Tabernacle timeline

1959: A small flash fire is extinguished in the auditorium before any real damage is done.

1963: 400 well-worn benches are refinished.

1966: Original Tabernacle doors receive a face-lift.

1967: For the first time, seven Mexican radio and TV stations carry general conference in April.

1968: Full basement dug under the Tabernacle.

1972: New computerized lighting system added.

1972: Tabernacle designated a civil engineering landmark

1977: Some interior remodeling. Included is seating for more general authorities.

1981: A network of 500 satellite dishes at stake centers to carry general conference live is announced.

1993: The centennial of the Salt Lake Temple is observed in a April 6 program by the Tabernacle Choir.

1996: President Gordon B. Hinckley announces April 6 that a new assembly hall four times the size of the Tabernacle will be constructed.

1999: Tabernacle is last used for a general conference's main seating, Oct. 2-3

2000: The first general conference is held in the Conference Center, April 1-2.

2005-07: Modern retrofit started in January 2005.

2007: President Gordon B. Hinckley offers rededicatory prayer, March 31, for the Tabernacle at general conference.

— Compiled by Lynn Arave