Day 4: Salt Lake City

When we arrived in Salt Lake City last evening around 6 PM it was bathed in a beautiful light that highlighted some of its main features. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to photograph the capital building that literally shone in the raking light.

Most of our time today was spent at Temple Square. There is no question that it is the centre of downtown Salt Lake City both geographically and spiritually. It’s hard to imagine visiting anywhere that would teach me more than I learned today about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Wherever we went in the square, young women wearing skirts or dresses and great big smiles greeted us in pairs and happily directed us to areas of interest around the site or answered our questions, of which there were many. Not only were these “Sisters” devout followers of the faith but they were knowledgeable about all aspects of their religion. And while they answered my questions and imparted their vast knowledge, I never felt I was being preached to. They were all so pleasant to talk to that I was compelled to ask any questions that popped into my head. They gave me the opportunity to accept a visit from a missionary once I returned home who would gladly answer any further questions I might have and bring me a complimentary copy of the book of Mormon but they also graciously accepted my declination.

What did I learn? I learned that while the LDS was formed as recently as 1830 by the prophet Joseph Smith, its faithful believe it is based historically back to about 600 BC. I learned that the Book of Mormon is a supplementary testament to the old and new testaments of the bible and does not negate belief in Jesus but rather directs the faithful to Jesus as a source of answers to their prayers. And, I learned that when two Mormons are married in the Temple, they are married for life and the promise extends beyond the grave. The term “to death do us part” does not exist in their ceremony within the Temple. Those married outside the Temple, don’t enjoy the same privilege.

And what did we see at Temple Square? We saw the exterior of the Mormon Temple which can only be entered by “prepared” believers. Like many cathedral buildings, it took many years, 40 to be exact to complete and was dedicated in 1893. The Temple is very popular for Mormon weddings. We saw at least a half dozen bridal parties in the 2 or 3 hours we were on sight – and it was Friday!

We also visited the Tabernacle (inside and out) which is a gathering place where members of the LDS meet from all over the world twice a year. It is also the home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. And, no wonder. The acoustics in the building are astounding. A Sister at the front of the hall tore a piece of paper and then dropped it into a waste basket. Sitting at the back of the hall, we heard every sound. She then dropped a pin and several different sized nails and the sound rang through the building. And, no, there was no microphone. Apparently, the oval shape of the building has something to do with the outstanding acoustics.

Just outside Temple Square but within the same city block is Brigham Young’s home, Beehive House. Brigham Young led the Mormons out of Nauvoo, Illinois in 1847 and decided when he reached the Salt Lake Valley that “this was the right place”. Sound familiar? Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land? Perhaps it’s the North American version of Exodus.

Make no mistake the Mormon Temple is not the only game in town. We also visited The Cathedral of the Madeleine, a few blocks away from Temple Square. I know little about its history other than it was started in 1900 by the first Bishop of Salt Lake, Bishop Lawrence Scanlon.

Next door to the Catholic Cathedral is the First Presbyterian Church. In fact there are churches of one denomination or another scattered all over Salt Lake City. I think it would be an exciting project to visit and photograph every church in the city. Remember my opening post which predicted visiting the “holiest place in the US”? Well, I think I may have been right.

It’s the end of the day, we’re exhausted and we have yet to get to the Great Salt Lake. In addition, there’s a free concert on Sunday at the Tabernacle by . . . wait for it . . . THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR ! So, we’re thinking maybe a third night in SLC is in order.

I’ll let you know.

Until tomorrow . . . .