From Deseret News archives:

Tabernacle now facing a retrofit

Published: Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 11:26 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Plans for a seismic retrofit of the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square were formally announced during a press conference Friday as Latter-day Saints prepared for the church's 174th Semiannual General Conference.

General Conference begins at 10 a.m. today in the Conference Center.

President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told reporters Friday that "buildings, like men, get old. They don't last forever unless you look after them." He described his love and respect for the Tabernacle, as well as the Salt Lake Temple, "two venerable old parents: the temple, the father, and the Tabernacle, the mother."

He said he wants the history of the building — begun in 1863 by pioneer craftsmen using wooden pegs and rawhide to hold its wooden lattice framework together — preserved.

"I don't want a modern, 2004-2005 building. I want the old original Tabernacle" to look as it does today, he said, cautioning the builders that once their plans are completed, he will look over them "to see that nothing is destroyed that shouldn't be destroyed."

"I respect this building. I love this building. I honor this building. I don't want anything done here that will destroy the historical aspect of this rare gem of architecture," President Hinckley said.

Story continues below
While there were few concrete details of how the construction will actually proceed, church Presiding Bishop H. David Burton said the project is slated to begin in January, and, barring unforeseen delays, will be completed in mid-2006. Many details have yet to be finalized by FFKR Architects and Jacobsen Construction, in part because of the unique character of the building.

Rumors had circled locally in early September about the project, and news stories appeared in both Salt Lake City newspapers in mid-September detailing what had become public knowledge, much of it from information posted on the Jacobsen Construction Co. Web site.

Bishop Burton said dressing rooms, restrooms and a library will be added to support the 350-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The group is celebrating its 75th anniversary of continuous weekly radio broadcasting from the Tabernacle each Sunday, and once the project is complete, the Tabernacle will remain home to both the choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. Meanwhile, the performing groups will be housed in the Conference Center.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley discusses the history of the Tabernacle Friday as he announces plans for an extensive seismic upgrade.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

So are you saying that women's soccor should evolve into this type of...

The Church has never been about hating gays, or any other group. It has only...

Hatch empathizes with Muslims

To which I add Amen, and Amen! [Thank you!]

RSL in win-Windy City situation

this is going to so much fun? Gee who do i cheer for if REAL plays Galaxy? ...

Hall would rather take a hit

The great QBs make defenses pay for bringing pressure. Hall offers up...

I completely concur, this exhibition game was supposed to be easy and a blow...

Maybe we should just back up 50 years and do away with all laws etc. passed...

So does Hall enjoy absorbing the contact as Call says, or in Hall's own...

Well put, let it die. A lot people who want the health care bill haven't...

D-Will, Price sit out Jazz practice

If Jerry studies "game tape" he will see how to beat the Celtics, see Phoenix...

Advertisements
Advertisement