The Tabernacle

“An Old and Wonderful Friend”

Edited by Scott C. Esplin

Published by the Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

© 2007 by Brigham Young University

All rights reserved

Any uses of this material beyond those allowed by the exemptions in U.S. copyright law, such as section 107, “Fair Use,” and section 108, “Library Copying,” require the written permission of the publisher, Religious Studies Center, 167 HGB, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. The views expressed herein are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of Brigham Young University or the Religious Studies Center.

ISBN 978-0-8425-2675-3

The Tabernacle renovation from 2005 to 2007 included changes to the interior furnishings, shown here before the remodeling (compare with front cover).

The Tabernacle roof is supported by forty-four stone piers built of red sandstone.

The original organ had only 2,638 pipes.

The roof arches were based on the architecture of bridge trusses.

Organ capiter detail.

Over the years, Tabernacle decorations have included garlands, electric stars, and, at one point, an indoor fountain.

Before electric heating and lighting, the Tabernacle could only be used during warm months and daylight hours.

When it was made, the organ's keyboard design was an improvement over earlier organs in the states.

Banister post.

The Tabernacle and the Salt Lake Temple decorated for the Christmas season.

Before the Tabernacle's completion, open air, gusty winds, and inclement weather made it difficult for the audience to hear the speakers. Now the building allows thousands to more easily hear and see the speakers.