The Last of Utah | Provo City Center Utah Temple

The Provo City Center Temple is being built out of the ashes of the Provo Tabernacle. 

After standing for 125 years, in December 2010 a fire engulfed the building- ripping through wooden pews, organ pipes, priceless pioneer craftsmanship, and original pieces of art. A crew of approximately 25 firefighters doused the building with water for hours. The roof collapsed, dragging with it portions of the front parapet and wall. But the crew felt encouraged by the still-standing exterior walls.

After three and a half months of investigation, a report by the Provo Fire Department concluded, "A series of human errors led to the merciless blaze that destroyed the interior of the Provo Tabernacle. The events were set into action when a lighting technician, making room for temporary stage lighting, removed two 300-watt light fixtures in the attic and set one on a wooden speaker box without removing the bulb."

    

An incredible discovery was made the day after the fire- a print of The Second Coming by Harry Anderson, which depicts Jesus Christ coming through the clouds with angels on both sides. The tabernacle painting which sat inside the east front door, was completely blackened by residual fire except for the untouched figure of Jesus Christ himself with hands outstretched. Officials removed the print immediately for conservation.

The fire was a tragic event indeed, but it was made good when President Monson announced that the old tabernacle would be built into a temple.

Linda S. Reeves, the second counselor of the General Relief Society Presidency gave a talk, Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants, during the General Relief Society Meeting in 2013. She put things into beautiful perspective:
"Almost three years ago a devastating fire gutted the interior of the beloved, historic tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Its loss was deemed a great tragedy by both the community and Church members. Many wondered, “Why did the Lord let this happen? Surely He could have prevented the fire or stopped its destruction. Ten months later, during the October 2011 general conference, there was an audible gasp when President Thomas S. Monson announced that the nearly destroyed tabernacle was to become a holy temple—a house of the Lord! Suddenly we could see what the Lord had always known! He didn’t cause the fire, but He allowed the fire to strip away the interior. He saw the tabernacle as a magnificent temple—a permanent home for making sacred, eternal covenants."

The story of how this temple came about touches my heart. But my heart is also broken knowing we won't be around to enjoy it once completed. I am so grateful though, for the many temple experiences I've had in just the past five years. Living in Utah where there are 15 temples (and counting) has been such a wonderful opportunity to strengthen my testimony of temple work.