The Tabernacle on Temple Square has been the beloved home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 137 years. Millions have entered within these walls since it was completed in 1867, and millions more will return when it reopens following an 18-month renovation.
Beginning next week, the Choir will broadcast its weekly program across the street from the Tabernacle, in the Conference Center. The Tabernacle will close while it undergoes extensive renovations to meet seismic standards; it will be reinforced structurally and brought technologically into the 21st century. Its appearance, its historic 19th-century character will remain much the same.
Built by pioneer ingenuity and skilled craftsmanship, the Tabernacle is a place of history, made sacred through sacrifice. The bare hands and faithful hearts that raised these walls gave their all that God might be glorified. The Salt Lake Valley was a remote wilderness then – not even a railroad graced its barren landscape. So when marble was wanted but not found, wooden pillars were carefully painted to look like marble columns. Pine benches were painstakingly painted to look like oak. And 44 stone buttresses were topped with a huge elliptical roof – a latticework of timbers that was held together by wooden pegs and rawhide. Then, as now, it is a symbol of devotion. Fifty years ago, well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright called this national historic landmark “one of the architectural masterpieces of the country, and perhaps the world.” 1
The Choir has performed in the great concert halls of the world. But each week when the Choir fills the Tabernacle with the joyful sounds of music, we are home.
Just as people have personalities, this building has a personality. This venerable companion is a peaceful place of beauty, history, worship, and refuge.
We will miss it for a season but will soon return home. And so we say good-bye to an old friend for a time. Until we meet again.
Program #3928
1. In R. Scott Lloyd, “Pioneer Edifice Fulfilled a Pressing Need,” Church News. Oct. 16, 2004, 5.