As One Of The Oldest Religious Buildings In Utah, The Bountiful Tabernacle Has Been Preserved In All Its Glory
By Courtnie Erickson|Published April 13, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Utah, we know a thing or two about churches. It seems like around every corner, you will find a place of worship for one religion or another. However, located in Bountiful is the beautiful Bountiful Tabernacle, one of the oldest religious buildings in Utah. Completed in 1863, this building is still standing and has been preserved in all its glory. Today, it not only stands as a stunning place of worship but as a reminder of Utah’s pioneer history.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Bountiful Tabernacle took place on February 11, 1857, in quite an elaborate ceremony. The following day, on February 12, 1857, the first stone was laid.
Architect Augustus Farnham designed the building and only the best materials were used to complete it. The Tabernacle was made of local supplies and individuals went to work to construct the building. In total, the tabernacle cost approximately $60,000 to complete.
It took some time to complete the building due to several factors including the Utah War from 1857 to 1858. However, the building was officially dedicated in 1862.
Since that time, several projects have been completed to not only preserve this historic building but to also add to it. For example, in 1906, the five spires on top of the building were blown off by the wind. Approximately 50 years later, they were restored.
In 1925, a north wing was added, which included an amusement hall and classes. In 1942, the building was remodeled and redecorated, and a new pipe organ was added. In 1957, another wing was added, which contained offices and a kitchen.
Today, the Bountiful Tabernacle is not only known as the oldest religious structure in Utah, but it is also the longest continually used religious building in the Beehive State. In 1876, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Whether you walk inside or you simply stand on the property, the Bountiful Tabernacle is certainly beautiful. It’s one historic structure that every Utahn should know about.
Have you ever been to the Bountiful Tabernacle? Did you know that it is one of the oldest religious buildings in Utah? Let us know in the comments!
If you love exploring and admiring historic buildings, you must plan a visit to Spring City. This tiny town in Sanpete County is considered one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century pioneer village.
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