Utah Heritage Foundation

Read the UHF Board of Trustees Resolution on the Provo Tabernacle.

Read the history of the Provo Tabernacle from the Salt Lake Architecture blog.

While the stabilization and investigation at the Provo Tabernacle (photo, left, courtesy National Register of Historic Places) continue, many people are reflecting on its past and speculating about its future.  Tweets and blogs range from pleas for its reconstruction at any cost to hopefulness that enough remains to be rebuilt, and acceptance that whatever happens, the historic building as they knew it is gone.

The statement of significance from the 1975 National Register nomination for the Provo Tabernacle that makes the case for its importance as both a landmark and a gathering place is as relevant now as it was 35 years ago, perhaps even more-so given Provo’s recent decision to demolish other nearby historic buildings:

The Provo Tabernacle is significant for both religious and architectural reasons. It is still the place where great masses of Mormons come to hold their conferences. It is also the major symbol of pioneer accomplishment in Utah Valley. The Tabernacle is used by the Utah Valley Symphony and other groups promoting cultural, political and religious betterment, causes which were greatly espoused by the pioneers in Utah Valley.

Since the destruction of the old tabernacle in 1919 and the later razing of the old court house and others of Provo’s historic buildings, the Tabernacle stands out as the most important architectural landmark in the valley. Both its monumentality and its architectural refinement continue to hold the observer somewhat awestruck. The building is useful, beautiful and it should continue to serve the community for countless years. – National Register 

No doubt the money and skills could be found to rebuild this landmark.  But, a reconstructed Provo Tabernacle would be a replica, and not the National Register-listed historic building that it was.  Ironically, contemporary construction materials and methods would likely provide greater structural integrity despite the loss of historical integrity of materials and workmanship from the fire.  Although the tabernacle could be rebuilt, those weighing the opportunity costs of putting resources into its reconstruction as opposed to other worthy projects must ask the difficult question, “Should it be?”   

While public sentiment about the Provo Tabernacle may hold some sway, Utah Heritage Foundation understands that the decision about what to do and how to proceed is in the hands of its owner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the congregation served by this iconic edifice.  If it is restored, its eligibility for ongoing listing as a historic building will be determined by the Keeper of the National Register based upon the recommendation of the qualified professionals who evaluate it.  We await their decisions.