#40 Uintah Stake Tabernacle

The Uintah Stake Tabernacle, now known as the Vernal Temple, was built in 1899-1907 using mostly volunteer laborers from the local wards. The Deseret News wrote that the cost totaled about $30,000 to complete. It was considered "the finest building in all of Eastern Utah."

The tabernacle was closed in 1984 for safety reasons and sat unused for the next several years. In 1994 it was announced that the building would be modified and converted into a temple for the LDS Church. The work was completed and the temple was dedicated on November 2nd, 1997.

#36 Wasatch Stake Tabernacle

The Wasatch Stake Tabernacle is located in picturesque Heber City just 20 minutes west of Orem. Designed by Alexander Fortie, the foundation was laid in 1887 and completed in 1889 at a cost of $30,000. It was used by the LDS Church until 1965 and was then sold in 1980 to the City and is now used as an administration building.

#28 Randolph Tabernacle

Although debate continues on whether this meetinghouse is actually a tabernacle, construction on this building just south of Bear Lake began in 1898 under the direction of architect John C. Gray. The dedication was performed by George Albert Smith on the 25th of July, 1914.  Even though the building took 16 years to complete, the first meeting was actually held in 1905 in the basement.  A very nice artistic rendition of the building by G. A. Garns appeared in the July, 2006 issue of the LDS Church's Ensign Magazine.

#26 Alpine Stake Tabernacle

The Alpine Stake Tabernacle was constructed between 1909 and 1914 for a cost of just over $81,000.  It was dedicated by the LDS President Joseph F. Smith.  In 1910 a cornerstone was laid that contained a time capsule. Among the most interesting things placed inside was a Spanish coin from 1492.

#22 Salt Lake Tabernacle

Constructed between 1864 and 1867 with a ceiling that was 9 feet thick, the Salt Lake Tabernacle is an engineering marvel. Frank Lloyd Wright called the building "one of the architectural masterpieces of the country and perhaps the world."

A lot people thought that the roof would collapse but it has lasted with out any major problems. The roof's exterior look has changed three times. Originally it had shingles. In 1946 the shingles were removed and replaced with aluminum. Then, during the recent renovation project, the aluminum was refinished.

#19 Kaysville Tabernacle

Constructed in its neo-classical design from 1912-1914, the Kaysville Tabernacle was built to replace an old church that had gotten too small for the large number of church-goers.  The cornerstone happened to be laid by future Governor of Utah Henry H. Blood.

The tabernacle was nearly torn down in the '70s along with countless other historic landmarks in the state. But against all odds it was decided to keep the building and, surprise, surprise, everyone is happy about that decision now.

Photos copyrighted by me.

#11 Box Elder Tabernacle

Brigham Young personally selected the sight for this building at the highest point on main street, even after one had already been chosen. The cornerstones were laid on May 9, 1865, but because of the strong focus on completing the Transcontinental Railroad the work was delayed. The first meeting was held in 1879 and the building was officially dedicated in 1890. On February 9,1896 a fire started in the furnace room leaving only the stone walls behind. It took 13 months to rebuild but it was then that the iconic gothic-revival tower along with the 16 pinnacles along the sides were added.

This building was actually one of the first buildings in Utah to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Photos copyrighted by me.

#8 Wellsville Tabernacle

Wellsville was briefly the county seat of Cache County before it was moved to Logan in 1860. This tabernacle, the last to be build in Cache Valley, was built over a period of six years beginning in 1902. It's style is Gothic-Revival and was built by volunteer laborers. The building is no longer owned by the LDS Church and is now operated by the Wellsville Foundation and can be rented out by the hour or for $150 a day.

Photos copyrighted by me.

#7 Cache Stake Tabernacle

Also known as the Logan Tabernacle. Its foundation was laid in 1864, just eight years after the first Mormon settlers entered Cache Valley. The construction had two major delays. The first was to expand the building's originally-planned size. The second was in 1877 when building priorities shifted to the Logan Temple. In all, the tabernacle took 27 years to complete. Originally there were three stairways in front of the building leading up to a second story entryway. Those however were removed in the 1880's before the completion. The dedication took place in 1891 and was done by the LDS Church's President, Wilford Woodruff. It wasn't until the 1950's during a renovation that the baptismal font was added. Another renovation in 1989 restored the building to look more like the original.

Photos copyrighted by me.

#5 Garland Stake Tabernacle

 In 1903 the Utah Sugar Company completed their factory in Garland. Then they did something that many companies have failed to do, they gave back to the community. Among other things, they donated land to the LDS Church to construct a ward chapel. It was finally completed in 1914 at a cost of $55,000.

Photos copyrighted by me.

#4 Smithfield Tabernacle

This tabernacle is one of about twenty tabernacles left in Utah that have survived demolition or destruction. This one has barely done that and is probably in the poorest conditions of any if you don't count Provo's. Construction began in 1883 and didn't finish for nineteen years. The LDS Church has not owned this building for some time and it now serves as a recreation center for the city.

Photos copyrighted by me.