Historic Temple Video: Salt Lake Temple (1904-1911)

Today’s video is a 1904 update to the Salt Lake Temple. This particular video is the essence of nit-picky, as the whole reason it exists is a 18×8 foot vestibule added on to the front of the temple annex. I only learned of this addition last month, and just in time to work it into the Historic Temple video line-up. The following changes have occurred on temple square since the last Salt Lake Temple video was posted:

  • New vestibule/entry on the annex,
  • Conservatory (greenhouse) completed
  • Old Greenhouse (remains of Endowment house) removed
  • New greenhouse built in North West Corner
  • Bureau of Information constructed on south lot (octagonal building)
  • Temple is a darker gray, due to soot fouling from the Boiler House
  • Taller Chimney on boiler house in unsuccessful attempt to reduce soot fouling

2 thoughts on “Historic Temple Video: Salt Lake Temple (1904-1911)

  1. Totally awesome. Beautiful job.
    One — I still think that that annex would make a wonderful design for a “smaller” temple! Say, in Dubai? Actually, I’d like to see an ultra-modern design in Dubai.
    Two — west side – windows in the retaining wall … I never knew!

    1. I am not a fan of modernist architecture, but, much like Brasilia Brazil needed something that felt 70s modernist, Dubai needs something ultra modern. To be honest, I would love for them to commission a one off modernist interpretation of the Angel Moroni, even knowing President Nelson is not a fan of the statue, just for Dubai.

      Yes, there needs to be a small temple somewhere that pays tribute to this annex. They need to pick a better stone for it though. The stone they used for the small annex could not hold the fine details carved it in the face of heavy rain and snow. It’s the same stone as the Manti Temple, but the more delicate details weathered away in just 20 years.

      For the west side windows, if you are talking about the ones between the temple and the tabernacle, those are for the “Dynamo Room.” The windows were there in the very first version of the temple, dedicated with the rest of it. Steam from the boiler plant was piped through a tunnel between the plant and the room. There, it was used to power up two “Edison Dynamos” that provided electricity for the temple and I believe the tabernacle. They were removed in the 1962 renovation. The Dynomos had long since been removed, having become unnecessary around 1900. I’m not sure what the room was used for after that.

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