SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As we watch the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple progress, a company is putting on an exhibit of art and artifacts that will take us back in time when we originally built and dedicated.
The Salt Lake Temple became a symbol of faith during its original construction. Caroline Parry is the curator of “Remembering the Salt Lake Temple: A Solemn Display” at Anthony’s Fine Art. It marks the creation of the sixth temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with photographs, artifacts and memorabilia from the 19th century Century.
“This was her great monument,” she said. “This was her testimony.”
It showed KSL-TV the art of a personal item – an elaborately etched pocket watch – which is an example of the workmanship of this temple.
“This watch was made by one of the stonemasons and metal workers … and even just the care he put into his own watch, named ‘Joseph Brigham Clark’, just a little proof of the care that has gone into the watch became a temple, ”said Parry.
Historian Ron Fox brought together many of the photos that Parry says most people have never seen.
They tell the fascinating story of how to cut the granite from the mountains, pull ox carts to take it to the construction site, and mark each stone with an “X” or two or three to be placed in specific areas of the temple.
Then there are the photos of the workers on the scaffolding and a nice picture of the assembly hall from a temple tower.
“The temple workers gave their hearts and souls. I just heard from my ancestor, John Parry, who was a mason, how long it took and what he did and how he put it all in, ”Parry said.
The construction of the temple attracted attention well outside of the Utah Territory. Even Union Pacific advertised trips to Salt Lake to see it.
As a tourist during construction, you could get a ticket to the Salt Lake Temple Tower and climb to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city.
Indoor shots showcase the pioneer art with the stunning spiral staircase and carved railings and chandeliers, and Tiffany and Company stained glass windows.
The temple, consecrated in 1893, took 40 years to complete. 41 dedication sessions with 75,000 participants took place over a period of two weeks.
This exhibition shows the scaffolding on top of the towers that reminds us of today’s major renovation project. From the beginning it was unique as an expression of faith, vision and determination.
The “Remembering the Salt Lake Temple” exhibit will be on view at Anthony’s Fine Art in downtown Salt Lake City at 401 East 200 South every day except Sundays through May 31. It is free to the public.
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