The St. George Utah Temple on the day of its rededication, Sunday, December 10, 2023. (Photo: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
SALT LAKE CITY — President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles rededicated the renovated St. George Utah Temple on Sunday, Dec. 10. The temple has been closed for more than four years for extensive renovations.
“I’m old enough that I don’t know how many crowning moments I’ll have left, but this is surely a special experience,” said President Holland, who was hospitalized for several weeks earlier this year. “[This opportunity is] unanticipated, not expected, but dearly, deeply appreciated. … This is special to me because it’s the temple I grew up with as a child. And it’s where I was baptized, it’s where I was endowed, it’s where my wife and I were sealed.”
The pioneer-era temple closed for extensive renovation in November 2019. This was the second major renovation of the historic structure, which was originally announced by Brigham Young in 1871. Workers replaced the temple’s mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and strengthened its structural integrity.
The renovation also eliminated design inconsistencies in architectural style that came about in previous renovations. The temple site includes new plazas that improve access to temple entrances and provide gathering spaces for families and friends. The street on the north side of the temple is now a pedestrian plaza with gardens, seating and a water feature. From the east side of the temple, visitors can sit in an additional landscaped plaza and admire the temple’s front façade.
“The landscape around the temple is both waterwise and familiar to patrons who are familiar with the St. George Temple,” said Andy Kirby, director of the Church’s historic temple renovations. “[The grounds have] a park-like feel. We reduced the total amount of lawn area and increased the amount of plant area and used plants that are appropriate for this arid climate. And we planted several areas early so they could mature by the time the temple is open and dedicated. And it’s beautiful. I’m really excited for people to experience the grounds of the St. George Temple.”
Church President Russell M. Nelson announced the renovation of pioneer-era temples during general conference in October 2018. Shortly after, temples in Salt Lake, Manti and St. George began to be remodeled. Similar renovations are expected to take place for the Logan Temple but no plans have been released by church officials.