It is a meticulous preservation and amplification of the former Provo Tabernacle, which was built in the s and ravaged by an accidental fire in The landmark temple restores the heritage of the tabernacle while magnifying the historic vision of the pioneers to create a Victorian masterpiece. A charming pavilion with a full basement stands on the temple grounds, providing a waiting area for non-temple patrons and a photograph-taking venue for wedding parties.
The expansive landscaped grounds provide beautiful gathering and contemplation spaces. The Provo City Center Temple was the fourth temple built from an existing building and the second built from a tabernacle, following the Vernal Utah Temple The Provo City Center Temple was the second temple built in the same city as another operating temple, the Provo Utah Temple , making Provo, Utah, the second city in the world to have more than one temple, following South Jordan, Utah.
The history of the city of Provo began in September , when President Brigham Young and his counselors headed a small caravan from Fort Utah to find a location to start a city. The center block of the planned mile-square city would be reserved for a chapel and schoolhouse.
However, conflicts and disagreements combined with a lack of building materials slowed work on the meetinghouse. A foundation had been laid by , but Brigham Young advocated abandonment of the project and moved Provo's center five blocks east to the current grounds of the Provo City Center Temple. Brigham Young dedicated the facility in , publicly acknowledging that it "was entirely too small. The edifice was finally dedicated in The tabernacle was built with seating for 1, and featured a brick exterior, octagonal towers at all four corners, a high-pitched roof, frosted-glass windows, spiral staircases, and exquisite woodwork including a hand-carved rostrum.
Over the years, the tabernacle was remodeled and refurbished, culminating in a rededication in September The tabernacle had hosted both presidents of the Church and presidents of the United States, the first being William H. Taft in It had been the venue for numerous and varied musical performances, school commencements and convocations, high-profile funerals, interfaith gatherings, and community patriotic events.
