The St. George Utah Temple is the first temple completed in Utah, the first completed temple in the West, and the oldest operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dedicated in 1877, it holds a special place in Church history as the first temple where the full range of temple ordinances for the dead could be performed. Located near the historic district of St. George, Utah, its brilliant white exterior stands in beautiful contrast to the surrounding red sandstone cliffs of southern Utah.
A Brief History
President Brigham Young announced plans for the St. George Utah Temple on January 31, 1871, fulfilling his desire to provide the Saints with a functioning temple in the West. Groundbreaking took place on November 9, 1871, with Brigham Young personally dedicating the site. Because the selected location sat on swampy ground with a high water table, workers packed the foundation with volcanic rock using a cannon as a pile driver, one of the most famous construction stories in Church history.
Construction was completed in just over five years. A preliminary dedication was held on January 1, 1877, followed by the formal dedication on April 6–8, 1877, offered by Daniel H. Wells with Brigham Young presiding. The temple became the first completed temple since Nauvoo and the first place where endowments for the dead were performed, beginning on January 11, 1877. It was also here that Wilford Woodruff completed temple work for many of the Founding Fathers after recording a sacred spiritual experience associated with them.
The temple has undergone several major renovations throughout its history, including a significant expansion in 1975 and an extensive restoration from 2019–2023. Following a 57-day public open house, the beautifully restored temple was rededicated by President Jeffrey R. Holland on December 10, 2023.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
Few temples have as much historical significance as the St. George Utah Temple. It is the longest continuously operating temple in the Church and was the only temple completed during Brigham Young's presidency. Brigham Young personally supervised nearly every aspect of its construction, frequently visiting the site from his nearby winter home.
The temple contains approximately 143,969 square feet and features three instruction rooms with separate veil rooms, seventeen sealing rooms, and one baptistry. Standing 175 feet tall, the temple is topped with a single end tower. Its original exterior was constructed from native red sandstone, which was later reinforced and finished with its now-famous white exterior.
One of the temple's defining characteristics is its remarkable blend of pioneer craftsmanship and modern restoration. During the 2019–2023 renovation, historic architectural details were carefully preserved while the temple received seismic upgrades, modern mechanical systems, accessibility improvements, and beautifully restored interiors that honor its original design.
Visiting the Temple
The St. George Utah Temple is located at:
250 East 400 South
St. George, Utah 84770
Unlike many temples, the St. George Utah Temple includes a visitors' center that is open to the public. Visitors can enjoy beautifully landscaped grounds, a replica of Thorvaldsen's Christus, exhibits highlighting the temple's history, and nearby historic sites including the Brigham Young Winter Home and the St. George Tabernacle. The temple does not have patron housing or an on-site distribution center.
Fun Facts
- First completed temple in Utah.
- First completed temple in the western United States.
- Oldest operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on January 31, 1871.
- Groundbreaking held on November 9, 1871.
- Dedicated April 6–8, 1877 by Daniel H. Wells.
- Rededicated on December 10, 2023 by President Jeffrey R. Holland.
- Approximately 143,969 square feet.
- Features three instruction rooms, seventeen sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Stands 175 feet tall.
- The first temple where endowments for the dead were performed.
- The temple foundation was compacted using a cannon as a pile driver.
Final Thoughts
The St. George Utah Temple is one of the most significant buildings in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its pioneer heritage, historic firsts, and beautifully restored architecture continue to inspire visitors from around the world. Whether you're participating in sacred ordinances, touring the visitors' center, or simply admiring its striking white exterior against the red cliffs of southern Utah, the St. George Utah Temple is an unforgettable stop on any temple journey.
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