**Provo Tabernacle**
The Provo Tabernacle was a historic religious building located in Provo, Utah, originally constructed in the late 19th century as a meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It served as a prominent cultural and religious center until it was severely damaged by fire in 2010 and subsequently rebuilt and repurposed as the Provo City Center Temple.
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## Provo Tabernacle
The Provo Tabernacle was a significant architectural and cultural landmark in Provo, Utah, known for its distinctive Gothic Revival style and its role as a central gathering place for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Constructed between 1883 and 1898, the building was used for religious services, community events, and cultural performances for over a century. The tabernacle was tragically damaged by a fire in December 2010, which led to its eventual transformation into the Provo City Center Temple, dedicated in 2016.
### History
#### Early Construction and Purpose
The Provo Tabernacle was commissioned by the LDS Church to serve the growing population of Provo and Utah County. Construction began in 1883 under the direction of architect William H. Folsom, a prominent LDS architect known for his work on other church buildings. The building was completed in stages, with the main auditorium finished in 1898. The tabernacle was designed to accommodate large congregations for worship services, conferences, and community gatherings.
The building’s construction reflected the aspirations of the LDS community in Provo during the late 19th century, symbolizing both religious devotion and civic pride. It was one of the largest and most ornate buildings in the region at the time, featuring a seating capacity of approximately 2,500 people.
#### Architectural Features
The Provo Tabernacle was designed in the Gothic Revival style, characterized by pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, and intricate woodwork. The exterior was constructed primarily of red brick with stone trim, and the building featured tall, narrow windows with stained glass. The interior was noted for its large open auditorium, wooden pews, and a prominent pipe organ.
The building’s design emphasized acoustics and visibility, making it an ideal venue for musical performances and public speaking. The tabernacle hosted numerous concerts, theatrical productions, and community events throughout its history.
#### Role in the Community
For over a century, the Provo Tabernacle served as a central hub for religious and cultural life in Provo. It was the site of weekly LDS Church meetings, regional conferences, and special events such as Christmas concerts and civic ceremonies. The building also hosted performances by local choirs and orchestras, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the community.
The tabernacle was a symbol of Provo’s heritage and identity, reflecting the city’s growth and the importance of the LDS Church in the region.
### Fire and Damage
On December 17, 2010, a devastating fire broke out in the Provo Tabernacle, causing extensive damage to the historic structure. The fire started in the evening and quickly spread throughout the building, fueled by the wooden interior and the large open space. Despite efforts by firefighters, the roof collapsed, and much of the interior was destroyed.
The cause of the fire was later determined to be accidental, related to electrical issues during renovation work. The loss of the tabernacle was deeply felt by the community, as it was not only a historic landmark but also a cherished gathering place.
### Reconstruction and Transformation
Following the fire, the LDS Church announced plans to preserve the exterior walls of the Provo Tabernacle and rebuild the interior as a temple. This decision marked a significant shift in the building’s function, from a meetinghouse and cultural venue to a sacred temple for LDS worship.
#### Provo City Center Temple
The reconstruction project involved stabilizing the remaining walls, restoring the historic façade, and constructing a new interior designed to meet the requirements of an LDS temple. The new building retained many of the original architectural elements, including the Gothic Revival exterior, while incorporating modern temple features.
The Provo City Center Temple was dedicated on March 20, 2016, by then-LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. The temple serves members of the LDS Church in the Provo area and stands as a symbol of renewal and continuity for the community.
### Legacy
The Provo Tabernacle remains an important part of Provo’s history and cultural memory. Its transformation into the Provo City Center Temple reflects both respect for the past and adaptation to contemporary religious needs. The building’s story is a testament to the resilience of the community and the enduring significance of sacred spaces in the LDS tradition.
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## Architectural Details
### Exterior Design
The Provo Tabernacle’s exterior was a notable example of Gothic Revival architecture adapted for a religious meetinghouse. The red brick walls were accented with limestone trim, and the building featured buttresses and pointed arch windows that allowed natural light to illuminate the interior. The roof was steeply pitched and originally covered with slate tiles.
The main entrance was marked by a large pointed arch doorway, flanked by decorative stonework. The building’s symmetrical design and vertical emphasis were characteristic of the Gothic Revival style, intended to inspire reverence and awe.
### Interior Layout
Inside, the tabernacle featured a large auditorium with a sloped floor and tiered seating arranged to provide clear sightlines to the pulpit and choir loft. The ceiling was supported by wooden trusses, and the walls were adorned with decorative wood paneling.
A prominent pipe organ was installed in the choir loft, which was used for both religious services and concerts. The acoustics of the space were carefully designed to enhance sound projection, making the tabernacle a favored venue for musical performances.
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## Cultural and Religious Significance
### Role in LDS Church Activities
The Provo Tabernacle was primarily used for LDS Church meetings, including weekly worship services, stake conferences, and special religious events. It was one of several tabernacles built by the LDS Church in Utah during the 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate large congregations.
The building also hosted general conferences and regional gatherings, serving as a focal point for church administration and community interaction.
### Community Events and Performances
Beyond its religious functions, the tabernacle was a center for cultural life in Provo. It hosted concerts by local and visiting musicians, theatrical productions, and public lectures. The building’s large capacity and excellent acoustics made it a preferred venue for the arts.
Annual events such as Christmas concerts and patriotic celebrations were held in the tabernacle, drawing large audiences and fostering community spirit.
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## Fire Incident and Aftermath
### Details of the Fire
The fire that destroyed much of the Provo Tabernacle began on the evening of December 17, 2010. Firefighters responded quickly, but the intensity of the blaze and the building’s wooden construction made containment difficult. The roof collapsed, and the interior was gutted.
No injuries were reported, but the loss of the historic building was a significant blow to the community.
### Investigation and Cause
An investigation determined that the fire was accidental, likely caused by electrical problems related to ongoing renovation work. The building had been undergoing seismic upgrades and other improvements at the time.
The incident highlighted the challenges of preserving historic structures while maintaining safety standards.
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## Reconstruction as Provo City Center Temple
### Planning and Design
After the fire, the LDS Church decided to preserve the tabernacle’s exterior walls and rebuild the interior as a temple. This approach allowed the church to honor the building’s historic significance while adapting it for sacred use.
Architects and engineers worked to stabilize the remaining structure and design a new interior that met the functional and spiritual requirements of an LDS temple.
### Construction Process
The reconstruction involved extensive work to reinforce the brick walls, install new foundations, and build a modern temple interior. Care was taken to replicate the original Gothic Revival details on the exterior, preserving the building’s historic appearance.
The interior was transformed into a sacred space with ordinance rooms, sealing rooms, and other temple facilities, distinct from the original tabernacle layout.
### Dedication and Current Use
The Provo City Center Temple was dedicated on March 20, 2016. It serves members of the LDS Church in the Provo area and is one of several temples in Utah.
The temple stands as a symbol of renewal and faith, blending historic preservation with contemporary religious practice.
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## Preservation and Historical Recognition
The Provo Tabernacle was listed on the National Register of Historic Places prior to the fire, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance. The preservation of its exterior walls during reconstruction was a key aspect of maintaining its historic legacy.
The building’s story is often cited as an example of adaptive reuse in historic preservation, demonstrating how damaged landmarks can be revitalized for new purposes.
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## Conclusion
The Provo Tabernacle was a landmark of religious, cultural, and architectural significance in Provo, Utah. Its history reflects the growth of the LDS Church and the community it served. Although the 2010 fire destroyed much of the original structure, the building’s transformation into the Provo City Center Temple ensures that its legacy continues. The site remains a testament to the resilience of the community and the enduring importance of sacred spaces in the cultural fabric of Utah.
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**Meta Description:**
The Provo Tabernacle was a historic LDS Church building in Provo, Utah, known for its Gothic Revival architecture and cultural significance. After a devastating fire in 2010, it was rebuilt and transformed into the Provo City Center Temple.