CONCLUSION
{233} As set forth in the preceding pages, The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints proclaims the need of Temples at the present time,
reared and dedicated to the service of the Most High; and affirms that
upon the Church has been placed the commission to build and maintain
these sanctuaries, and to administer therein the saving and exalting
ordinances of the Gospel for both living and dead.
This labor has already attained a magnitude at once impressive and
surprising. Ordinances of baptism with accompanying confirmation,
ordination in the Priesthood, and sealing both in the relation of
husband and wife and in that of parents and children, as solemnized in
the Temples of the current dispensation, already number many millions;
and the continuation of the work is marked by unabated zeal and
devotion.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is given for the salvation of human-kind;
its requirements apply alike to the living whose blessed privilege it
is to hear its glad tidings while in the flesh, and to the dead who
may accept the truth in the spirit world. The genius of the Gospel
is that of altruism unbounded; its power to save extends beyond the
portals of death. As the vicarious work for the dead can be done only
in sanctuaries specially devoted thereto, there will be an ever-present
need for Temples so long as there are souls awaiting this ministry.
The present is the age of greatest import in all history, {234}
embodying as it does the fruition of the past and the living seed of
the yet greater future. The present is the dispensation of fulness, for
which the dispensations of bygone centuries have been but preliminary
and preparatory. The saving and sanctifying labor incident to modern
Temples surpasses that of the Temples of earlier times as the light of
the full day exceeds the twilight of the dawn.
The authority of administration in the Temples of Solomon, Zerubbabel,
and Herod, was that of the Lesser or Aaronic Priesthood; for the Higher
or Melchisedek Priesthood, otherwise known as the Holy Priesthood
after the order of the Son of God, had been taken from Israel with
Moses. The temples of the present are administered under the greater
authority. The importance of the distinction between these two orders
of Priesthood may warrant a further consideration in this place. That
the two are essentially separate and distinct is made plain by Paul in
his epistle to the Hebrews:
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for
under it the people received the law,) what further need was there
that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedek, and
not be called after the order of Aaron?
"For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a
change also of the law."[1]
The apostle emphasizes the superiority of the Priesthood named after
Melchisedek by affirming that Jesus Christ was a High Priest of that
exalted order.[2] This Priesthood was held and exercised by the
patriarchs in {235} turn from Adam to Moses. Aaron was ordained to
the priest's office, as were his sons; but that Moses held superior
authority is abundantly shown.[3] After Aaron's death his son Eleazar
exercised the authority of High Priest of the Lesser Priesthood; and
even Joshua had to ask of him counsel and instruction.[4]
From the ministry of Moses to that of Christ the Lesser Priesthood
alone was operative upon the earth, excepting only the instances of
specially delegated authority of the higher order such as is manifest
in the ministrations of certain chosen prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel and others. It is evident that these prophets, seers, and
revelators, were individually and specially commissioned; but it
appears that they had not the authority to call and ordain successors,
for in their time the Higher Priesthood was not existent on earth in an
organized state with duly officered quorums. Not so with the Aaronic or
Levitical Priesthood, however, for the courses or quorums of that order
were continued until the time of Christ. The last to hold and exercise
the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood under the old or Mosaic
dispensation was John the Baptist, who was specially commissioned. The
matter is thus set forth in a modern revelation:
"Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the
wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they
might behold the face of God;
"But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence,
therefore the Lord in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against
them) swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the
wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
{236} "Therefore he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy
Priesthood also;
"And the Lesser Priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the
key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
"Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the
remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the
Lord in his wrath, caused to continue with the house of Aaron among
the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled
with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb;
"For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was
ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old
unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make
straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to
prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all
power."[5]
The Higher or Melchisedek Priesthood was restored through the personal
ministry of Jesus Christ, and remained with His apostles and in the
Church under their administration, but was again lost as the great
apostasy progressed.
The Holy Priesthood in its fulness has been restored in the present
age,--not alone the lesser functions of deacon, teacher, and priest,
which constitute the distinctive offices of the Aaronic order including
the Levitical, but the higher authority as well--that of the elder, the
seventy, the patriarch, the apostle, and the high priest.[6]
{237} The Temples of today are maintained and the distinctive
ordinances pertaining thereto are administered under the authority
of the Higher of Melchisedek Priesthood, the greatest and highest
commission ever conferred upon man. The Divine prediction voiced by
Malachi is in {238} process of rapid fulfilment. Elijah the prophet
has been sent to earth and he has committed to the Church that power
and authority by which the vicarious service in behalf of the dead was
inaugurated. Through his ministration the hearts of the fathers are
turning toward the children, and the hearts of the children toward the
fathers, and this in preparation of the approaching advent of our Lord,
the Christ.[7]
FOOTNOTES
1. Hebrews 7:11, 12.
2. See Hebrews 5:6, 10; 6:20; compare Psalm 110:4; see also Genesis
14:19.
3. Consider the Lord's rebuke to Aaron and Miriam, Numbers 12:1-8.
4. See Numbers 27:18-23.
5. Doctrine and Covenants 84:23-28; read the preceding verses 14-22.
6. "_The Aaronic Priesthood_ is named after Aaron, who was given to
Moses as his mouthpiece, to act under his direction in the carrying out
of God's purposes respecting Israel (Exodus 4:14-16). For this reason,
it is sometimes called the Lesser Priesthood; but though lesser, it
is neither small nor insignificant. While Israel journeyed in the
wilderness, Aaron and his sons were called by prophecy and set apart
for the duties of the priest's office. (Exodus 28:1.)
"At a subsequent period of Israel's history, the Lord chose the tribe
of Levi to assist Aaron in the priestly functions, the special duties
of the Levites being to keep the instruments and attend to the services
of the tabernacle. The Levites thus chosen of the Lord were to take
the place of the first-born throughout the tribes, whom the Lord had
claimed for His service from the time of the last dread plague in
Egypt, whereby the first-born in every Egyptian house was slain, while
the eldest in every Israelitish house was hallowed and spared. (Numbers
3:12-13, 39, 44-45, 50-51.) The commission thus given to the Levites is
sometimes called the _Levitical Priesthood_; (Hebrews 7:11.) it is to
be regarded as an appendage to the priesthood of aaron, not comprising
the highest priestly powers. The Aaronic Priesthood, as restored to the
earth in this dispensation, comprises the Levitical order. (Doctrine
and Covenants 107:1.) This priesthood holds the keys of the ministering
of angels, and the authority to attend to the outward ordinances, the
letter of the gospel; (Doctrine and Covenants 107:20.) it comprises the
offices of deacon, teacher, and priest, with the bishopric holding the
keys of presidency.
"The greater or _Melchisedek Priesthood_ is named after the king of
Salem, a great High Priest of God (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1-17.)
before his day it was known as 'the Holy Priesthood, after the order
of the Son of God, but out of respect or reverence to the name of the
Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of His name, they,
the Church, in ancient days, called that Priesthood after Melchisedek.'
(Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4.) This priesthood holds the right of
presidency in all the offices of the Church; its special functions lie
in the administration of spiritual things: comprising as it does the
keys of all spiritual blessings of the Church, the right 'to have the
heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and
Church of the First Born, and to enjoy the communion and presence of
God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.' (Doctrine
and Covenants 107:8, 18-19.) The special offices of the Melchisedek
Priesthood are those of apostle, patriarch and evangelist, high priest,
seventy, and elder." The "Articles of Faith," XI: 13-15.
7. See Malachi 4:5, 6; also pages 82-86, and 122, this book.
PLATES
{239} ILLUSTRATIVE OF MODERN-DAY TEMPLES
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
{240} Note: Among the illustrations following, are several showing
interior views of the Temple at Salt Lake City, specifically Plates
8 to 38 inclusive. Each of these pictures is protected by Photo
Copyright, and all rights pertaining thereto are expressly reserved.
Plate 1.--The Kirtland Temple
Plate 2.--The Nauvoo Temple
Plate 3.--The Great Temple, Salt Lake City
Plate 4.--The Temple in Winter
Plate 5.--Statue surmounting the Capstone of the Temple
Plate 6.--One of the Doors to the Temple
Plate 7.--The Temple Annex
Plate 8.--Annex Assembly Room
Plate 9.--Passage connecting Annex with Temple
Plate 10.--Lower Corridor in Temple
Plate 11.--The Baptistry
Plate 12.--Lower Lecture Room
Plate 13.--Garden Room
Plate 14.--Upper Corridor
Plate 15.--Side Corridor
Plate 16.--Art Window,--Expulsion from Eden
Plate 17.--World Room, Looking West
Plate 18.--World Room, Looking East
Plate 19.--Terrestrial Room, Looking West
Plate 20.--Terrestrial Room, Looking East toward the Veil
Plate 21.--Celestial Room, Looking East
Plate 22.--Celestial Room, Looking West toward the Veil
Plate 23.--Sealing Room for the Dead
Plate 24.--Sealing Room for the Living
Plate 25.--Reception Room adjoining Sealing Room for the Living
{241} Plate 26.--Outer Ante-Room
Plate 27.--The Holy of Holies
Plate 28.--Hall-way on Third Floor
Plate 29.--Elders' Room
Plate 30.--Council Room of the Seventy
Plate 31.--High Council Chamber
Plate 32.--Council Room of the Twelve Apostles
Plate 33.--Council Room of the First Presidency of the Church and the
Twelve Apostles
Plate 34.--The Memorial Window
Plate 35.--Main Assembly Room, general view
Plate 36.--Stand and Pulpits for Melchisedek Priesthood in Main
Assembly Room
Plate 37.--One of the Spiral Stairways in Main Assembly Room
Plate 38.--One of the great Granite Stairways
Plate 39.--Temple Block, Salt Lake City
Plate 40.--The Tabernacle on Temple Block--Exterior
Plate 41.--The Tabernacle--Interior
Plate 42.--Statue of Joseph Smith, the Prophet
Plate 43.--Statue of Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch
Plate 44.--St. George Temple
Plate 45.--Logan Temple
Plate 46.--Manti Temple
{242}
PLATE 1.--THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE
{243} This, the first Temple reared to the name of the Lord in modern
times, was erected at Kirtland, Ohio. The corner stones were laid in
July, 1833, and the building was finished and dedicated in March, 1836.
The structure is still existent though no longer owned by the people
who reared it, nor used for the distinctive purposes characteristic of
Temples.
The Kirtland Temple was built by the Latter-day Saints in the
period of their early history as a Church--in the days of poverty
and persecution. In less than two years after the completion of
the building, the people were forced to leave, and the Temple soon
thereafter passed from their custody.
In this Temple many heavenly manifestations were witnessed; and therein
the Lord Jesus appeared in Person, and instructed His chosen servants.
See pages 114-123.
{244}
PLATE 2.--THE NAUVOO TEMPLE
{245} This structure, built by the Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo,
Illinois, was the second Temple of the present dispensation. It was
begun in 1841, and completed in 1846. In it was constructed the first
Baptismal Font of modern times for the sacred ordinance of Baptism for
the Dead.
Owing to religious intolerance and violent persecution, a general
exodus of the people had begun before the building was finished, though
not before many had received their blessings and endowments therein.
Certain parts of the Temple were dedicated for ordinance work long
before the dedication of the building as a whole.
In 1848 the Temple was partly destroyed by fire; and in 1850 the ruined
walls were leveled by a tornado.
See pages 126-136.
{246}
PLATE 3.--THE GREAT TEMPLE AT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
{247} This splendid structure was forty years in building. The corner
stones were laid April 6, 1853; the capstone was placed in position
April 6, 1892, and the completed Temple was dedicated April 6, 1893;
each of these events was marked by impressive ceremony. The walls are
of solid granite eight feet thick in the first story and six feet
in the upper parts. Many stones of emblematical significance appear
representing sun, moon, stars, the earth, and the clouds.
On the main inscription stone at the east we read: "_Holiness to the
Lord_" and on the keystones of the arched windows at both east and west
ends, "_I am Alpha and Omega_," and above these is the awe-inspiring
emblem of the All-seeing Eye.
See pages 136-180.
{248}
PLATE 4.--THE GREAT TEMPLE IN WINTER
{249} The Temple is centrally located in the easterly half of Temple
Block. The grounds are beautified by a profusion of shrubs, trees, and
flowers. Many observers have voiced their uncertainty as to whether the
Temple appears more beautiful when environed by the greenery of summer
or by the white foliage of hoar-frost or snow. The scene herewith
presented was caught by the camera in the spring of 1912.
{250}
PLATE 5.--STATUE SURMOUNTING THE CAPSTONE OF THE GREAT TEMPLE
{251} The stonework of each of the six towers ends in a sphere of
granite. The termination of the east center tower is the highest stone
in the building and constitutes the capstone. Anchored to this granite
globe is a figure wrought in copper over-laid with gold; it stands over
twelve feet high, and represents Moroni, an ancient Nephite prophet,
who as a resurrected being visited the boy-prophet, Joseph Smith, in
1823, and afterward delivered to him the ancient record since published
to the world as the Book of Mormon. The design is that of a herald with
a trumpet at his lips. The statue is the work of C. E. Dallin.
The capstone on which the statue stands is one of the record-stones of
the Temple. In a receptacle within the granite mass are a number of
books and other records.
See pages 175, 176; also 151, 152.
{252}
PLATE 6.--ONE OF THE OUTER DOORS OF THE TEMPLE
{253} There are four outer portals leading into the Temple beside the
entrance from the Annex. Each of these four doorways occupies a court
between the towers. The doors are hung in pairs, each door twelve feet
high and four feet wide. The woodwork is of oak, hand-carved. The
middle and upper panels hold heavy plate glass in front of which are
grills of bronze. Even the door-knobs and escutcheons are of special
design, in which appear the bee-hive and the inscription "_Holiness
to the Lord_." On the central side of each of the doorways is a niche
roofed by a canopy of granite, to accommodate a statue.
See pages 179, 180.
{254}
PLATE 7.--ANNEX TO THE GREAT TEMPLE
{255} Each of the four Temples in Utah is provided with a small
detached building known as the Annex. This is used for office purposes
and other incidental service, and contains an assembly room in which
are held devotional exercises preliminary to those of the Temple proper.
The Annex of the Salt Lake City Temple is an attractive building of
cream-colored oolite, standing about one hundred feet north from the
main structure. The Annex is connected with the Temple by a passage,
partly below ground-level.
See pages 154, 155, and 181.
{256}
PLATE 8.--ASSEMBLY ROOM IN THE TEMPLE ANNEX
{257} This room, thirty-six feet square and provided with spacious
alcoves on two opposite sides is used for purposes of general assembly
preparatory to the ordinances of the Temple. Here congregate on the
morning of each day of service all who are to take part, either in
administering or receiving ordinances. The large painting, which
appears at the center of the accompanying illustration, is Weggeland's
full-sized copy of Munkacsy's "Christ Before Pilate." Portraits of
living authorities of the Church adorn the walls of the main section,
and portraits of deceased Presidents and Apostles are hung in the
alcoves.
Just inside the vestibule of the Annex is the office of the Temple
Door-keeper, to whom must be presented, by every person applying for
admission to the Temple, a certificate or "recommend" signed by the
Bishop of his Ward, and the President of his Stake, attesting the
worthiness of the bearer to enter the House of the Lord.
See pages 181 and 182; also page 160.
{258}
PLATE 9.--PASSAGE CONNECTING ANNEX WITH TEMPLE
{259} A flight of stairs leads downward from the main floor of the
Annex to this semi-subterranean passage, which runs southerly about
ninety feet and terminates at the threshold of the Temple. The door
opening directly into the lower corridor of the Temple appears in the
background.
This is the usual avenue of entrance to the Temple. Only those who
assemble for the council meetings of the Priesthood pass the outer
portals into the Temple direct.
The passage is well lighted and ventilated, and in cold weather
comfortably warmed. A strip of the old-style rag carpet covers part of
the floor.
See pages 182, 183.
{260}
PLATE 10.--LOWER CORRIDOR OF THE TEMPLE
{261} The Lower Corridor is entered from the Annex Passage through the
north wall of the Temple, and extends thence southerly to the opposite
side. The corridor is twelve feet wide, and is richly finished and
furnished.
On the east wall is a large painting by William Armitage, showing the
Prophet Joseph Smith preaching to the Indians. Smaller paintings are
hung on either side. Doorways leading from this corridor admit to
the Lower Lecture Room and the Garden Room on the east, and to the
Baptistry and its dressing rooms on the west. At the south end is seen
the lower section of the Grand Stairway.
See pages 183 and 186.
{262}
PLATE 11.--THE BAPTISTRY
{263} The Baptistry or Baptismal Room is thirty-two by forty-five feet
and is situated on the west of the Lower Corridor. The great Baptismal
Font occupies the center of the room, and is supported by twelve
life-sized oxen of cast-iron, which stand in a depression three feet
below the floor level. The oxen are grouped, three facing toward each
of the cardinal points of the compass.
In this font, which has a capacity of over four hundred gallons, is
administered the ordinance of baptism by immersion. By far the greater
number of baptisms here solemnized are in behalf of the dead, in which
ordinance the deceased person is represented by a living proxy.
Steps are provided for convenience in entering and leaving the
font. Platforms guarded by a railing are furnished with seats for
the accommodation of recorders and witnesses whose presence at each
ceremony is requisite.
See pages 183-185: also 77 and 89-93.
{264}
PLATE 12.--THE LOWER LECTURE ROOM
{265} The room so designated is entered from the Lower Corridor near
the north end. It is forty by forty-five feet in area, and is seated
to accommodate two hundred and fifty persons. This room is used in
the first course of instruction incident to the Endowment. As seen
in the accompanying illustration it is plainly furnished, without
wall-ornament or other embellishment. The portal hung with curtains,
which appears in the back-ground of the picture, leads into the Garden
Room.
See pages 185, 186: also 99-101.
{266}
PLATE 13.--THE GARDEN ROOM
{267} As already seen, the Lower Lecture Room is marked by simplicity
and plainness; the Garden Room is characterized by richness and beauty.
Here ceiling and walls have been painted by master artists, who have
depicted with effective skill the distant glory of sky and cloud, and
the nearer beauties of earthly life. Landscape scenes cover the walls
from floor to ceiling: there are gardens and glens, hills, valleys,
and brooks, fruits and flowers, birds and other living things, all
appearing amidst a setting of beauty, plenty, and peace. Lions and
lambs are reposing in companionship, while insect and bird fly together.
The room represents the earth as it was before sin entered and brought
with it the curse; it is the Garden of Eden depicted in miniature. On
one side is a richly-upholstered altar, upon which rests the Holy Bible.
See page 186.
{268}
PLATE 14.--THE UPPER CORRIDOR
{269} The illustration presented herewith shows the Upper Corridor
at the head of the Grand Stairway. The walls are hung with portraits
and paintings of scriptural scenes. In the back-ground, at the north
end of this corridor, is the doorway leading into the Celestial Room,
shown in Plates 21 and 22. A portal on the right leads into one of the
ante-rooms (Plate 26) to the Sealing Room for the Living; that on the
left is the entrance to a side passage which in turn leads into the
World Room (Plate 17).
{270}
See page 186.
PLATE 15.--SIDE CORRIDOR
{271} From a landing near the top of the Grand Stairway a side corridor
leads to the west and opens into the World Room. The picture here shown
was taken from the west end of this corridor, and the observer is
therefore looking east into the Upper Corridor already described and
illustrated. The large wall painting presents a scene from the Book
of Mormon record--that of the Resurrected Christ ministering to the
children on the occasion of His visit to the Nephites. (Book of Mormon,
III Nephi 17:23, 24.) The painting is the work of William Armitage.
{272}
See page 187.
PLATE 16.--ART WINDOW,--THE EXPULSION FROM EDEN
{273} The passage from the Garden Room below to the World Room on the
next floor is by way of the Grand Stairway and the Side Corridor last
described. On the south side of the passage is a splendid art window of
elliptical shape depicting the expulsion of the first parents of the
race from Eden after the Fall. It is of particular appropriateness in
this part of the building, and impresses the beholder as a symbol of
the great change brought about by the Fall of Man.
See page 187.
{274}
PLATE 17.--THE WORLD ROOM, LOOKING WEST
{275} The walls of the World Room are painted with scenes typical of
the earth after the Fall. There are hills and crags, trees and flowers,
but the whole presentation is that of the fallen state. In place of
gentle slope and mossy dell, there are precipitous hills and broken
rocks. The trees are gnarled and misshapen. In the accompanying picture
two lions are seen in deadly combat, while the lioness stands nearby
awaiting the outcome of the struggle. Two bears are feasting on the
carcase of an animal killed by a lynx which, driven from its prey, has
taken refuge in a tree. Compared with the blessed peace of Eden these
scenes are strikingly impressive by their contrast.
See pages 187, 188.
{276}
PLATE 18.--THE WORLD ROOM, LOOKING EAST
{277} On the rear walls of the World Room are depicted further scenes
of disturbance, disruption, and violence. Rocky crags, blasted shrubs,
and deformed trees are shown in impressive detail; and in the distance
a storm scene is pictured. Deer appear in life and death struggle;
birds of prey are slaying their weaker kindred. On the summit of the
cliffs is an eagle's nest, holding the eaglet brood; and alongside
stands the mother bird awaiting the arrival of her mate, who is
approaching in rapid flight with a lamb in his talons.
This room is devoted to instruction concerning the effect of the Fall,
and the state of the earth under the curse of God.
See pages 187, 188.
{278}
PLATE 19.--THE TERRESTRIAL ROOM, LOOKING WEST
{279} This spacious chamber, which is entered from the World Room last
described, presents the appearance of combined richness and simplicity.
The walls are hung with framed canvases, some of which are rare
originals, others excellent copies, depicting incidents in the life of
Christ, and scenes in Palestine. Near the east end of the room is a
prayer-altar, on which are placed copies of the Holy Scriptures.
The room is all the more restful in its general effect by contrast with
the scenes of turmoil and conflict which the World Room so strongly
portrays. In this room instruction is given and lectures are delivered
relating to the significance of the endowments, and the practical
duties of life. It is sometimes designated as the Upper Lecture Room,
but is also known as the Terrestrial Room.
See pages 188, 189.
{280}
PLATE 20.--TERRESTRIAL ROOM, LOOKING EAST TOWARD THE VEIL
{281} This is the room shown in Plate 19, but here it is pictured
from a point at the west end. The framed canvas on the right is the
original painting by Girard depicting the scene of Joseph in prison,
interpreting the portentous dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker. A
picture of the Holy Family occupies a prominent position at the east
end, immediately above the Veil.
The Veil, which separates the Terrestrial Room from the room that
typifies the Celestial state, is a portiere hung in four sections. The
Veil is approached by a short flight of steps from the floor of the
room.
See pages 188, 189.
{282}
PLATE 21.--THE CELESTIAL ROOM, LOOKING EAST
{283} The Veil of the Temple hangs between the Terrestrial Room last
described and the Celestial Room shown in the accompanying picture.
This is the largest of the ceremonial rooms, and of all it is the most
splendidly finished. In area it is sixty by forty-five feet, and its
height is thirty-four feet. Wall columns support entablatures from
which spring ten arches immediately beneath the cornice. The ceiling
is vaulted and paneled; beams and cornices are carved to represent
clusters of fruit and flowers. At the east end are large mirrors, and
around the room, in the wall niches and recesses, are paintings and
statuary. Three large portals on the south, each closed by a pair of
sliding doors, open into the two sealing rooms and the Holy of Holies
(See Plates 23, 24, and 27.) On the north side, not shown in the
picture, are large casements, corresponding in position to the opposite
portals; these are hung with portieres, which in material and color
match the silken Veil.
See pages 189-191.
{284}
PLATE 22.--THE CELESTIAL ROOM, LOOKING WEST TOWARD THE VEIL
{285} This will be readily recognized as the Celestial Room illustrated
by the last picture, Plate 21. The View here shown, however, is that
obtained from the east end, as the observer looks toward the Veil
of the Temple. The corner door-way on the left opens into the Upper
Corridor at the top of the Grand Stairway, as is seen in Plate 14.
The Celestial Room is richly carpeted, and the movable furniture is
all excellent in kind; the furnishings throughout harmonize with the
splendid finish of ceiling and walls. Living plants are distributed
about the room and the effect is that of beauty and completeness. The
walls are of soft-brown color, while the columns are embellished in
light-blue and gold.
See pages 189-191.
{286}
PLATE 23.--THE SEALING ROOM FOR THE DEAD
{287} Of the three small ceremonial rooms entered from the Celestial
Room, this, the Sealing Room for the Dead, is reached first as one
proceeds easterly from the Veil. This apartment is slightly raised
above the floor of the large room, and is furnished in subdued color.
At the altar in the fore-ground kneel the parties who appear as proxies
for the dead. The art-window at the rear of the alcove represents the
resurrected prophet, Moroni, in the act of delivering to the boy,
Joseph Smith, the ancient record since translated by the power of God
and published as the Book of Mormon. The event here depicted occurred
on the 22d of September, 1827.
This room is reserved for the sacred ordinances of sealing in behalf of
the dead, which ordinances comprise the sealing of husbands and wives
and of parents and children.
See pages 191, 192.
{288}
PLATE 24.--THE SEALING ROOM FOR THE LIVING
{289} The most easterly of the three small rooms adjoining the
Celestial Room is here shown. This is the Sealing Room for the Living,
wherein is solemnized the holy rite of Celestial Marriage. Marriage
ceremonies for the period of mortal life alone are not performed within
the Temple. The parties who come to the House of the Lord to be wedded
by the authority of the Holy Priesthood for time and eternity kneel at
the altar shown in this picture and there enter into eternal covenant
with each other. Here, also, living children who have been born outside
the pale of Celestial wedlock, though within the legally constituted
state of matrimony, may be sealed to their parents provided those
parents have been first sealed to each other.
The room is finished in light tints and bright tone. The door in the
recess affords admittance from an anteroom.
See page 192.
{290}
PLATE 25.--RECEPTION ROOM ADJOINING SEALING ROOM FOR THE LIVING
{291} From the Upper Corridor, entrance to the Sealing Room for the
Living is afforded through two small apartments, known as reception
halls, waiting-rooms, or ante-rooms. It is possible, therefore, to
reach the Sealing Room without entering the Celestial Room. This plate
shows the inner of the two, with the door of the Sealing Room open;
through this portal the altar is revealed, as well as a glimpse of the
Celestial Room beyond.
See page 192.
{292}
PLATE 26.--OUTER ANTE-ROOM
{293} This cozy apartment is entered from the Upper Corridor and
communicates by an inner door with the Reception Room shown in Plate
25. Like the preceding, this room is used for no ceremonial rites, and
is utilized solely as an ante-chamber for those who await admittance to
the Sealing Room within. Through the outer door, which stands open in
the picture, appears part of the balustrade of the Grand Stairway.
See page 192.
{294}
PLATE 27.--THE HOLY OF HOLIES
{295} This, the Holy of Holies of the Temple, is situated between
the two sealing rooms already described; it is therefore the central
of the three small rooms referred to as opening directly into the
Celestial Room. It is the most elaborately finished of all the smaller
apartments. A flight of six steps leads to the elevated floor of this
room, and the portal is guarded by a pair of sliding doors, which in a
measure correspond to the inner veil of the ancient sanctuaries.
The room is circular in form; and on the side opposite from the portal
is a splendid art-window, picturing the visitation of the Eternal
Father and His Son the Christ to the boy-prophet Joseph Smith. The
event here delineated occurred in the early spring of 1820. (See "The
Articles of Faith," 1:12-14.)
Beneath the pictured scene is inscribed the forceful admonition of
James, through the study of which the boy, Joseph Smith, was led to
seek Divine aid:
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all
men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
(James 1:5.)
And below appears the utterance of one of the Celestial Personages:
"This is my Beloved Son; hear Him."
See pages 192-194.
{296}
PLATE 28.--THE HALL-WAY ON THIRD FLOOR
{297} By way of this corridor, the several council rooms on the third
floor of the Temple are reached. The picture is taken looking east
along the corridor into the Dome Room, which is so named from its
most prominent feature--that of a large central dome, which forms the
ceiling of the Holy of Holies.
On the north of this hall-way, or on the left as the observer stands.
are two doorways opening into the Council Room of the First Presidency
and Twelve Apostles; on the opposite side are the entrances to the
Council Room of the Twelve, the Council Room of the Seventy, and the
Elders' Room.
See pages 194, 195.
{298}
PLATE 29.--THE ELDERS' ROOM
{299} This apartment, furnished with chairs, table, and an altar for
prayer, is provided for the use of the presiding Councils of the
quorums of Elders belonging to the near-by stakes. The room is reserved
for devotional service only.
See page 195.
{300}
PLATE 30.--COUNCIL ROOM OF THE SEVENTY
{301} The seven presidents of the first quorum of the Seventies
constitute a presiding council, having jurisdiction over all other
quorums of Seventies in the Church. The room shown herewith is devoted
to the use of this presiding body, which is known as the First Council
of the Seventy. The room is furnished to accommodate the seven
presidents and a clerk or recorder. At stated intervals the Council
meets here for devotional service, and to consider matters pertaining
to the spiritual upbuilding of the quorums in their charge. Business
sessions are held at the offices of the Council in another building.
See page 195.
{302}
PLATE 31.--HIGH COUNCIL CHAMBER
{303} The presidency of each Stake of Zion comprises three high
priests,--a president and two counselors. To assist the presidency
in conducting the affairs of the stake, and having specific duties
as a judicial body, are twelve other high priests, duly chosen and
set apart, who constitute the High Council of the stake. The Stake
Presidency and the High Council meet as one body to consider matters
pertaining to the welfare of the stake, or as a court to hear appeals
from the Bishop's court of any ward within the stake, or to exercise
original and initiative jurisdiction.
The room provided in the Temple for the use of Stake Presidencies
and High Councils is shown in the accompanying plate. The presiding
bodies of several stakes have the use of this chamber, the time of
occupancy being regulated by rule. No Church trials are held, nor is
other procedure of a secular or temporal nature here conducted. This is
strictly a room for devotion and spiritual instruction. A rear view of
the Memorial Window (Plate 34) is presented in this room.
See page 196.
{304}
PLATE 32.--COUNCIL ROOM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
{305} The spacious chamber here pictured is exclusively devoted to
the use of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. The Council assembles
at stated intervals in regular session, and whenever summoned by the
President of the Twelve for special sittings.
The room is supplied with twelve chairs of a kind, beside which there
are other chairs for recorders, also a table, a desk, and an altar used
in prayer. On the walls are hung oil portraits of the First Presidency,
the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Patriarch.
On the north side are two doorways opening upon the hallway or corridor
shown in Plate 28; on the west is a doorway communicating with the
Council Room of the Seventy (Plate 30). A large circular mirror adorns
the north wall.
See page 195.
{306}
PLATE 33.--COUNCIL ROOM OR THE FIRST PRESIDENCY AND THE TWELVE
APOSTLES
{307} This room is forty by twenty-eight feet and is furnished with
seats for the First Presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, the
Presiding Patriarch and a recorder, seventeen in all. As the picture
shows, the chairs of the Apostles are arranged in order around the
altar; the seats of the First Presidency and the Patriarch form a line
alongside the wall.
The walls support several paintings by Alfred Lambourne, among which
are his Hill Cumorah, and Adam-ondi-Ahman--replicas of canvases hung in
the Celestial Room; and beside these are several scenes illustrative
of the life and the atoning death of Christ. A few portraits of
Church leaders now deceased also appear; prominent among these are
paintings of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Brigham Young. In this chamber
the presiding councils of the Church meet as appointed. The chamber
connects with an ante-room in which is set the art window shown in
Plate 34.
See pages 195, 196.
{308}
PLATE 34.--THE MEMORIAL WINDOW
{309} In a small apartment adjoining the Council Room of the First
Presidency and the Twelve, there is the large memorial window pictured
herewith. The Temple is shown as it stands with the inscription
"Holiness to the Lord," appearing as in the clouds above the great
building. On the left-hand panel, beneath the bordered escutcheon, we
read:
Corner stone laid April 6, 1853, by
President Brigham Young,
Assisted by his Counsellors,
Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
And on the right-hand panel, similarly placed, is the inscription:
Dedicated April 6, 1893, by
President Wilford Woodruff,
Assisted by his Counsellors,
George Cannon, Joseph F. Smith.
See pages 136, 137, and 196.
{310}
PLATE 35.--GENERAL VIEW OF MAIN ASSEMBLY ROOM
{311} The fourth floor of the Temple is occupied entirely by the Main
Assembly Room and its vestries. The room pictured in the accompanying
plate is one hundred and twenty feet long, eighty feet wide, and
thirty-six feet high. At either end is a series of pulpits with
terraced platforms.
The body of the room is furnished with reversible seats by means of
which the audience may conveniently face either stand as occasion
requires. At the time this picture was taken, these seats had been
removed, and only the fixed lecture chairs on the end platforms and
in the gallery remained. The view here shown is that of an observer
looking toward the west, at which end is situated the stand devoted to
officers of the Aaronic Priesthood.
See pages 197, 198.
{312}
PLATE 36.--STAND AND PULPITS FOR MELCHISEDEK PRIESTHOOD IN MAIN
ASSEMBLY ROOM
{313} The view presented herewith shows with some detail, one of the
end stands in the Main Assembly Room already described. The stand is
really a series of four terraces, on each of which is a central lectern
with a smaller table on either side. The highest terrace is under a
canopy, on the front of which is inscribed the particular order of
Priesthood to which the stand belongs. The accompanying picture shows
the stand at the east end of the great room, which is reserved for the
officers of the Higher or Melchisedek Priesthood.
The lecterns with the smaller book-tables and all allied wood-work of
the stand are hand carved. The room is finished in white and gold.
See pages 197, 198.
{314}
PLATE 37.--SPIRAL STAIRWAY IN MAIN ASSEMBLY ROOM
{315} Access to the gallery of the Main Assembly Room is afforded
by four stairways, one in each corner of the great hall. These four
stairways are of similar design. Each is a graceful spiral, winding
about a central post. This picture shows the stairway in the southwest
corner of the Main Assembly Room.
The picture is of interest in illustrating the fact that all parts of
the great Temple are finished with thoroughness and care. There is no
neglected corner. It would seem, indeed, that the builders had well
learned the poet's lesson:
"In the elder days of art
Builders wrought with greatest care
Each minute and unseen part;
For the gods see everywhere."
See page 198.
{316}
PLATE 38.--ONE OF THE GREAT GRANITE STAIRWAYS
{317} Each corner of the great Temple is marked by a large tower;
and in each of these four corner towers is a stairway reaching from
basement to roof, and every step is of solid granite. A central column
of granite four feet in diameter supports, at the inner end, the one
hundred and seventy-seven granite steps. Each step is six feet six
inches long and weighs over seventeen hundred pounds; this amounts
to over one and a quarter million pounds as the weight of the seven
hundred and eight steps in the four tower stairways.
See pages 198, 199.
{318}
PLATE 39.--TEMPLE BLOCK, SALT LAKE CITY
{319} The city square or block upon which stands the great Temple is
occupied in part by other buildings devoted to Church purposes; among
these are the Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle, the Bureau of Information,
and, on the north half, therefore not shown in the picture, the Temple
Annex, the Conservatory, and other minor buildings.
Temple Block is a square of ten acres; it was laid off in 1847, and
reserved for the uses to which it has since been put; this was but a
few days after the arrival of the "Mormon" Pioneers in the valley of
the Great Salt Lake. The entire block is surrounded by a wall fifteen
feet high, consisting of a base of cut sandstone, courses of adobes or
sun-dried brick, capped by a sandstone coping; the adobes are plastered
on both sides. The block has been beautified by the best art of the
landscape gardner, and with its wealth of trees, shrubs and flowers,
presents a scene of attractive beauty.
See pages 137, 138, and 201-207.
{320}
PLATE 40.--THE TABERNACLE--EXTERIOR
{321} By architects and others this building has been pronounced one of
the most remarkable auditoriums ever erected. As the picture shows, it
is simply a great dome supported by buttressed walls. It was in course
of erection from July 1864 to October 1867.
The immense dome-roof is a lattice-work construction and is
self-sustaining. The roof span is without a single pillar. More
remarkable still, the roof is built entirely of wood and was
constructed without nails or metal spikes. The enormous beams and
trusses were held together by wooden pegs and rawhide thongs. While the
Tabernacle was in course of construction, iron nails and spikes were
obtainable only as they were brought across the plains by wagon and
team, and the high cost prevented their use.
Many modern buildings present larger roof spans, but such are generally
constructed of metal. The roof covering of the Tabernacle consisted
originally of wooden shingles: these have been replaced, however, by
sheet metal. The building is two hundred and fifty feet long and one
hundred and fifty feet in greatest width; from floor to ceiling at the
middle the distance is seventy feet; and the net work of beams and
trusses between ceiling and roof is ten feet high.
See pages 203-205.
{322}
PLATE 41.--THE TABERNACLE--INTERIOR
{323} A gallery thirty-six feet wide extends around the interior of the
Tabernacle except at the west end, where the gallery gives place to the
great organ and a terraced platform providing accommodations for Church
officials and the choir. In the choir space, seats are provided for
three hundred singers, with other seats for nearly as many more in the
adjacent sections of the spacious gallery. The building, as a whole,
affords seating room for nearly nine thousand persons, but audiences
much larger than this have assembled on many occasions. The acoustic
properties of the building are surprisingly good.
The great organ occupies nearly a thousand square feet of floor space,
and towers to a height of forty--eight feet. The instrument is, in
reality, a combination of five individual organs,--Solo, Swell, Great,
Choir, and Pedal organs. To operate the bellows an electric motor
of ten horse-power is employed and the air capacity is about five
thousand cubic feet per minute. The instrument comprises one hundred
and ten stops, and over thirty-six hundred pipes. The pipes range
from a fraction of an inch to thirty-two feet in speaking length.
This splendid instrument, which at the time of its construction was
the largest organ in the country, is the product of local talent and
all its wood-parts are of native material. The organ as it stands
represents a cost of over one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.
See pages 204, 205.
{324}
PLATE 42.--STATUE OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE PROPHET
{325} Life-size statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith are seen on Temple
Block. On the front tablet of the pedestal supporting the bronze figure
of Joseph, we read:
JOSEPH SMITH
THE PROPHET OF THE NEW DISPENSATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
OUR LORD. HE WAS BORN AT SHARON, VERMONT, ON THE 23RD OF DECEMBER,
1805; AND SUFFERED MARTYRDOM FOR THE WORD OF GOD AND THE TESTIMONY
OF JESUS AT CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS, ON THE 27TH OF JUNE, 1844.
HIS VISION OF GOD
I SAW TWO PERSONAGES WHOSE GLORY AND BRIGHTNESS DEFY ALL
DESCRIPTION. ONE OF THEM SPAKE UNTO ME AND SAID:
THIS IS MY BELOVED SON: HEAR HIM.
I ASKED WHICH OF ALL THE SECTS WAS RIGHT AND WHICH I SHOULD JOIN.
I WAS ANSWERED I MUST JOIN NONE OF THEM; THEY WERE ALL WRONG; THEY
TEACH FOR DOCTRINE THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN; I RECEIVED A PROMISE
THAT THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL WOULD AT SOME FUTURE TIME BE MADE
KNOWN TO ME.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
THIS BOOK WAS REVEALED TO HIM, AND HE TRANSLATED IT BY THE GIFT AND
POWER OF GOD. IT IS AN INSPIRED HISTORY OF ANCIENT AMERICA, AND
CONTAINS THE FULNESS OF THE GOSPEL. IT IS THE AMERICAN TESTAMENT OF
OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH
JOSEPH SMITH RECEIVED DIVINE AUTHORITY THROUGH THE MINISTRATION OF
ANGELS TO TEACH THE GOSPEL AND ADMINISTER THE ORDINANCES THEREOF.
HE ESTABLISHED AGAIN IN THE EARTH THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST,
ORGANIZING IT BY THE WILL AND COMMANDMENT OF GOD ON THE 6TH DAY OF
APRIL, 1830.
HE ALSO RECEIVED COMMISSION TO GATHER ISRAEL AND ESTABLISH ZION
ON THIS LAND OF AMERICA; TO ERECT TEMPLES AND PERFORM ORDINANCES
THEREIN BOTH FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD; AND PREPARE THE WAY FOR
THE GLORIOUS COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO REIGN ON EARTH.
The tablet on the back of the pedestal bears the following inscription:
TRUTH-GEMS
FROM THE TEACHINGS OF JOSEPH SMITH
THE GLORY OF GOD IS INTELLIGENCE.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A MAN TO BE SAVED IN IGNORANCE.
WHATEVER PRINCIPLE OF INTELLIGENCE WE ATTAIN UNTO IN THIS LIFE WILL
RISE WITH US IN THE RESURRECTION.
THERE IS A LAW IRREVOCABLY DECREED IN HEAVEN BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS
OF THIS WORLD, UPON WHICH ALL BLESSINGS ARE PREDICATED; AND WHEN
WE OBTAIN ANY BLESSING FROM GOD IT IS BY OBEDIENCE TO THAT LAW ON
WHICH IT IS PREDICATED.
THIS IS THE WORK AND GLORY OF GOD: TO BRING TO PASS THE IMMORTALITY
AND ETERNAL LIFE OF MAN.
ADAM FELL THAT MAN MIGHT BE: AND MEN ARE THAT THE MIGHT HAVE JOY.
THE INTELLIGENCE OF SPIRITS HAD NO BEGINNING, NEITHER WILL IT HAVE
AN END. JESUS WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH THE FATHER: MAN WAS ALSO IN
THE BEGINNING WITH GOD. INTELLIGENCE, OR THE LIGHT OF TRUTH, WAS
NOT CREATED OR MADE, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE.
THE SPIRIT AND BODY IS THE SOUL OF MAN; AND THE RESURRECTION FROM
THE DEAD IS THE REDEMPTION OF THE SOUL.
"IT IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF THE GOSPEL TO KNOW FOR A CERTAINTY
THE CHARACTER OF GOD; AND TO KNOW THAT MAN, [AS MOSES], MAY
CONVERSE WITH HIM AS ONE MAN CONVERSES WITH ANOTHER."
{326}
PLATE 43.--STATUE OF HYRUM SMITH, THE PATRIARCH
{327} The statue of Patriarch Hyrum Smith, like that of his brother
Joseph, the Prophet, has been moved from its first place of
installation in the granite niche at the east Temple entrance and is
now upon the open grounds. Both statues are set on pedestals of Utah
granite, which pedestals with their bases have a total height of four
feet four inches. The figures were modeled by Mahonri M. Young, a
sculptor of Utah nativity. On the front face of the pedestal supporting
the statue of the Patriarch is a bronze plate on which appears the
following:
HYRUM SMITH
THE PATRIARCH AND A WITNESS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
AN ELDER BROTHER AND THE STEADFAST FRIEND AND COUNSELOR OF JOSEPH
SMITH, THE PROPHET.
BORN AT TUNDRIDGE, VERMONT, FEBRUARY 9TH, 1800; SUFFERED MARTYRDOM
WITH THE PROPHET AT CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS, ON THE 27TH OF JUNE, 1844.
THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE BROTHERS HYRUM AND JOSEPH SMITH IS FOREMOST
AMONG THE FEW GREAT FRIENDSHIPS OF THE WORLD'S HISTORY. THEIR NAMES
WILL BE CLASSED AMONG THE MARTYRS FOR RELIGION.
THE BOOK OF MORMON--THE PLATES OF WHICH HYRUM SMITH BOTH SAW AND
HANDLED; THE REVELATIONS IN THE BOOK OF DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS; THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS--THESE, TO BRING THEM
FORTH FOR THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD, COST THE BEST BLOOD OF THE
19TH CENTURY.
"I COULD PRAY IN MY HEART THAT ALL MEN WERE LIKE MY BROTHER HYRUM,
WHO POSSESSES THE MILDNESS OF A LAMB AND THE INTEGRITY OF JOB; AND,
IN SHORT, THE MEEKNESS AND HUMILITY OF CHRIST. I LOVE HIM WITH THAT
LOVE THAT IS STRONGER THAN DEATH."--JOSEPH SMITH.
"IF EVER THERE WAS AN EXEMPLARY, HONEST AND VIRTUOUS MAN, AN
EMBODIMENT OF ALL THAT IS NOBLE IN THE HUMAN FORM, HYRUM SMITH WAS
THE REPRESENTATIVE."--PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR.
AS HE SHARED IN THE LABORS, SO DOES HE SHARE IN THE HONOR AND GLORY
OF THE NEW DISPENSATION WITH HIS PROPHET BROTHER.
IN LIFE THEY WERE NOT DIVIDED; IN DEATH THEY WERE NOT SEPARATED; IN
GLORY THEY ARE ONE
{328}
PLATE 44.--THE ST. GEORGE TEMPLE
{329} The Temple at St. George, Washington county, Utah, was the first
Temple built and opened to sacred service in what is now the State of
Utah. The building is one hundred and forty-two feet long, ninety-six
feet wide, and eighty feet high. The tower vane is one hundred and
seventy-five feet from the ground. It is built of red sandstone with a
foundation of black volcanic rock. The building has been plastered and
whitened on the outside and stands in striking contrast to the red rock
and soil of the vicinity. The cost of the building was considerably
over half a million dollars. It was built through free-will offerings
of the people and by voluntary labor. The ground was broken for the
foundation in November, 1871, and the Temple was dedicated in April,
1877. In common with other Utah Temples this is supplemented by an
ante-building known as the Annex, which was built in 1882. The Annex
comprises boiler and machinery rooms, recorder's offices and other
minor apartments. The Temple provides rooms and equipment for all
classes of ordinance work provided for in the greater structure in Salt
Lake City.
See pages 209-216.
{330}
PLATE 45.--THE LOGAN TEMPLE
{331} This, the most northerly of the Houses of the Lord in Utah, is
situated at Logan, Cache county. Excavation work preparatory to laying
the foundation was begun in 1877: corner stones were laid in September
of the same year; and the Temple was dedicated to sacred service in
May, 1884.
The building is one hundred and seventy-one feet long, ninety-five feet
wide, and eighty-six feet high to the square; the east tower is one
hundred and seventy feet high. The walls are of dark colored silicious
limestone, with trimmings of lighter tint. There are five full stories
within which are found rooms corresponding to all the essential
apartments, both for general and ceremonial purposes, as described in
detail in connection with the Temple in Salt Lake City.
The secondary building, corresponding to the Annex, at first known as
the Extension, was built before the main structure: it is eighty feet
by thirty-six and lies north of the Temple.
See pages 216-223.
{332}
PLATE 46.--THE MANTI TEMPLE
{333} The site for the Manti Temple was selected in June, 1875;
excavation work was begun in April, 1877; the corner stones were laid
two years later; and the building was dedicated May 21, 1888.
The Temple is built on rock in place and consists of material taken
from the Very deposit on which it is founded. This is an excellent
variety of oolite of light cream color. The building is one hundred and
seventy-one feet long, ninety-five feet wide, and eighty-two feet from
the ground to the square. The tower at the east has a height of one
hundred and seventy-nine feet, that at the west is ten feet lower; and
each of these towers is thirty feet square at the base.
The Temple occupies a position of eminence and is approached by a
stairway twenty feet wide, comprising one hundred and twenty-five
steps. The hill slope by which the Temple is approached is carpeted by
a luxuriant lawn beautified with trees and flowers; each tree is set
in a great flower-pot hollowed out for its accommodation in the solid
rock. The soil for trees, grass and flowers had to be brought from a
distance, as the rocky hill-slope was absolutely bare.
See pages 223-232.
INDEX.
Aaronic Priesthood. 234, 236.
Annex, Logan Temple, 219; Manti Temple, 229; St. George Temple, 214;
Salt Lake Temple, 154, 181, 255-259.
Ark of the Covenant, 4, 29, 40.
Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, 205.
Authority to labor for the dead, 82.
Baptism, a Gospel requirement, 71; for the dead, 89; of the Spirit, 74.
Baptistry, Logan Temple, 221; Nauvoo Temple, 130; St. George Temple,
213; Salt Lake Temple, 183, 263.
Bethel, meaning of, 1.
Boaz, the pillar in Solomon's Temple, 37.
Bowery, the Old, Salt Lake City, 202.
Celestial glory, 96.
Celestial Room, 189, 283, 285.
Courts of Temple of Herod, 57.
Council rooms, Salt Lake Temple, 195, 301-307.
Cubit, 23.
Dead, baptism for, 89; Gospel preached to, 91; vicarious service for, 77, 82.
Dedicatory Prayer, Salt Lake Temple, 161.
Degrees of glory, 95.
Doors, outer. Salt Lake Temple, 179, 253.
Earth-stones, Salt Lake Temple, 177.
Elders' Room, 195, 299.
Elijah, ministry of, 82, 122.
Endowment in modern temples, 99.
Exaltation and salvation, 95.
Expulsion from Eden, art window, 187, 273.
Ezekiel's vision of temple, 43.
Faith, a Gospel requirement, 66.
Far West, temple site at, 123.
Font, baptismal, see Baptistry.
Garden Room, 186, 267.
General Service Plant, Salt Lake City, 206.
Glory, degrees of, 95; celestial, 96; terrestrial, 97; telestial, 98.
Herod, Temple of, 11, 53.
"Holiness to the Lord," inscription, 134, 136, 180.
Holy Ghost, the gift of, 74, 93.
Holy of Holies, in Tabernacle of the Congregation, 24; in Solomon's
Temple, 36; in Temple of Ezekiel's vision, 44; in Temple of Zerubbabel,
50; in Temple at Salt Lake City, 192, 295.
Holy Place, in Tabernacle of the Congregation, 24; in Solomon's Temple,
36; in Temple of Ezekiel's vision, 44; in Temple of Zerubbabel, 50.
Hosanna Shout, 120, 150, 210.
Hyrum Smith, statue of, 180, 327.
Independence, temple site at, 112.
Inscription stones, Salt Lake Temple, 178.
Jachin, the pillar in Solomon's Temple, 37.
Joseph Smith, statue of, 180, 325.
Kirtland Temple, 14, 114, 243.
Lecture rooms. Salt Lake Temple, 185. 189, 265, 279, 281.
Levitical Priesthood, 234, 236.
Logan Temple, 216, 331.
Manti Temple. 223, 333.
Marriage, ordained of God, 102; celestial, 101, 105; in the
resurrection, 107.
Melchisedek Priesthood, 234, 237.
Modern temple ordinances, 89.
Modern temples, 110.
Moon-stones, Salt Lake Temple, 177.
Mormon Battalion, 202.
Moroni, statue of on Salt Lake Temple, 176, 251.
Most Holy Place, see Holy of Holies.
Nauvoo Temple, 14, 126, 245.
Necessity of obedience to laws and ordinances of the Gospel, 64.
Need of temples, 63.
Nephite temples, 11.
Oracle, see Holy of Holies.
Ordinances in modern temples, 89.
Ordination and endowment, 93.
Organ, in Salt Lake Tabernacle, 204, 323.
Prayer, at dedication of Salt Lake Temple, 161.
Priesthood, ordination to, 93; authority of necessary in temple
ministrations, 27, 103; Aaronic order, 236; Levitical,
236; Melchisedek, 237.
Quorum, distinctive use of term, 230.
Record stones, Salt Lake Temple, 151, 176.
Repentance, a Gospel requirement, 66.
Royal Porch in Temple of Herod, 56.
St. George Temple, 209, 329.
Salt Lake Temple, 15; historical account of, 136; early description
of, 144; laying of capstone, 149; dedication, 152; exterior, 172, 247,
249; interior, 181, 261-315.
Salvation and exaltation, 95.
Sanctuaries in earlier dispensations, 17.
Sealing in marriage, 101, 106; of parents and children, 108.
Sealing rooms, 191, 287-293.
Smith, Hyrum; see Hyrum Smith.
Smith, Joseph; see Joseph Smith.
Solomon's Porch in Temple of Herod, 56.
Solomon's Temple, 6, 30.
Star-stones, Salt Lake Temple, 178.
Sun-stones, Salt Lake Temple, 177.
Tabernacles, ancient; the Provisional, 19; of the Congregation,
3, 20; the Third, 29.
Tabernacles, modern; the Old, Salt Lake City, 202. At Salt
Lake City, 203; exterior, 321; interior, 323; organ, 204.
Telestial glory, 98.
Temple Block, Salt Lake City, 201, 319.
Temple site at Far West, 123; at Independence, Mo., 112.
Temples, ancient: of Solomon; 6, 30; of Zerubbabel, 9, 45; of
Herod, 11, 53; of Ezekiel's vision, 43; of the Nephites, 11.
Temples of the present, 110; at Kirtland, Ohio, 14, 114, 243; at
Nauvoo, 111., 14, 126, 245; at St. George, 209, 329; at Logan, 216,
331; at Manti, 223, 333; at Salt Lake City, see Salt Lake Temple.
Terrestrial glory, 97.
Terrestrial room, 188, 279, 281.
Testimony, The, 18.
Veil, in Tabernacle, 24; in Solomon's Temple, 37; in Temple of Herod,
59; in Salt Lake Temple, 189.
Vicarious service for the dead, 11; temples required for same, 86.
World room, 187, 275, 277.
Women, equality of, 94.
Zerubbabel, Temple of, 9, 45.
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
This edition is meant to reproduce the original 1912 edition. It moves
what were originally footnotes to the end of each chapter. Though some
of the plates contain copyright symbols and are noted as copyrighted,
this copyright protection has expired in the United States.
End of Project Gutenberg's The House of the Lord, by James E. Talmage