The building's exterior looks like a mid-century hockey arena with its oval-shape and curved roof. This was followed by a tour of the Tabernacle (built 1875) next door, where the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir practises and performs. Then we went outside to the Assembly Hall, which in fact was the first Salt Lake church and built in 1889. We did question what that meant, but the answer was ambiguous. You have to be a “member in good standing” to get in. It is not your typical church with a big congregation area, but rather a series of rooms where you study and discuss your religious beliefs with more senior church members. After a bit of chit chat, we were off to check out the model of the Salt Lake Temple (which we couldn’t go into) to learn about the different spaces inside and what kinds of things happened there. While we are usually the self-guided tour types, we decided this time it might be good to get the “inside scoop” on the place and the people.Īfter waiting about ten minutes, we were introduced to two young missionaries Sister Asay from Dallas and Sister Lopez from Mexico, our two tour guides. We entered at the South Visitor Centre and were quickly greeted - no surprise, as all of the Mormons always say “Hi” to you even in the street - and asked if we’d like a tour. Surprisingly, there is also no graffiti on the exterior side of the blank walls. It is true the square is very calm and relaxing for the most part there is no running and no shouting. While the imposing blank stucco walled is not very pedestrian-friendly, I was told it was designed to muffle the sounds and distractions of the cars and people, thereby creating a more peaceful and contemplative place. The only building tourists can’t enter is the Salt Lake Temple all the other buildings offer free tours or some form of public access. It is a very cordial atmosphere with everyone smiling and saying “Hi.” Throughout the five and half block campus, there are wonderful gardens and fountains that make for a very pleasant place to stroll or sit and contemplate the meaning of life. Thought, I haven’t been to any Silicon Valley high-tech company campuses, I imagine the Latter-Day Saints campus is much the same. Outside the walls are the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Lion House, Beehive House, Administrative Building, Office Building, History Library, a massive Conference Centre, History Museum and Family History Library. It has five buildings - Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle, the Salt Lake Temple and two Visitor’s Centres (one focused on family and the other Jesus Christ). However, the Square is really just a small walled area in downtown. In total, it has assets estimated at $35 billion. In 2012 Reuters reported the Church had annual revenues of $7 billion from tithing and donations alone, with another $1.5 billion from its business enterprises. Not only is Salt Lake City's sense of place closely tied to the Mormon Church, but so is its economy. You can’t say you have visit Salt Lake City unless you spend some time exploring the headquarters of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) commonly known as the Temple Square. Over the years, I have developed an “each to their own” philosophy when it comes to religion. However, I have a Mother who is a devote Catholic and many friends who have strong religious beliefs. But I have been a confirmed atheist since I was about 14. As a young child, I was raised a Catholic and was even an altar boy.
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