 |
| Cardston Alberta Temple Image source & attribution below footnotes |
Should we Canadians be concerned about a rumored re-modelling for the Cardston Alberta Temple? This would be the third remodel since the temple’s first dedication in 1923. Over the ‘50s and early ‘60s ongoing changes and upgrades resulted in a second dedication in 1962. Then, fortunately, during another major remodel (1988-1991), the focus morphed:
The third dedication following the splendid restoration took place a mere 33 years ago (1991), yet despite the temple's restored beauty, continuing functionality, and two historical designations,2 we are hearing frequent rumors of renovation. What might we expect, considering the controversies with the “renovations” of other historic temples, like Logan, St. George, Manti, and Salt Lake?
The Cardston Temple is now one of the few temples that retains the historic five-room progression,3 with a segmented film format introduced in 1991 replacing the live actors. In the beginning of LDS temple building, the five-room, ordinance sequence of moving forward and upward (one eternal round) was the pattern,3a but has now been abandoned in newer temple designs and renovations — renovations that are imposing a single-room instruction design as we see in the Salt Lake temple interior demolition and re-construction.4
If single-room instruction5 is being planned for this rumored third renovation for the historic Cardston Temple, it would require a gutting of the temple interior as was done in the Salt Lake Temple. The very thought is shocking.
Does the Lord care about our feelings for this first temple in Canada — its murals, splendid woods, beautiful craftsman style / design, pioneer remembrance, and preservation of pattern? this temple that just marked its centennial in 2023 — a mere 100 years compared to other magnificent buildings of antiquity that are still standing and in use. And furthermore: Does God care about diminishing symbolism, meaning, function, motion, wording, pattern, history? Where have the proxy covenants and promises gone? Does God still expect the law of common consent?
* https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/cardston-alberta/
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cardston-alberta-temple (Canadian historic designation date in error: should be Nov. 16, 1992) (URL archived on August 19, 2024 at archihve.org |
https://web.archive.org/web/20240819173605/
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cardston-alberta-temple
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardston_Alberta_Temple
1. https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng
2. The 1992 designation of the Cardston Alberta Temple as a National Historic Site of Canada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints National Historic Site of Canada |
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=16
The temple is also on the Church Historic Landmark list
https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng
3. https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2018/08/cardston-temple.html (Scroll to rough sketch of upper floors for 5-room structure.)
3a.This footnote was added Aug 26 after reading this in my scheduled morning scripture study. What is the pattern? Who is they? "My servant Joseph and his counselors"?
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:14-16
14 But let a house be built unto my name according to the pattern which I will show unto them.
15 And if my people build it not according to the pattern which I shall show unto their presidency, I will not accept it at their hands.
16 But if my people do build it according to the pattern which I shall show unto their presidency, even my servant Joseph and his counselors, then I will accept it at the hands of my people.
4. Church News 2021: “In both the Salt Lake and Manti temples, the member experience previously included a progressive, room-to-room presentation by live actors. However, both will be transitioning to single-room presentations by film, similar to what is done in the Church’s other temples worldwide.”
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/06/09/salt-lake-temple-square-renovation-update-church-news-podcast/
5. “The First Presidency said that with the two historic temples [Salt Lake and Manti], there is a desire to ensure that the learnings and experiences are similar for all coming from anywhere in the world.
“The same ordinances, covenants and authority are available in every temple and will now be presented in the same way [single room instruction] — and now in more than 80 languages.”
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
6. In the same spirit of common consent:
71 And there shall not any part of it be used, or taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and common consent of the order (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:71).
7. https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2021/07/preservation-update-thoughts-on-pioneer.html
https://universe.byu.edu/2023/05/10/the-salt-lake-temples-evolving-design-and-unchanging-symbolism/
Church News 2021: "In both the Salt Lake and Manti temples, the member experience previously included a progressive, room-to-room presentation by live actors. However, both will be transitioning to single-room presentations by film, similar to what is done in the Church’s other temples worldwide."
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
“Murals and other historical elements
“Temple renovations for the future are impacting historical elements, such as the expansive murals in the two temples, said the First Presidency.
“In the Salt Lake Temple, the addition of the new instruction rooms, a new method of presentation, seismic strengthening and changes to meet accessibility requirements meant that the temple murals would need to be moved and/or repainted. Some sections of the murals were in poor condition and beginning to crumble.
“It was impossible to know whether the murals could be preserved during such a move,” the First Presidency said. “They were originally painted directly on lath and plaster walls, which had been repaired and repainted many times because of water damage and other deterioration. Further, the change to a film presentation meant that the rooms would be reconfigured.”
8. Manti Renovation Intentions: Similar to the changes in the Salt Lake Temple, the progressive room-to-room presentation by live actors will transition to single-room presentations by film. The murals will also be photographed, documented, and removed. Some elements of the temple’s structure will be updated to accommodate these changes and improve accessibility for patrons. The historic staircases in the Manti Temple (and Salt Lake Temple) are being preserved during the renovations.
Manti Murals
The artwork in the Manti Temple includes murals painted by Minerva Teichert, which are valued not only for their beauty, but also as a treasured remembrance of the faith, talent and dedication of the artist.
The Teichert murals in the Manti Temple were originally painted on canvas, which was adhered to the plaster walls. The Church’s intent is to separate the canvas or portions of the canvas from the plaster and preserve the murals for future restoration and display in a public setting. We are seeking the advice of international experts in the field of art preservation during this process.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/salt-lake-manti-temples-update-march-2021
24 March 2021 - Salt Lake City | First Presidency Message
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/salt-lake-manti-temples-update-march-2021
“Saving the [Manti} murals
“The planned Manti Temple renovations initially sparked a public outcry after the church revealed plans to tear down the original murals. After nearly two weeks of petitions, protests and phone calls arguing passionately against destroying the art, the church announced that the murals might be preserved and displayed to the public at some point.
“Weeks later, the governing First Presidency changed course again, declaring that the murals would remain in the Manti Temple and that another temple would be built in nearby Ephraim, where construction is underway.”
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/03/11/manti-lds-temple-is-back-with-its/
9. Logan Temple 1970s gutting:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2019/5/17/23219073/135-years-ago-the-logan-utah-temple-was-dedicated-here-are-some-fun-facts-you-might-not-know-about-i/
http://archive.timesandseasons.org/2021/03/counterpoint-a-feeling-of-loss/index.html
“When complaints came from the National Register of Historic Places (of which the temple was a part), a regional representative of the Church responded, "Personally, I don't see any difference one way or another. The temple serves a religious purpose whether it's an historical site or not" ("Historical register status or not, Logan Temple will serve function," Deseret News, May 7 1979).
“That is not to say that nobody cared. Presidents Kimball and Benson are both reported to have expressed regret about the remodel, even while they said it was necessary. A more sensitive remodel would have been more expensive, taken longer, and not as efficient as the gutting was--but, in the minds of many preservationists, it would have been better.” https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2015/07/logan-temple-interior-renovation-and.html
10. “On the day I took these photos [of demolition of the Provo Temple], I talked to a Provo Temple Ordinance worker who was also taking pictures. She was heartbroken to see "her" temple being torn down. She told me that a year ago they had a meeting with all of the Provo Temple workers. Church authorities announce[d] to them that the temple would only be closed for renovation. The purpose was to put in an additional baptistry where the cafeteria was located. No mention of tearing the entire temple down. No mention of any need to earthquake proof the temple. However that is now the reason given to the public as to why they need to tear down the Temple.” | https://barerecord.blogspot.com/2024/05/unbelievable-of-what-we-destroy-and.html
11. 15 OLDEST Buildings Still in Use Today | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dcwCG37Jo
12. https://www.thechurchnews.com/1991/6/29/23260491/cardston-alberta-temple-touch-the-hearts-of-thy-people-with-the-spirit-of-elijah-the-prophet/
Other Resources:
Presentation of the Endowment: Progression: Nathan Augustine | Mar 20, 2020
https://www.templefacts.org/post/presentation-of-the-endowment-progression
https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/p/lds-temples.html
https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2021/07/preservation-update-thoughts-on-pioneer.html
https://www.ldstemple.pics/news/tag/temple-interior/page/3/
https://dctemple.org/galleries/temple-interior/
“when the temple's original murals were uncovered during upgrade work [1988+], the project's primary focus shifted to restoring the temple to its 1923 splendor. Many of the elements previously covered or removed [in the ‘50s and ‘60s] were restored or re-created”1;(with many thanks to the 1980s flexible and inspiring project engineer and designer R. Michael Gibb of Gowling and Gibb Architects of Calgary Alberta).
The third dedication following the splendid restoration took place a mere 33 years ago (1991), yet despite the temple's restored beauty, continuing functionality, and two historical designations,2 we are hearing frequent rumors of renovation. What might we expect, considering the controversies with the “renovations” of other historic temples, like Logan, St. George, Manti, and Salt Lake?
The Cardston Temple is now one of the few temples that retains the historic five-room progression,3 with a segmented film format introduced in 1991 replacing the live actors. In the beginning of LDS temple building, the five-room, ordinance sequence of moving forward and upward (one eternal round) was the pattern,3a but has now been abandoned in newer temple designs and renovations — renovations that are imposing a single-room instruction design as we see in the Salt Lake temple interior demolition and re-construction.4
If single-room instruction5 is being planned for this rumored third renovation for the historic Cardston Temple, it would require a gutting of the temple interior as was done in the Salt Lake Temple. The very thought is shocking.
Does the Lord care about our feelings for this first temple in Canada — its murals, splendid woods, beautiful craftsman style / design, pioneer remembrance, and preservation of pattern? this temple that just marked its centennial in 2023 — a mere 100 years compared to other magnificent buildings of antiquity that are still standing and in use. And furthermore: Does God care about diminishing symbolism, meaning, function, motion, wording, pattern, history? Where have the proxy covenants and promises gone? Does God still expect the law of common consent?
2 And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 26:2).In summary, I ask: Should we be concerned, considering:
13 For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 28:13).6
▪ the massive deconstruction and then re-construction to single-room instruction of the iconic Salt Lake Temple,7 including the changing of renovations plans beyond what was initially announced?If there is thought or concern about seismic danger, let us remember President Gordon B. Hinckley’s 1991 dedicatory prayer and center our faith and trust in God and His preserving Hand.
▪ the original intention for the historic Manti Temple murals8?
▪ the (forgotten?) regrets for the 1970s Logan Temple gutting and renovation9?
▪ the discussion of a renovation that turned into a complete demolition of the Provo Temple10?
▪ the disposable nature of our modern culture when compared to magnificent structures still in use after thousands of years11?
Paragraph from the Cardston Alberta Temple Dedicatory Prayer | June 22, 1991-----------------------------------/“We dedicate the structure from the footings and foundation to the highest elevation of the roof that it may stand firm and immovable against any trembling of the earth and against the storms of nature that may beat upon these walls. We pray that thou wilt preserve it from desecration at the hands of any with evil intent.”12
* https://www.thechurchnews.com/almanac/temples/cardston-alberta/
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cardston-alberta-temple (Canadian historic designation date in error: should be Nov. 16, 1992) (URL archived on August 19, 2024 at archihve.org |
https://web.archive.org/web/20240819173605/
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/cardston-alberta-temple
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardston_Alberta_Temple
1. https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng
2. The 1992 designation of the Cardston Alberta Temple as a National Historic Site of Canada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints National Historic Site of Canada |
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=16
The temple is also on the Church Historic Landmark list
https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/content/cardston-temple-history?lang=eng
3. https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2018/08/cardston-temple.html (Scroll to rough sketch of upper floors for 5-room structure.)
3a.This footnote was added Aug 26 after reading this in my scheduled morning scripture study. What is the pattern? Who is they? "My servant Joseph and his counselors"?
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:14-16
14 But let a house be built unto my name according to the pattern which I will show unto them.
15 And if my people build it not according to the pattern which I shall show unto their presidency, I will not accept it at their hands.
16 But if my people do build it according to the pattern which I shall show unto their presidency, even my servant Joseph and his counselors, then I will accept it at the hands of my people.
4. Church News 2021: “In both the Salt Lake and Manti temples, the member experience previously included a progressive, room-to-room presentation by live actors. However, both will be transitioning to single-room presentations by film, similar to what is done in the Church’s other temples worldwide.”
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2024/06/09/salt-lake-temple-square-renovation-update-church-news-podcast/
5. “The First Presidency said that with the two historic temples [Salt Lake and Manti], there is a desire to ensure that the learnings and experiences are similar for all coming from anywhere in the world.
“The same ordinances, covenants and authority are available in every temple and will now be presented in the same way [single room instruction] — and now in more than 80 languages.”
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
6. In the same spirit of common consent:
71 And there shall not any part of it be used, or taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and common consent of the order (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:71).
7. https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2021/07/preservation-update-thoughts-on-pioneer.html
https://universe.byu.edu/2023/05/10/the-salt-lake-temples-evolving-design-and-unchanging-symbolism/
Church News 2021: "In both the Salt Lake and Manti temples, the member experience previously included a progressive, room-to-room presentation by live actors. However, both will be transitioning to single-room presentations by film, similar to what is done in the Church’s other temples worldwide."
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2021/3/12/23218566/salt-lake-temple-changes-no-live-sessions-manti-utah-temple-renovation/
“Murals and other historical elements
“Temple renovations for the future are impacting historical elements, such as the expansive murals in the two temples, said the First Presidency.
“In the Salt Lake Temple, the addition of the new instruction rooms, a new method of presentation, seismic strengthening and changes to meet accessibility requirements meant that the temple murals would need to be moved and/or repainted. Some sections of the murals were in poor condition and beginning to crumble.
“It was impossible to know whether the murals could be preserved during such a move,” the First Presidency said. “They were originally painted directly on lath and plaster walls, which had been repaired and repainted many times because of water damage and other deterioration. Further, the change to a film presentation meant that the rooms would be reconfigured.”
8. Manti Renovation Intentions: Similar to the changes in the Salt Lake Temple, the progressive room-to-room presentation by live actors will transition to single-room presentations by film. The murals will also be photographed, documented, and removed. Some elements of the temple’s structure will be updated to accommodate these changes and improve accessibility for patrons. The historic staircases in the Manti Temple (and Salt Lake Temple) are being preserved during the renovations.
Manti Murals
The artwork in the Manti Temple includes murals painted by Minerva Teichert, which are valued not only for their beauty, but also as a treasured remembrance of the faith, talent and dedication of the artist.
The Teichert murals in the Manti Temple were originally painted on canvas, which was adhered to the plaster walls. The Church’s intent is to separate the canvas or portions of the canvas from the plaster and preserve the murals for future restoration and display in a public setting. We are seeking the advice of international experts in the field of art preservation during this process.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/salt-lake-manti-temples-update-march-2021
24 March 2021 - Salt Lake City | First Presidency Message
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/salt-lake-manti-temples-update-march-2021
“Saving the [Manti} murals
“The planned Manti Temple renovations initially sparked a public outcry after the church revealed plans to tear down the original murals. After nearly two weeks of petitions, protests and phone calls arguing passionately against destroying the art, the church announced that the murals might be preserved and displayed to the public at some point.
“Weeks later, the governing First Presidency changed course again, declaring that the murals would remain in the Manti Temple and that another temple would be built in nearby Ephraim, where construction is underway.”
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/03/11/manti-lds-temple-is-back-with-its/
9. Logan Temple 1970s gutting:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2019/5/17/23219073/135-years-ago-the-logan-utah-temple-was-dedicated-here-are-some-fun-facts-you-might-not-know-about-i/
http://archive.timesandseasons.org/2021/03/counterpoint-a-feeling-of-loss/index.html
“When complaints came from the National Register of Historic Places (of which the temple was a part), a regional representative of the Church responded, "Personally, I don't see any difference one way or another. The temple serves a religious purpose whether it's an historical site or not" ("Historical register status or not, Logan Temple will serve function," Deseret News, May 7 1979).
“That is not to say that nobody cared. Presidents Kimball and Benson are both reported to have expressed regret about the remodel, even while they said it was necessary. A more sensitive remodel would have been more expensive, taken longer, and not as efficient as the gutting was--but, in the minds of many preservationists, it would have been better.” https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2015/07/logan-temple-interior-renovation-and.html
10. “On the day I took these photos [of demolition of the Provo Temple], I talked to a Provo Temple Ordinance worker who was also taking pictures. She was heartbroken to see "her" temple being torn down. She told me that a year ago they had a meeting with all of the Provo Temple workers. Church authorities announce[d] to them that the temple would only be closed for renovation. The purpose was to put in an additional baptistry where the cafeteria was located. No mention of tearing the entire temple down. No mention of any need to earthquake proof the temple. However that is now the reason given to the public as to why they need to tear down the Temple.” | https://barerecord.blogspot.com/2024/05/unbelievable-of-what-we-destroy-and.html
11. 15 OLDEST Buildings Still in Use Today | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dcwCG37Jo
12. https://www.thechurchnews.com/1991/6/29/23260491/cardston-alberta-temple-touch-the-hearts-of-thy-people-with-the-spirit-of-elijah-the-prophet/
Other Resources:
Presentation of the Endowment: Progression: Nathan Augustine | Mar 20, 2020
https://www.templefacts.org/post/presentation-of-the-endowment-progression
https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/p/lds-temples.html
https://ldspioneerarchitecture.blogspot.com/2021/07/preservation-update-thoughts-on-pioneer.html
https://www.ldstemple.pics/news/tag/temple-interior/page/3/
https://dctemple.org/galleries/temple-interior/
Image:
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cardston_Alberta_Temple.jpg
Attribution: Kim Siever, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Attribution: Kim Siever, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
