The Vernal Utah Temple is the 51st dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in Vernal, Utah, the temple is one of the Church's most historically significant temples because it was created by transforming the historic Uintah Stake Tabernacle into a functioning temple. The result is a beautiful blend of pioneer heritage and modern temple worship that continues to bless members throughout northeastern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and northwestern Colorado.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Vernal Utah Temple on February 13, 1994. While this made it Utah's tenth temple, the story actually began decades earlier. The Uintah Stake Tabernacle had been dedicated in 1907 by President Joseph F. Smith, who remarked that he "would not be surprised if the day would come when a temple would be built in your own midst here." Nearly ninety years later, that prophecy became reality.
The idea of converting the aging tabernacle into a temple was first proposed in 1984, but it was initially declined. After years of additional discussion, Church leaders revisited the proposal in 1993, and this time the First Presidency approved the remarkable project. Rather than demolishing the historic building, workers carefully preserved its exterior while completely reconstructing the interior as a modern temple.
Groundbreaking services were held on May 13, 1995, with President Gordon B. Hinckley presiding. During the ceremony, he noted that converting an existing building into a temple was something the Church had "never done before." The temple welcomed the public during a 14-day open house from October 11–25, 1997, drawing approximately 118,700 visitors. President Hinckley dedicated the temple over 11 dedicatory sessions held from November 2–4, 1997, making it the 51st operating temple of the Church.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Vernal Utah Temple is the first temple in Church history created from an existing building rather than being constructed entirely from the ground up. While the historic tabernacle's brick exterior was preserved, the interior was completely rebuilt to accommodate temple ordinances. This innovative project saved one of Utah's historic landmarks while giving it a new sacred purpose.
Because the original tabernacle was long and relatively narrow, Church architects developed a two-stage progressive instruction room layout. This creative solution worked so well that it later became the standard design for many smaller temples throughout the world.
The temple contains approximately 38,771 square feet and features two progressive instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The exterior is finished with historic face brick and crowned by two attached end towers, one topped with a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni. Interestingly, the original tabernacle had only one tower—the second tower was added during the temple renovation, giving the building its distinctive appearance today.
Visiting the Temple
The Vernal Utah Temple is located at:
420 West 200 South
Vernal, Utah 84078
The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Temple clothing rental is available, and baptistry clothing is provided. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautifully maintained historic grounds surrounding this unique temple.
Fun Facts
- 51st dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Tenth temple built in Utah.
- Announced on February 13, 1994.
- Groundbreaking held on May 13, 1995.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on November 2–4, 1997.
- First temple created by converting an existing building.
- Originally built as the Uintah Stake Tabernacle in 1907.
- Approximately 38,771 square feet.
- Features two progressive instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior constructed with historic face brick.
- Features two attached end towers.
- President Joseph F. Smith's 1907 statement about a future temple in Vernal was fulfilled nearly 90 years later.
Final Thoughts
The Vernal Utah Temple stands as one of the most remarkable examples of preserving history while creating something new. By transforming a beloved pioneer tabernacle into a house of the Lord, the Church honored the sacrifices of early Saints while providing future generations with a sacred place to worship. Today, the Vernal Utah Temple remains a beautiful reminder that faith, history, and inspiration can come together in extraordinary ways.
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