Temple Square
Temple Square
Also known as: Salt Lake Temple Square, LDS Temple Square
Religions: Latter-day Saints | Place Type: Religious complex | Region: North America
Overview
Temple Square is a complex in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, serving as the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is centered on the Salt Lake Temple, currently undergoing renovation scheduled for completion in 2026. The complex includes the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the Assembly Hall, visitor centers, and gardens. Founded in 1847 following the arrival of Mormon pioneers, Temple Square is the spiritual, administrative, and cultural center of the Latter-day Saints tradition.
Present
Temple Square functions as the global headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an active center of worship, administration, and public outreach. The Conference Center hosts semiannual General Conference, broadcast worldwide. The interior of the Salt Lake Temple is restricted to church members holding a temple recommend; the surrounding grounds, gardens, and visitor centers are open to all. The Family History Library provides public access to genealogical records. Ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple limits access through 2026. A public open house planned for 2027 will allow non-members to enter the temple before its rededication.
Religious Significance
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Temple Square is the global headquarters of the LDS Church and the site of its most sacred temple. Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith restored Christ's original church, which had fallen into apostasy after the death of Jesus's apostles. Temples serve purposes distinct from regular meetinghouses: they are where sacred ordinances are performed, including celestial marriage (sealing families for eternity), baptism for the dead, and endowment ceremonies. Only members in good standing may enter. The Tabernacle, completed in 1867, houses one of the world's largest pipe organs and is home to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, which performs weekly broadcasts and tours internationally.
History & Structure
Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, and within days designated the site of Temple Square as the location for a temple. Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853 and continued for 40 years, slowed by limited resources, political conflict during the Utah War, and the challenges of quarrying and transporting granite from Little Cottonwood Canyon. The temple was completed and dedicated in 1893. The Tabernacle was built between 1864 and 1867, and the Assembly Hall in 1882. The Salt Lake Temple closed in 2019 for comprehensive renovation including seismic upgrades, with completion scheduled for 2026.
Resources
- Wikipedia: Temple Square