Logan Utah Temple | ||||
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Number | 2 | |||
Dedication | May 17, 1884, by John Taylor | |||
Site | 9 acres (3.6 ha) | |||
Floor area | 119,619 sq ft (11,113.0 m2) | |||
Height | 170 ft (52 m) | |||
Official website • News & images | ||||
Church chronology | ||||
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Additional information | ||||
Announced | October 6, 1876, by Brigham Young | |||
Groundbreaking | May 17, 1877, by John Willard Young | |||
Open house | February 5 – March 3, 1979 (after renovations) | |||
Rededicated | March 13, 1979, by Spencer W. Kimball | |||
Designed by | Truman O. Angell | |||
Location | Logan, Utah, United States | |||
Geographic coordinates | 41°44′2.979600″N111°49′40.59480″W / 41.73416100000°N 111.8279430000°W | |||
Exterior finish | Dark-colored siliceous limestone | |||
Temple design | Castellated Gothic | |||
Baptistries | 1 | |||
Ordinance rooms | 4 (stationary) | |||
Sealing rooms | 11 | |||
Clothing rental | Available | |||
( | )
Logan Temple | |
Location | Between 2nd and 3rd East and 1st and 2nd North, Logan, Utah |
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Coordinates | 41°44′03″N111°49′38″W / 41.73417°N 111.82722°W |
Area | over 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
Built | 1884 |
Architect | Truman O. Angell |
Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 75001801 [1] |
Added to NRHP | November 20, 1975 |
The Logan Utah Temple (formerly the Logan Temple) is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was completed in 1884 and is the fourth temple built by the church. [2] [3] Located in the city of Logan, Utah, it was the second temple in Utah, after the St. George Temple. It was built on a 9-acre (3.6 ha) plot selected by church president Brigham Young.
The temple was announced on October 6, 1876, by Young during the church's general conference. The Salt Lake Temple had been announced in 1847, but construction was still underway and would not be completed until 1893, so the Logan and St. George temples were built to satisfy the church's need for temples. [4] A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 18, 1877, conducted by Orson Pratt with John W. Young breaking the ground. [5]
The temple has a castellated exterior, a style it shares with the Manti Utah Temple. [2] [5] The Logan Temple was crafted by head church architect Truman O. Angell, using a blend of Gothic Revival architecture with a French Renaissance style. [6]
The temple in Logan was announced by Brigham Young on October 6, 1876, [7] [8] [9] with its groundbreaking taking place on May 18, 1877. [10] This ceremony was presided over by Orson Pratt and attended by local church members and community leaders. At the time of the groundbreaking, the nine-acre temple site had not actually been purchased by the church. The church did not officially acquire the land until April 24, 1878–a year after ground had been broken and construction had begun. [9]
The site for the temple was selected by Brigham Young based on the view it offered of the surrounding valley and the suitability of the ground. [9] The temple site had been held in reserve for many years. It was used as a park and public grounds before being dedicated as the temple site.
The preliminary plans called for a five-story structure of more than 59,000 square feet. [11] While it was initially believed that the temple could be built in three years using only volunteer labor, in actuality it took seven years to build. A combination of hired hands and volunteers were used with wards providing quotas of volunteers. Donations to the temple could be made in the form of labor, materials or money. [12] More than 25,000 people worked on the temple's construction. Timber for the building was hauled from the Temple Fork area of Logan Canyon. Lime and quartzite were quarried out of nearby Green Canyon. The sandstone for water tables, caps and window ledges came from Franklin quarry in Idaho. [13] Most of the quarried materials were extracted during winter when farm duties were low and because transporting material was easier on sled than wagon. As completion of the temple neared, women in the area were asked to make carpets for the temple. The women spent two months working to hand make 2,144 square yards of carpet. [14] [6]
The temple was dedicated on May 17, 1884 by John Taylor. It was the only temple Taylor dedicated during his tenure as church president. [3]
In 1896–97 the Logan Temple Barn was built to house the animals belonging to members of the Church who were working at or attending the nearby Logan Temple. The temple barn fell into disuse after automobiles began to bring worshipers to the temple and was sold in 1919.
A $50,000 renovation project was undertaken from July 9, 1915, to January 11, 1916. As part of this project electricity was installed in the temple. In 1917, a fire started in a closet under the grand staircase in the central north part of the main building. It completely destroyed the oval staircase which connected the first through the third floors. It caused approximately $40,000 in damage and took about three months to repair. [15]
The Logan Temple was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 1975. [1]
The temple was the second temple to be completed in Utah and is the church's sixth largest. The temple has a total floor area of 115,507 square feet (10,731.0 m2) with 4 ordinance rooms, 11 sealing rooms (used to perform marriages), and one baptistry. [5] Because the upper room occupies the entire floor, 6 trusses were used across the width of the building to secure it. Due to the height of the building and inclement weather during construction, many of the doors, windows, door frames, sashes, etc. were made offsite in a carpentry shop, then installed later. [16]
Architect Truman O. Angell’s design had two towers and was based on the same pattern as the Salt Lake Temple, with a large assembly hall and other similar rooms. The building’s architectural form is a combination of Gothic Revival and French Renaissance styles, along with traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. [5] [6] [8]
Site
The temple sits on a nine-acre plot, and the landscaping around the temple features a pioneer-inspired oval reflecting pool. These elements are designed to provide a tranquil setting that enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. [2] [5]
Exterior
The structure stands five stories tall and is primarily constructed with dark siliceous limestone. Buff-colored limestone was used for the more intricate carved details. Initially the dark siliceous limestone was painted a pinkish color, but after 1900 the paint was allowed to fade. The castellated exterior is characterized by two domed cupolas and two octagonal towers, each chosen for their symbolic significance and alignment with temple traditions. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and the broader church symbolism. [5]
Interior
Initially, the interior featured muraled ordinance rooms for live-action presentation of temple ceremonies. However, these murals were removed during the 1976 renovation to allow for a motion-picture presentation of the ceremonies, like other temples, and were replaced with 1970s-style interior design. The temple's four ordinance rooms are each decorated in a different color scheme, and the celestial room features a large crystal chandelier. The layout is designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment which represents one's journey through life. In addition to the ordinance rooms and the celestial room, the temple includes a baptistry and 11 sealing rooms. Symbolic elements are integrated into the design, providing deeper meaning to the temple's function and aesthetics. [3] [5] [17]
Symbols
Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements which are typical of both Latter-Day Saint architecture and medieval religious architecture, providing spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. [18] Symbolism is an important subject to members of the Church.
One of the most prominent symbols incorporated into the temple’s design is the towers to the east and west, which represent the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods, respectively. Additionally, five-pointed stars can be seen on the exterior of the temple, a common religious symbol in the Middle Ages, representing the five wounds of Christ. The specific version of the five-pointed star used on the temple is called the "Star of the Morning", which is used in the book of Revelations as a title for God. The star points downward, with an elongated bottom ray which represents that “the Savior has descended from heaven to earth.” [18]
The temple not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as an architectural landmark in Logan. [19] [20] This was the first temple to have muraled ordinance rooms for the endowment. [5]
In 1949, the temple was remodeled and received updated lighting, heating, air conditioning, elevators, and other modern conveniences. Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. The most significant renovation project commenced in 1976 [3] and the interior was completely gutted and redone. The roof was also removed, and at one point only the exterior walls were left standing. The renovation expanded the temple’s original 59,130 square footage to 115,507 square feet. New electrical, heating, and AC systems were added. [5] [17] One of the notable aspects of the renovation was the removal of pioneer-era murals from the interior. The muraled ordinance rooms were replaced with separate ordinance rooms which were equipped for motion-picture versions of temple ceremonies. These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members. [3] [5] After remodeling, the temple was rededicated on March 13, 1979, by church president Spencer W. Kimball.
The temple grounds were renovated in 2009. Heated sidewalks were added to help with heavy snowfall, and an oval reflecting pool replaced a 1970s-style water feature. [5]
On April 7, 2019, Russell M. Nelson stated during the church’s general conference that the temple would be renovated alongside the Salt Lake Temple and other pioneer-era temples. As of May 2024, no closing dates or renovation plans have been announced. [21]
In the early days of the temple, it housed the Logan Temple Association (LTA) School. The dedicatory prayer for the temple mentioned the importance of education, and the Kirtland Temple had previously housed a school, so it was decided that the Logan Temple would be a place of learning as well as a house of the Lord. The wards and stakes from the area surrounding the temple selected delegates to form the LTA. The Association decided to establish a “School of Science for the promotion of learning,” which would teach a variety of subjects but refrain from teaching anything that might deny the existence of God. Books were donated to the school by the local community, and the school opened with 155 students on September 5, 1885. School attendance declined over the years, and the LTA was disbanded in 1912. [9]
After construction many of the volunteers became skilled in their work and were eventually able to open their own businesses in masonry, woodwork, etc. Remnants of the temple construction, such as 500 tons of rock from Green Canyon quarry and sandstone from Franklin quarry were sold to construct Brigham Young College and Smithfield Tabernacle. [22]
Since its dedication in 1884, the temple has been overseen by a series of temple presidents, each typically serving for a term of three years. The temple president oversees the administration of temple operations and provides spiritual guidance for both patrons and staff. [23] [24]
Logan's first temple president was Marriner W. Merrill, who served from 1884 to 1906. Other notable presidents include: William Budge (1906–18); ElRay L. Christiansen (1943–52); and W. Rolfe Kerr (2008–11). As of September 2023, Jeffrey R. Burbank is the temple president. [25] [24]
Like all temples of the church, the temple is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. [26] Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. [26]
Temples in Utah ( ) Wasatch Front Temples
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The Bern Switzerland Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was the church's first temple in Europe and the second outside of North America, after the Laie Hawaii Temple. The intent to build the temple was announced on July 1, 1952, by church president David O. McKay.
The St. George Utah Temple, formerly known as the St. George Temple, is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. George, Utah. Completed in 1877, it was the third temple constructed by the church and the first in Utah, following the westward migration of Mormon pioneers from Nauvoo, Illinois, after the death of church founder Joseph Smith.
The Manti Utah Temple is the fifth constructed temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple construction was completed in 1888. Located in the city of Manti, Utah, it was the third Latter-day Saint temple built west of the Mississippi River, after the Mormon pioneers trekked west. The Manti Temple was designed by William Harrison Folsom, who moved to Manti while the temple was under construction. The temple dominates the Sanpete Valley and can be seen from many miles. Like all Latter-day Saint temples, only church members in good standing may enter. It was previously one of only two remaining Latter-day Saint temples in the world where live portrayal was used in the endowment ceremony. All other temples use a film in the presentation of the endowment, a practice that will also be used in Manti beginning in 2024 following renovation. It is an early pioneering example of four rooms representing the journey of life.
The Cardston Alberta Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cardston, Alberta. It was the eighth temple constructed and is the sixth still in operation. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 12, 1912, by church president Joseph F. Smith, during the church's general conference. It was both the first temple built in Canada and outside the United States. There are four temples in the province of Alberta and ten operated by the church in Canada.
The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The intent to build the temple was announced on March 3, 1937, by church president Heber J. Grant during the church's general conference. It is the church's tenth constructed and eighth operating temple, the first built in Idaho, and the first built with a modern single-spire design.
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple is the 13th constructed and 11th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 17, 1955, by church president David O. McKay during a meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With its completion in 1958, it was the church's first temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the second built both in Polynesia and outside the United States and Canada, after the Laie Hawaii Temple. Located just outside Temple View in Hamilton, it was built with a modern single-spire design similar to the Bern Switzerland Temple. As of May 2024, this is the only temple currently operating in New Zealand, with one in Auckland under construction, and another in Wellington in the planning phase.
The Provo Utah Temple was a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Provo, Utah, just north of Brigham Young University (BYU). The intent to build the temple was announced on August 14, 1967, by Hugh B. Brown and N. Eldon Tanner. The church's temples are a sacred space where church members make covenants and perform ordinances for themselves and their deceased ancestors. The temple was designed by architect Emil B. Fetzer and was dedicated in 1972 as the church's seventeenth constructed and fifteenth operating temple. It was the sixth temple built in Utah, and the first in both Utah County and Provo.
The Ogden Utah Temple is the sixteenth constructed and fourteenth operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Ogden, Utah, it was originally built with a modern, single-spire design, similar to the Provo Utah Temple. The temples in Ogden and Provo were designed to be sister temples and are the only ones dedicated by church president Joseph Fielding Smith. The temple became the church’s fifth in Utah, and second along the Wasatch Front, dedicated almost 79 years after the Salt Lake Temple. It was the first to be dedicated in the state of Utah, as the previous ones were dedicated when Utah was still a territory.
The Jordan River Utah Temple is the 20th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located in South Jordan, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 3, 1978, by church president Spencer W. Kimball during a press conference in the Church Office Building. The temple is the first in the city of South Jordan, the second in Salt Lake County, and as of 2024 is one of thirty in the state of Utah.
The Palmyra New York Temple is the 77th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 9, 1999. It was the first temple built in New York.
The Toronto Ontario Temple is the 44th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced to local leaders on the morning of April 7, 1984, and then referenced by Gordon B. Hinckley, second counselor in the First Presidency, during the general conference session which followed. It was the second temple built in Canada, becoming the first country in the world, outside the United States, to have two temples in its borders.
The Suva Fiji Temple is the 91st operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on April 5, 1998, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley during the church's general conference. The temple is the first to be built in Fiji.
The Draper Utah Temple is the 129th temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was dedicated by church president Thomas S. Monson on March 20, 2009, with additional sessions also held through March 22. The intent to build the temple was announced by church president Gordon B. Hinckley on October 2, 2004, during the church's general conference. Prior to the dedication, the temple was open to the public from January 15, 2009 through March 14, 2009.
On December 27, 1832, two years after the organization of the Church of Christ, the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, stated he received a revelation that called upon church members to restore the practice of temple worship. The Latter Day Saints in Kirtland, Ohio were commanded to:
"Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."
The San Salvador El Salvador Temple is the 135th temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the fourth temple to be built in Central America and the first in El Salvador. The intent to build the temple was announced on November 18, 2007, in a statement from the church's First Presidency.
The Provo City Center Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, built on the site of the former Provo Tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Completed in 2016, the temple uses much of the external shell of the tabernacle that remained from the original building after a fire in December 2010. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 1, 2011, by church president Thomas S. Monson, during the church's general conference. The temple is the second in Provo, was the sixteenth in Utah, and the church's 150th worldwide. This temple has a distinctive exterior with Gothic-inspired stained glass windows. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on May 12, 2012, conducted by Jeffrey R. Holland.
The Orem Utah Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Orem, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 5, 2019, by church president Russell M. Nelson, during the church's general conference. The temple is the first in the city of Orem, the sixth in Utah County, and the 28th in the state of Utah.
The Deseret Peak Utah Temple is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tooele, Utah. Plans to construct a temple in the Tooele Valley were announced on April 7, 2019 by church president Russell M. Nelson, during general conference. The temple is the first in Tooele County and the 23rd in the state of Utah.
The Red Cliffs Utah Temple, originally announced as the Washington County Utah Temple, is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. George, Utah. The intent to construct the temple was announced in October 2018 by church president Russell M. Nelson. It is the second temple in Washington County, with the St. George Utah Temple being the first, and the fourth in southern Utah.