousand throats. A hymn
followed; and then the venerable President of the Church, Wilford
Woodruff, stepped to the front and announced that the auspicious
moment, so long awaited, had arrived. These were his ringing words:
"Attention all ye house of Israel, and all ye nations of the
earth! We will now lay the top-stone of the Temple of our God, the
foundation of which was laid and dedicated by the Prophet, Seer,
and Revelator, Brigham Young."
At this juncture the president closed an electric circuit on the stand,
and the granite hemisphere, forming the highest block of the great
Temple, slowly descended into position. Then followed a scene the
like of which is never enacted by this people except on occasions of
extraordinary solemnity, namely, the rendering of the sacred Hosanna
shout. Led by Lorenzo Snow, President of the Council of the Twelve
Apostles, the forty thousand Saints shouted as with the voice of one:
"Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! to God and the Lamb! Amen! Amen! Amen!"
This was repeated thrice, each shout accompanied by the waving of white
kerchiefs.
From the roof of the building came the voice of the
architect-in-charge, J. Don Carlos Young, declaring that the capstone
was duly laid, and choir and congregation broke forth in triumphant
song:
{151} "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!
The latter-day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning,
And angels are coming to visit the earth.
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven,
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever; Amen and Amen!"
Elder Francis M. Lyman of the Council of the Twelve then proposed the
adoption of the resolution presented below:
"Believing that the instruction of President Woodruff, respecting
the early completion of the Salt Lake Temple, is the word of the
Lord unto us, I propose that this assemblage pledge themselves,
collectively and individually, to furnish, as fast as it may be
needed, all the money that may be required to complete the Temple
at the earliest time possible, so that the dedication may take
place on April 6th, 1893."
The adoption was manifested by a deafening shout from the assembled
multitude, accompanied by the raising of hands. The final anthem was
the glorious "Song of the Redeemed"--particularly appropriate to the
hour; and the benediction was pronounced by President George Q. Cannon.
The topstone and the granite block upon which it immediately rests
form a sphere. Within the lower half a cavity had been prepared; and
in this were placed certain books and other articles, so that, as
the capstone was laid, it formed a secure and massive lid to this
stone receptacle. The stone contains a copy of the Holy Bible, Book
of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Voice of Warning, {152} Spencer's
Letters, Key to Theology, Hymn Book, Compendium, Pearl of Great Price,
and some other books; also photographs of Joseph and Hyrum Smith,
Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and
Joseph F. Smith, a photograph of the Temple as it appeared at the
time; and, in addition, an engraved tablet of copper setting forth the
principal dates in the history of the building and bearing the names of
the general authorities of the Church as they stood April 6, 1853, and
as constituted at the time of the capstone ceremony, April 6, 1892.
Later in the day, the top-stone was surmounted by the great statue--a
figure intended to represent Moroni, the heavenly messenger who
ministered to the youthful prophet, Joseph Smith, in 1823. The figure,
over twelve feet in height, is of copper heavily gilded. It is in the
form of a herald with a trumpet at his lips.[8]
COMPLETION OF THE BUILDING AND ITS DEDICATION
The adoption of a plan or the formal passing of a resolution by vote is
an easy matter, compared with which the working out of that plan, the
achieving of what was provided for by the vote, may be a gigantic task.
Such was the contrast between the action of the assembled multitude
on the 6th of April, 1892, and the work accomplished in the year that
followed.
When the capstone of the Temple was laid, the scene inside the walls
was that of chaos and confusion. To finish the interior within a year
appeared a practical impossibility. The task the people had taken upon
themselves {153} was almost superhuman. Nevertheless, they considered
the instruction to complete the building within the specified time
to be verily the word of the Lord unto them, and they remembered
the utterance of the ancient prophet, "I know that the Lord giveth
no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a
way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth
them."[9] The Saints regarded their act of voting to be equivalent to
the affixing of their individual signatures to a note of promise. As
to how well they met their obligation and kept their promise, let the
achievement of the year speak.
The people had pledged themselves "collectively and individually
to furnish as fast as it may be needed, all the money that may be
required to complete the Temple at as early a time as possible, so
that the dedication may take place on April 6, 1893." The pledge
was met in full. Under date of April 21, 1892, the First Presidency
issued a general epistle addressed to the Latter-day Saints in Zion
and throughout the world, directing that the people gather in their
places of worship on Sunday, the first day of May, and devote the
day to solemn fasting and prayer. To this call the people responded
faithfully. Mingled with their thanksgiving for the manifold blessings
of the past, were fervent supplications for success in the work of
completing the Lord's House within the time prescribed.[10]
In the work of finishing the Temple, it was all-important that there be
a competent, responsible man in charge, {154} who should be invested
with executive authority in every department of the labor. While the
First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve retained in their hands
the directing power, they needed an agent who could be trusted to
act with promptness, decision, and authority on every question that
should arise. The choice of the presiding authorities for a man to fill
this responsible position fell upon John R. Winder, who was at that
time Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, and who afterward
became First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. At
the time of his appointment to the responsible position of General
Superintendent of Temple Work, April 16, 1892, President Winder was in
his seventy-second year, yet he possessed the energy and activity of
youth, combined with the wisdom and discretion that age alone can give.
Under his efficient supervision, work on the interior of the Temple
progressed at a rate that surprised even the workers. Laborers of all
classes, mechanics, masons, plasterers, carpenters, glaziers, plumbers,
painters, decorators, artisans and artificers of every kind, were put
to work. The people verily believed that a power above that of man was
operating to assist them in their great undertaking. Material, much of
which was of special manufacture, came in from the east and the west,
with few of the usual delays of transit.
Heating and lighting systems were installed; and this installation
necessitated the erection of a boiler house, with all accessories of
equipment. Moreover, the Annex had to be built. At this point it may
be well to explain that each of the Temples in Utah is connected with
a separate structure, known as the Annex,--in the nature of {155} an
ante-building,--in which preliminary services are held, and wherein
record is made of the ordinance work to be done by the parties present,
before they are permitted to enter the Temple on the day of service.
The Annex to the Temple in Salt Lake City stands about one hundred feet
north from the main structure.
Even as late as one month prior to the date set for the dedication,
there was so much yet to be done, as to make many feel that for once
at least, the people had been mistaken in their belief that the Lord
had spoken, and that the completion of the work by the time set,
was a physical impossibility. On the 18th of March, 1893, the First
Presidency issued the following epistle:
"_To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints_:
"The near approach of the date for the dedication of the Temple
of our God moves us to express with some degree of fulness our
feelings to our brethren, the officers of the Church, who with us
bear the Priesthood of the Son of God, and to the Latter-day Saints
generally; to the end that in entering that holy building we may
all be found acceptable ourselves, with our households, and that
the building which we shall dedicate may also be acceptable unto
the Lord.
"The Latter-day Saints have used their means freely to erect other
Temples in these valleys, and our Father has blessed us in our
efforts. Today we enjoy the great happiness of having three of
these sacred structures completed, dedicated to and accepted of the
Lord, wherein the Saints can enter and attend to those ordinances
which He, in His infinite goodness and kindness, has revealed.
But for forty years the hopes, desires, and anticipations of the
entire Church have been centered upon the completion of this
edifice in the principal city of Zion. Its foundation was laid in
the early days of our settlement in these mountains; and from that
day until the present, the eyes of the members of the Church in
every land have been lovingly directed toward it. Looking upon it
as the Temple of temples, the people during all these years have
labored with unceasing toil, undiminished patience, and ungrudging
expenditure of means to bring it to its present condition of
completion; and now that the toils and the sacrifices of forty
years are crowned so successfully and happily, {156} now that the
great building is at last finished and ready to be used for divine
purposes, need we say that we draw near an event whose consummation
is to us as a people momentous in the highest degree? Far-reaching
in its consequence, as that occasion is certain to be, what remains
for us to say in order to impress the entire Church with a sense of
its tremendous importance?
"On this point, surely nothing; yet may we offer a few words upon a
phase that directly touches it. No member of the Church who would
be deemed worthy to enter that sacred house can be considered
ignorant of the principles of the Gospel. It is not too much to
presume that every one knows what his duty is to God and to his
fellowman. None is so forgetful as to have lost sight of the
admonition that we must be filled with love for and charity toward
our brethren. And hence none can for a moment doubt the supreme
importance of every member of the congregation being at peace with
all his or her brethren and sisters, and at peace with God. How
else can we hope to gain the blessings He has promised save by
complying with the requirements for which those blessings are the
reward?
"Can men and women who are violating a law of God, or those who are
derelict in yielding obedience to His commands, expect that the
mere going into His holy house and taking part in its dedication
will render them worthy to receive, and cause them to receive, His
blessing?
"Do they think that repentance and turning away from sin may be so
lightly dispensed with?
"Do they dare, even in thought, thus to accuse our Father of
injustice and partiality, and attribute to Him carelessness in the
fulfilment of His own words?
"Assuredly no one claiming to belong to His people would be guilty
of such a thing.
"Then must those who are unworthy cease to expect a blessing from
their attendance at the Temple while sin unrepented of still casts
its odor about them, and while bitterness or even an unforgiving
coolness exists in their hearts against their brethren and sisters.
"On this latter subject we feel that much might be said. In the
striving after compliance with the apparently weightier matters
of the law, there is a possibility that the importance of this
spirit of love and kindness and charity may be underestimated. For
ourselves, we cannot think of any precept that at present requires
more earnest inculcation.
"During the past eighteen months there has been a division of the
Latter-day Saints upon national party lines. Political campaigns
have been conducted, elections have been held, and feelings, more
or less intense, have been engendered in the minds of brethren and
sisters upon one side and the other.
{157} "We have been cognizant of conduct and have heard of many
expressions that have been very painful to us and have grieved our
spirits.
"We know they have been an offense unto the God of peace and love,
and a stumbling block unto many of the Saints.
"We feel now that a time for reconciliation has come; that before
entering into the Temple to present ourselves before the Lord in
solemn assembly, we shall divest ourselves of every harsh and
unkind feeling against each other; that not only our bickerings
shall cease, but that the cause of them shall be removed, and every
sentiment that prompted and has maintained them shall be dispelled;
that we shall confess our sins one to another, and ask forgiveness
one of another; that we shall plead with the Lord for the spirit
of repentance, and, having obtained it, follow its promptings; so
that in humbling ourselves before Him and seeking forgiveness from
each other, we shall yield that charity and generosity to those who
crave our forgiveness that we ask for and expect from heaven.
"Thus may we come up into the holy place with our hearts free from
guile and our souls prepared for the edification that is promised!
Thus shall our supplications, undisturbed by a thought of discord,
unitedly mount into the ears of Jehovah and draw down the choice
blessings of the God of Heaven!
"As your brethren, sustained by your vote and in your faith as
the First Presidency of the Church, we have this to say to the
Latter-day Saints, in our individual as well as our official
capacity: If there is a single member of the Church who has
feelings against us, we do not wish to cross the threshold of the
Temple until we have satisfied him and have removed from him all
cause of feeling, either by explanation or by making proper amends
and atonement; neither would we wish to enter the sacred portals
of that edifice until we have sought an explanation, or amends,
or atonement, from any against whom we may have either a real or
fancied grievance.
"In now announcing this course for ourselves, we say to all the
other officers of the Church that we desire them to follow our
example. We wish them from the highest to the lowest and throughout
all the stakes and wards of Zion to take heed of this counsel.
Let them invite all who may have feelings against them to come
forward and make them known; let them then endeavor to correct any
misapprehensions or misunderstandings which may exist, or give
redress for any wrong or injury that may have been done.
"We say the same--and when the officers have taken the course
indicated we wish them to say the same--to the individual members
of the Church. We call upon them to seek to have the fellowship
of their brethren and their sisters, and their entire confidence
and love; above all to seek to have the fellowship and {158}
union of the Holy Ghost. Let this spirit be sought and cherished
as diligently within the smallest and humblest family circle, as
within the membership of the highest organization and quorum. Let
it permeate the hearts of the brothers and sisters, the parents
and children of the household, as well as the hearts of the First
Presidency and Twelve. Let it mellow and soften all differences
between members of the Stake Presidencies and the High Councils,
as well as between neighbors living in the same ward. Let it unite
young and old, male and female, flock and shepherd, people and
Priesthood, in the bounds of gratitude and forgiveness and love, so
that Israel may feel approved of the Lord, and that we may all come
before Him with a conscience void of offense before all men. Then
there will be no disappointment as to the blessings promised those
who sincerely worship Him. The sweet whisperings of the Holy Spirit
will be given to them and the treasures of heaven, the communion of
angels, will be added from time to time, for His promise has gone
forth and it cannot fail!
"Asking God's blessing upon you all in your endeavor to carry out
this counsel, and desirous of seeing it take the form of a united
effort on the part of the whole people, we suggest that Saturday,
March 25, 1893, be set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. On
that occasion we advise that the Presidencies of Stakes, the High
Councils, the Bishops and their Counselors, meet together with the
Saints in their several meeting houses, confess their sins one to
another, and draw out from the people all feelings of anger, of
distrust, or of unfriendliness that may have found a lodgment; so
that entire confidence may then and there be restored and love from
this time prevail through all the congregations of the Saints."
It was evident that the authorities of the Church realized the
importance of preparing for the great event of the dedication in other
ways than by material construction and costly furnishings. The hearts
of the people had to be made ready; it was necessary that Israel
be sanctified. Throughout the length and breadth of Zion there was
a general cleansing of mind and soul; enmity was buried; bickering
ceased; differences between brethren were adjusted; offenses were
atoned and forgiven; a veritable jubilee was celebrated.
The finishing touches to the interior of the building {159} were made
late in the afternoon of April 5th, and in the evening of that day, the
Temple was thrown open to general inspection. Not only were members
of the Church admitted; many honorable men and women who had never
affiliated with the Church were invited to the number of over one
thousand, and they passed through the Temple from basement to top. In
view of the current belief that the Temples of the Latter-day Saints
are never open to the gaze of non-members, this fact is of significant
importance.
On the morning of the 6th of April, 1893, Wilford Woodruff, President
of the Church, led the way through the south-west door into the sacred
precincts. The event has been not inaptly likened to that of Joshua
leading Israel into the promised land. The venerable President was
followed by the rest of the general authorities of the Church, and
these in turn by other Church officials and such members as had been
specially designated to take part in the first dedication service.
Of the tens of thousands of Saints who desired to be present, whose
rightful privilege it was to attend, and who had contributed of their
substance to the building of the greatest Temple of modern times, but
few could be accommodated on the day of dedication. The assembly room,
which with its vestries occupies the entire upper floor, had been
furnished with seating accommodations for two thousand two hundred
and fifty-two persons. It was arranged, therefore, that services be
repeated twice daily, to continue from April 6th until all who were
entitled to admission had had opportunity to be present.
On the first day, the following were admitted to take part in what will
always be remembered as the official {160} dedicatory session: The
First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve Apostles, the Presiding
Patriarch, the First Council of the Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric,
and all other general authorities of the Church, and in addition,
Presidents of Stakes and their Counselors, members of Stake High
Councils, Patriarchs, Presidents of High Priests' Quorums and their
Counselors, Presidents of Quorums of Seventies, Bishops of Wards and
their Counselors. Admission was extended to the wives and immediate
families of all the Church officials named. To the later sessions,
admission was regulated so that particular wards and stakes had each a
special assignment as to time.
No one was admitted without a formal certificate, conventionally known
as a "recommend," signed by the Bishop of his ward and the President of
his stake. In a circular of instruction relating to the dedication the
following appears: "It will be necessary for each applicant to show his
or her recommend to the gate-keeper, in order to pass. The recommend
will then be taken up by a ticket-man inside the gate. No person will
be admitted without a recommend, on any occasion." Services were held
daily from April 6th, to April 18th, inclusive, and again on the 23rd
and 24th. Usually two sessions were held each day, but on the 7th of
April, an evening session was added. While children under eight years
of age, and therefore unbaptized, were not admitted to the general
sessions, special days were set apart for their accommodation; thus
April 21st and 22nd,--Friday and Saturday,--were reserved for Sunday
School children, under the prescribed age for baptism.
At the first service,--the official dedication,--the {161} prayer was
offered by President Wilford Woodruff, and at each succeeding session
the prayer was read. The prayer itself is at once a sermon and a
supplication; it is expressive of the inmost thoughts of the people;
it is an epitome of the history of the Saints and the condition of the
Church at that time.
The prayer follows in full:
"Our Father in heaven, thou who hast created the heavens and the
earth, and all things that are therein; thou most glorious One,
perfect in mercy, love, and truth, we, thy children, come this day
before thee, and in this house which we have built to thy most holy
name, humbly plead the atoning blood of thine Only Begotten Son,
that our sins may be remembered no more against us forever, but
that our prayers may ascend unto thee and have free access to thy
throne, that we may be heard in thy holy habitation. And may it
graciously please thee to hearken unto our petitions, answer them
according to thine infinite wisdom and love, and grant that the
blessings which we seek may be bestowed upon us, even a hundred
fold, inasmuch as we seek with purity of heart and fulness of
purpose to do thy will and glorify thy name.
"We thank thee, O thou Great Elohim, that thou didst raise up thy
servant, Joseph Smith, through the loins of Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, and made him a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and through the
assistance and administrations of angels from heaven, thou didst
enable him to bring forth the Book of Mormon,--the stick of Joseph,
in the hand of Ephraim,--in fulfilment of the prophecies of Isaiah
and other prophets, which record has been translated and published
in many languages. We also thank thee, our Father in heaven, that
thou didst inspire thy servant and give him power on the earth to
organize thy Church in this goodly land, in all its fulness, power
and glory, with Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers, with
all the gifts and graces belonging thereto, and all this by the
power of the Aaronic and Melchisedek Priesthood, which thou didst
bestow upon him by the administration of holy angels, who held
that Priesthood in the days of the Savior. We thank thee, our God,
that thou didst enable thy servant Joseph to build two temples, in
which ordinances were administered for the living and the dead;
that he also lived to send the Gospel to the nations of the earth
and to the islands of the sea, and labored exceedingly until he was
martyred for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
"We also thank thee, O our Father in heaven, that thou didst {162}
raise up thy servant Brigham Young, who held the keys of thy
Priesthood on the earth for many years, and who led thy people to
these valleys of the mountains, and laid the corner-stone of this
great Temple and dedicated it unto thee, and who did direct the
building of three other temples in these Rocky Mountains which have
been dedicated unto thy holy name, in which temples many thousands
of the living have been blessed and the dead redeemed.
"Our Father in heaven, we are also thankful to thee for thy servant
John Taylor, who followed in the footsteps of thy servant Brigham,
until he laid down his life in exile.
"Thou hast called thy servants Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon,
and Joseph F. Smith, to hold the keys of the Presidency and
Priesthood this day, and for these shepherds of thy flock we feel
to give thee thanksgiving and praise. Thy servant Wilford is bound
to acknowledge thy hand, O Father, in the preservation of his life
from the hour of his birth to the present day. Nothing but thy
power could have preserved him through that which he has passed
during the eighty-six years that thou hast granted him life on the
earth.
"For the raising up of the Twelve Apostles, we also thank thee, our
God, and for the perfect union which exists among us.
"We thank thee, O Lord, for the perfect organizations of thy Church
as they exist at the present time.
"O Lord, we regard with intense and indescribable feelings the
completion of this sacred house. Deign to accept this the fourth
temple which thy covenant children have been assisted by thee in
erecting in these mountains. In past ages thou didst inspire with
thy Holy Spirit thy servants, the prophets, to speak of a time in
the latter days when the mountain of the Lord's house should be
established in the top of the mountains, and should be exalted
above the hills. We thank thee that we have had the glorious
opportunity of contributing to the fulfilment of these visions of
thine ancient seers, and that thou hast condescended to permit
us to take part in the great work. And as this portion of thy
servants' words has thus so marvelously been brought to pass, we
pray thee, with increased faith and renewed hope, that all their
words with regard to thy great work in gathering thine Israel and
building up thy kingdom on earth in the last days may be as amply
fulfilled, and that, O Lord, speedily.
"We come before thee with joy and thanksgiving, with spirits
jubilant and hearts filled with praise, that thou hast permitted
us to see this day for which, during these forty years, we have
hoped, and toiled, and prayed, when we can dedicate unto thee this
house which we have built to thy most glorious name. One year ago
we set the capstone with shouts of Hosanna to God and the Lamb. And
today we dedicate the whole unto thee, with {163} all that pertains
unto it, that it may be holy in thy sight; that it may be a house
of prayer, a house of praise and of worship; that thy glory may
rest upon it; that thy holy presence may be continually in it; that
it may be the abode of thy Well-Beloved Son, our Savior; that the
angels who stand before thy face may be the hallowed messengers who
shall visit it, bearing to us thy wishes and thy will, that it may
be sanctified and consecrated in all its parts holy unto thee, the
God of Israel, the Almighty Ruler of mankind. And we pray thee that
all people who may enter upon the threshold of this, thine house,
may feel thy power and be constrained to acknowledge that thou hast
sanctified it, that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.
"We pray thee, Heavenly Father, to accept this building in all
its parts from foundation to capstone, with the statue that is
on the latter placed, and all the finials and other ornaments
that adorn its exterior. We pray thee to bless, that they decay
not, all the walls, partitions, floors, ceilings, roofs, and
bridging, the elevators, stairways, railings and steps, the
frames, doors, windows, and other openings, all things connected
with the lighting, heating, and sanitary apparatus, the boilers,
engines, and dynamos, the connecting pipes and wires, the lamps
and burners, and all utensils, furniture and articles used in or
connected with the holy ordinances administered in this house, the
veils and the altars, the baptismal font and the oxen on which
it rests, and all that pertains thereto, the baths, washstands
and basins. Also the safes and vaults in which the records are
preserved, with the records themselves, and all books, documents,
and papers appertaining to the office of the recorder, likewise
the library with all the books, maps, instruments, etc., that may
belong thereto. We also present before thee, for thine acceptance,
all the additions and buildings not forming a part of the main
edifice but being appendages thereto; and we pray thee to bless
all the furniture, seats, cushions, curtains, hangings, locks and
fastenings, and multitudinous other appliances and appurtenances
found in and belonging to this Temple and its annexes, with all
the work of ornamentation thereon, the painting and plastering,
the gilding and bronzing, the fine work in wood and metal of every
kind, the embroidery and needlework, the pictures and statuary, the
carved work and canopies. Also the materials of which the buildings
and their contents are made or composed--the rock, lime, mortar
and plaster, the timbers and lath, the wood of various trees, the
gold and silver, the brass and iron, and all other metals, the
silk, wool, and cotton, the skins and furs, the glass, china, and
precious stones, all these and all else herein we humbly present
for thine acceptance and sanctifying blessing.
"Our Father in heaven, we present before thee the altars which we
have prepared for thy servants and handmaidens to {164} receive
their sealing blessings. We dedicate them in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, unto thy most holy name, and we ask thee to sanctify
these altars, that those who come unto them may feel the power
of the Holy Ghost resting upon them, and realize the sacredness
of the covenants they enter into. And we pray that our covenants
and contracts which we make with thee and with each other may be
directed by thy Holy Spirit, be sacredly kept by us, and accepted
by thee, and that all the blessings pronounced may be realized by
all thy Saints who come to these altars, in the morning of the
resurrection of the just.
"O Lord, we pray thee to bless and sanctify the whole of this
block or piece of ground on which these buildings stand, with the
surrounding walls and fences, the walks, paths, and ornamental
beds, also the trees, plants, flowers and shrubbery that grow
in its soil; may they bloom and blossom and become exceedingly
beautiful and fragrant; and may thy Spirit dwell in the midst
thereof, that this plot of ground may be a place of rest and peace,
for holy meditation and inspired thought.
"Preserve these buildings, we beseech thee, from injury or
destruction by flood or fire; from the rage of the elements, the
shafts of the vivid lightning, the overwhelming blasts of the
hurricane, the flames of consuming fire, and the upheavals of the
earthquake, O Lord, protect them.
"Bless, we pray thee, heavenly Father, all who may be workers in
this house. Remember continually thy servant who shall be appointed
to preside within its walls; endow him richly with the wisdom of
the Holy One, with the spirit of his calling, with the power of his
Priesthood, and with the gift of discernment. Bless, according to
their calling, his assistants and all who are associated with him
in the performance of the ordinances,--baptisms, confirmations,
washings, anointings, sealings, endowments, and ordinations
which are performed herein, that all that is done may be holy
and acceptable unto thee, thou God of our salvation. Bless the
recorders and copyists, that the records of the Temple may be
kept perfect, and without omissions and errors, and that they may
also be accepted of thee. Bless, in their several positions, the
engineers, watchmen, guards, and all others who have duties to
perform in connection with the house, that they may perform them
unto thee with an eye single to thy glory.
"Remember also in thy mercy all those who have labored in the
erection of this house, or who have, in any way, by their means or
influence aided in its completion; may they in no wise lose their
reward.
"O thou God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose God
thou delightest to be called, we thank thee with all the fervor of
overflowing gratitude that thou hast revealed the powers by which
the hearts of the children are being turned to {165} their fathers
and the hearts of the fathers to the children, that the sons of
men, in all their generations can be made partakers of the glories
and joys of the kingdom of heaven. Confirm upon us the spirit of
Elijah, we pray thee, that we may thus redeem our dead and also
connect ourselves with our fathers who have passed behind the
veil, and furthermore seal up our dead to come forth in the first
resurrection, that we who dwell on earth may be bound to those who
dwell in heaven. We thank thee for their sake who have finished
their work in mortality, as well as for our own, that the prison
doors have been opened that deliverance has been proclaimed to
the captive, and the bonds have been loosened from those who were
bound. We praise thee that our fathers, from last to first, from
now, back to the beginning, can be united with us in indissoluble
links, welded by the holy Priesthood, and that as one great family
united in thee and cemented by thy power we shall together stand
before thee, and by the power of the atoning blood of thy Son be
delivered from all evil, be saved and sanctified, exalted and
glorified. Wilt thou also permit holy messengers to visit us within
these sacred walls and make known unto us with regard to the work
we should perform in behalf of our dead. And, as thou hast inclined
the hearts of many who have not yet entered into covenant with thee
to search out their progenitors, and in so doing they have traced
the ancestry of many of thy Saints, we pray thee that thou wilt
increase this desire in their bosoms, that they may in this way aid
in the accomplishment of their work. Bless them, we pray thee, in
their labors that they may not fall into errors in preparing their
genealogies; and furthermore, we ask thee to open before them new
avenues of information, and place in their hands the records of the
past that their work may not only be correct but complete also.
"O thou Great Father of the spirits of all flesh, graciously bless
and fully qualify those upon whom thou hast placed a portion of
thine authority, and who bear the responsibilities and powers of
the Priesthood which is after the order of thy Son. Bless them all
from first to last, from thy servant who represents thee in all the
world to the latest who has been ordained to the Deacon's office.
Upon each and all confer the spirit of their calling, with a
comprehension of its duties and a loving zeal to fulfil them. Endow
them with faith, patience and understanding. May their lives be
strong in virtue and adorned with humility; may their ministrations
be effectual, their prayers be availing, and their teachings the
path of salvation. May they be united by the Spirit and power of
God in all their labors, and in every thought, word and act may
they glorify thy name and vindicate the wisdom that has made them
kings and priests unto thee.
"For thy servants of the First Presidency of the Church we {166}
first of all pray. Reveal, in great clearness, thy mind and will
unto them in all things essential for the welfare of thy people;
give them heavenly wisdom, abounding faith, and the power and gifts
necessary to enable them to preside acceptably unto thee over the
officers and members of thy Church. Remember in love thy servant
whom thou hast called to be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to all
mankind, whose days have been many upon the earth; yet lengthen out
his span of mortal life, we pray thee, and grant unto him all the
powers and gifts, in their completeness, of the office thou hast
conferred upon him; and in like manner bless his associates in the
Presidency of thy Church.
"Confer upon thy servants, the Twelve Apostles, a rich endowment of
thy Spirit. Under their guidance may the Gospel of the kingdom go
forth into all the world, to be preached to all nations, kindreds,
tongues, and people, that the honest in heart in every land may
hear the glad tidings of joy and salvation. Overrule, we pray thee,
in the midst of the governments of the earth, that the barriers
that now stand in the way of the spread of thy truths may be
removed, and liberty of conscience be accorded to all peoples.
"Remember in loving kindness thy servants, the Patriarchs. May
they be full of blessings for thy people Israel. May they bear
with them the seeds of comfort and consolation, of encouragement
and blessing. Fill them with the Holy Spirit of promise, and be
graciously pleased to fulfil their words of prophecy, that thy name
may be extolled in the people of thy Church and their faith in thee
and in the promises of thy ministering servants be increasingly
strengthened.
"With thy servants of the Twelve bless their associates, the
Seventies; may they be powerful in the preaching of thy word and in
bearing it to the four quarters of the earth. May an ever-widening
way be opened before them until they shall have raised the Gospel
standard in every land and proclaimed its saving truths in every
tongue, that all the islands and the continents may rejoice in
the testimony of the great work thou art in these latter days
performing on the earth.
"Bless abundantly, O Lord, the High Priests in all the varied
duties and positions to which thou hast called them. As standing
ministers of thy word in the multiplying Stakes of Zion wilt thou
endow them richly with the spirit of their exalted callings. As
Presidents, Counselors, Bishops, members of High Councils, and in
every other office which their Priesthood gives them the right
to fill, may they be righteous ministers of thy holy law, loving
fathers of the people, and as judges in the midst of the Saints may
they deal out just and impartial judgment tempered with mercy and
love.
"So also, in their various callings, confer precious gifts of
wisdom, faith and knowledge upon thy servants, the Elders, {167}
Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, that all may diligently perform
their part in the glorious labors thou hast called thy Priesthood
to bear.
"Forget not, we beseech thee, thy servants the missionaries, who
are proclaiming the saving truths that thou hast revealed for
man's redemption to the millions who are now overshadowed by deep
spiritual darkness. Preserve them from all evil, deliver them from
mob violence, may they want no good thing, but be greatly blessed
with the gifts and powers of their ministry. Remember also their
families, that they may be sustained and comforted by thee and be
cherished and cared for by thy Saints.
"We pray thee for the members of thy Holy Church throughout all the
world, that thy people may be so guided and governed of thee, that
all who profess to be and call themselves Saints may be preserved
in the unity of the faith, in the way of truth, in the bonds of
peace, and in holiness of life. Strengthen the weak, we pray thee,
and impart thy Spirit unto all.
"Our Father, may peace abide in all the homes of thy Saints; may
holy angels guard them; may they be encompassed by thine arms of
love; may prosperity shine upon them, and may the tempter and the
destroyer be removed far from them. May the days of thy covenant
people be lengthened out in righteousness, and sickness and disease
be rebuked from their midst. May the land they inhabit be made
fruitful by thy grace, may its waters be increased and the climate
be tempered to the comfort and need of thy people; may drought,
devastating storms, cyclones, and hurricanes be kept afar off, and
earthquakes never disturb the land which thou hast given us. May
locusts, caterpillars and other insects not destroy our gardens and
desolate our fields; but may we be a people blessed of thee in our
bodies and spirits, in our homes and habitations, in our flocks and
herds, in ourselves and our posterity, and in all that thou hast
made us stewards over.
"Now pray we for the youth of Zion--the children of thy people;
endow them richly with the spirit of faith and righteousness and
with increasing love for thee and for thy law. Prosper all the
institutions that thou hast established in our midst for their
well-being. Give to our Church Schools an ever-increasing power for
good. May thy Holy Spirit dominate the teachings given therein and
also control the hearts and illumine the minds of the students.
Bless marvelously thy servants, the General Superintendent, and
all the principals, teachers and other officers, and also those
who form the General Board of Education of thy Church. Remember
likewise in thy loving kindness the Sunday Schools, with all who,
either as teachers or scholars, belong thereto; may the influence
of the instruction given therein broaden and deepen, to thy glory
and the salvation of thy children, until the perfect day. Bless the
members of the General {168} Board of the Deseret Sunday School
Union with the wisdom necessary for the proper fulfilment of their
duties, and for the accomplishment of the purposes for which this
Board was created.
"We also uphold before thee the Young Men's and Young Ladies'
Mutual Improvement Associations, with all their officers, general
and local, and the members. May they be prospered of thee, their
membership be enlarged, and the good that they accomplish increase
with every succeeding year. For the Primaries and Religion Classes
we also seek thy constant blessing and guiding care; may the spirit
of instruction be poured out upon the presidents and associate
officers and teachers. May they keep pace with the rest of the
educational establishments in thy Church; so that from their
earliest years our children may be diligently brought up in the
ways of the Lord, and thy name be magnified in their growth in
virtue and intelligence.
"Nor would we forget, O Lord, the normal training classes among
the people, whether these classes be connected with the Church
Schools, the Improvement Associations, or the Sunday Schools. Grant
that these classes may be the means of spreading true education
throughout all the borders of the Saints by the creation of a body
of teachers who will not only be possessed of rare intelligence but
be filled also with the spirit of the Gospel, and be powerful in
the testimony of thy truth and in implanting a love for thee and
for thy works in the hearts of all whom they instruct.
"We would hold up before thee, O Lord, the Relief Societies,
with all their members; and all those who preside in their midst
according to their callings and appointments, general or local.
Bless the Teachers in their labors of mercy and charity, who, as
ministering angels, visit the homes of the sick and the needy,
bearing succor, consolation and comfort to the unfortunate and
sorrowful. And bless, we beseech thee, most merciful Father, the
poor of thy people, that the cry of want and suffering may not
ascend unto thee from the midst of thy Saints whom thou hast
blessed so abundantly with the comforts of this world. Open up
new avenues by which the needy can obtain a livelihood by honest
industry, and also incline the hearts of those blessed more
abundantly, to give generously of their substance to their, in this
respect, less favored brethren and sisters, that thou mayest not
have reason to chide us for the neglect of even the least among thy
covenant children.
"O God of Israel, turn thy face, we pray thee, in loving kindness
toward thy stricken people of the house of Judah. Oh, deliver them
from those that oppress them. Heal up their wounds, comfort their
hearts, strengthen their feet, and give them ministers after thine
own heart who shall lead them as of old, in thy way. May the days
of their tribulation soon cease, and they be planted by thee in the
valleys and plains of their {169} ancient home; and may Jerusalem
rejoice and Judea be glad for the multitude of her sons and
daughters, for the sweet voices of children in her streets, and the
rich outpouring of thy saving mercies upon them. May Israel no more
bow the head, nor bend the neck to the oppressor, but may his feet
be made strong on the everlasting hills, never more, by violence,
to be banished therefrom, and the praise and the glory shall be
thine.
"Remember in like pity the dwindling remnants of the house of
Israel, descendants of thy servant Lehi. Restore them, we pray
thee, to thine ancient favor, fulfil in their completeness the
promises given to their fathers, and make of them a white and
delightsome race, a loved and holy people as in former days. May
the time also be nigh at hand when thou wilt gather the dispersed
of Israel from the islands of the sea and from every land in which
thou hast scattered them, and the ten tribes of Jacob from their
hiding place in the north, and restore them to communion and
fellowship with their kinsmen of the seed of Abraham.
"We thank thee, O God of Israel, that thou didst raise up patriotic
men to lay the foundation of this great American government. Thou
didst inspire them to frame a good Constitution and laws which
guarantee to all of the inhabitants of the land equal rights and
privileges to worship thee according to the dictates of their own
consciences. Bless the officers, both judicial and executive.
Confer abundant favors upon the President, his Cabinet, and
Congress. Enlightened and guided by thy Spirit may they maintain
and uphold the glorious principles of human liberty. Our hearts
are filled with gratitude to thee, our Father in heaven, for thy
kindness unto us in softening the hearts of our fellow citizens,
the people of this nation, towards us. That which thou hast done
has been marvelous in our eyes. We thank thee that thou didst move
upon the heart of the President of our nation to issue a general
amnesty; that thou hast removed prejudice and misunderstanding from
the minds of many of the people concerning us and our purposes,
and they are disposed to treat us as fellow citizens, and not as
enemies. In this holy house we feel to give thee glory therefor,
and we humbly ask thee to increase this feeling in their hearts.
Enable them to see us in our true light. Show unto them that we
are their friends, that we love liberty, that we will join with
them in upholding the rights of the people, the Constitution and
laws of our country; and give unto us and our children an increased
disposition to always be loyal, and to do everything in our power
to maintain constitutional rights and the freedom of all within the
confines of this great Republic.
"Remember in mercy, O Lord, the kings, and princes, the nobles, the
rulers and governors, and the great ones of the earth, and likewise
all the poor, the afflicted and the oppressed, and indeed, all
people, that their hearts may be softened when thy {170} servants
go forth to bear testimony of thy name, that their prejudices may
give way before the truth, and thy people find favor in their eyes.
So control the affairs of the nations of the earth, that the way
may be prepared for the ushering in of a reign of righteousness
and truth. We desire to see liberty spread throughout the earth,
to see oppression cease, the yoke of the tyrant broken, and every
despotic form of government overthrown by which thy children are
degraded and crushed, and prevented from enjoying their share of
the blessings of the earth, which thou hast created for their
habitation.
"O God, the Eternal Father, thou knowest all things. Thou seest the
course thy people have been led to take in political matters. They
have, in many instances, joined the two great national parties.
Campaigns have been entered upon, elections have been held, and
much party feeling has been engendered. Many things have been said
and done which have wounded the feelings of the humble and the
meek, and which have been a cause of offense. We beseech thee, in
thine infinite mercy and goodness, to forgive thy people wherein
they have sinned in this direction. Show them, O Father, their
faults and their errors, that they may see the same in the light
of the Holy Spirit, and repent truly and sincerely, and cultivate
that spirit of affection and love which thou art desirous that all
the children of men should entertain one for another, and which
thy Saints, above all others, should cherish. Enable thy people
hereafter to avoid bitterness and strife, and to refrain from words
and acts in political discussions that shall create feeling and
grieve thy Holy Spirit.
"Heavenly Father, when thy people shall not have the opportunity of
entering this holy house to offer their supplications unto thee,
and they are oppressed and in trouble, surrounded by difficulties
or assailed by temptation, and shall turn their faces towards this
thy holy house and ask thee for deliverance, for help, for thy
power to be extended in their behalf, we beseech thee to look down
from thy holy habitation in mercy and tender compassion upon them,
and listen to their cries. Or when the children of thy people, in
years to come, shall be separated, through any cause, from this
place, and their hearts shall turn in remembrance of thy promises
to this holy Temple, and they shall cry unto thee from the depths
of their affliction and sorrow to extend relief and deliverance to
them, we humbly entreat thee to turn thine ear in mercy to them;
hearken to their cries, and grant unto them the blessings for which
they ask.
"Almighty Father, increase within us the powers of that faith
delivered to and possessed by thy Saints. Strengthen us by
the memories of the glorious deliverances of the past, by the
remembrance of the sacred covenants that thou hast made with us, so
that, when evil overshadows us, when trouble encompasses us, when
we pass through the valley of humiliation, we may not {171} falter,
may not doubt, but in the strength of thy holy name may accomplish
all thy righteous purposes with regard to us, fill the measure of
our creation, and triumph gloriously, by thy grace, over every
besetting sin, be redeemed from every evil, and be numbered in the
kingdom of heaven amongst those who shall dwell in thy presence
forever.
"And now, our Father, we bless thee, we praise thee, we glorify
thee, we worship thee, day by day we magnify thee, and give thee
thanks for thy great goodness towards us, thy children, and we
pray thee, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Savior, to
hear these our humble petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy
holy dwelling place, where thou sittest enthroned in glory, might,
majesty, and dominion, and with an infinitude of power which we,
thy mortal creatures, cannot imagine, much less comprehend. Amen
and Amen."
All who attended the dedicatory services on the morning of the 6th
of April, 1893, remember the impressiveness of the day. The sky was
overcast and lowering, and shortly before the hour of beginning, a
strong wind set in from the north-west. This wind increased to a
veritable hurricane and throughout the morning session it seemed
indeed, that the prince of the air was in full control; but the peace
and serenity of the assembly was rendered the more impressive by
contrast with the turmoil and storm without.
A large pipe-organ had been set up in the assembly room, and served as
an accompaniment to the choir of selected voices, by whom the anthems
and hymns, specially composed for the occasion, were rendered. The
essential and characteristic feature of the service was, of course,
the offering of the dedicatory prayer; and to this were added brief
addresses by officials of the Church. At the first session, each of
the First Presidency delivered an address, replete with promise and
prophecy. Throughout the service, ran the solemn refrain, which was
voiced in anthem, sermon, and prayer:
"_The House of the Lord is completed_."
FOOTNOTES
1. See Contributor, Vol. XIV: No. 6; April, 1893; p. 248.
2. See Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book XV, 11:3.
3. See the author's "The Story of Mormonism," pp. 63-81.
4. For description of this feature of early enterprise, see an
admirable article, "The Salt Lake Temple," by James H. Anderson, in
"The Contributor," Vol. XIV, No. 6, April, 1893. The article gives much
detailed information concerning the work of erecting the Great Temple.
5. See "Deseret News," Salt Lake City, August 17, 1854.
6. See "Millennial Star," Liverpool, Vol. 16, p. 753. "The Illustrated
London News" of June 13, 1857, contains an article, "Mormon Temple
in Salt Lake City," in which are given many specifications of
construction. In connection with the text appears a large woodcut
of the great building in perspective; and this picture is a true
representation of the finished structure except as to details of spires
and finials.
7. As an instance of these separate assignments, and as an example
of direct appeal to the various organizations within the Church, see
the circular letter, issued in 1876 by the authority of the First
Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles, addressed to Elders,
Seventies, and High Priests; this appears in "Contributor," Vol. XIV,
pp. 267-8.
8. See Revelation 14:6, 7; also Pearl of Great Price, Writings of
Joseph Smith II, 30-48.
9. See Book of Mormon, I Nephi 3:7.
10. For the epistle in full, see "Contributor," Vol. XIV, pp. 280-281.