Utah’s first Latter-day Saint temple is poised to reopen after a massive four-year makeover.
The pioneer-era St. George Temple, a glistening white citadel in the heart southwestern Utah’s redrock wonderland, will stage a public open house from Sept. 15 through Nov. 11, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday in a news release. It will be rededicated Dec. 10.
The 146-year-old structure, which closed in November 2019, has undergone seismic upgrades and improvements to its mechanical and electrical systems. Annexes built in the 20th century were torn down to make room for other additions. And maple and poplar millwork, patterned after the original woodwork in the historic edifice, has been installed in the new sections.
In addition, the revamped temple grounds — including walkways, planters and landscaping — feature drought-tolerant shrubbery, supported by a smart irrigation system.
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) The St. George Temple in May 2023.
The St. George Temple initially was dedicated April 6, 1877, becoming the third Latter-day Saint temple completed and the first in Utah.
The temple’s cupola was replaced in 1883 after a lightning strike, and the first annex was added that year. Previous renovations were completed in 1917, 1938 and 1975, and the temple was rededicated Nov. 11, 1975.
A second temple is under construction in St. George as well. Officials broke ground on the Red Cliffs Temple near 3000 East 1580 South in November 2020.
(Image courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) An artist's rendering of the Red Cliffs Temple.
Two other pioneer-period temples also are undergoing extensive renovations: the iconic, six-spired Salt Lake Temple, whose reopening has been pushed back to 2026, and central Utah’s Manti Temple.
The Beehive State is home to 28 existing or planned temples of its predominant faith.
— Tribune reporter Scott D. Pierce contributed to this story.
