I grew up in Utah, so I have had the luxury of visiting the church sites in downtown Salt Lake City on a regular basis. When I realized that they were rededicating the Tabernacle, I was glad that I could participate in the event even though I now live out of state. It was interesting to hear the history surrounding the Tabernacle and all the events that took place there.
My first memory of the tabernacle involves my parents attending some sort of conference (stake or region) and I accompanying them. I was quite small four or five years old. I also have memories of attending region conference in the Tabernacle. Additionally I have been to see the taping of “The Spoken Word” with the Mormon Tabernacle. It wasn’t until I was in college that I went and attended a live session of general conference.
In fact it was at that session that they announced that they would be building the Conference Center. It seems that the area has changed a lot from when I was a child. Every time we go back to Utah, we make sure to visit Temple Square. I really didn’t appreciate all that I was able to do and see until I moved away. I love the additions of the Conference Center and the reflecting pool near the temple.
The spirit of Temple Square has not changed however. It is still a wonderfully peaceful place, a place that is friendly to families and a place full of history. I hope that my children will grow up with fond memories of Temple Square and appreciate the rich heritage that it offers to each of us. If you are ever in Salt Lake City, be sure to visit Temple Square and the nearby Church History Museum and the Family History center.
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General Conference: “The Spirit of the Tabernacle”