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| Invitation for Public Tours of Renovated Temple 1991 |
In a further bid to raise awareness and to document history, I post a copy of an email sent to one who must surely care:
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April 14, 2026Dear _______________:
For your awareness, I am appending a copy of a letter I recently sent to several offices in Salt Lake respecting the Cardston Alberta Temple. Over the past number of years, I have observed (along with many historical preservationists) the controversies surrounding our pioneer temple renovations and the change of reno plans that were sometimes made when people expressed their concerns.
I know some may not agree with questioning those in leadership, but I think of the daughters of Zelophehad in Old Testament Numbers 27 when they brought their concerns to Moses and the Lord told Moses “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right” (v. 7).
I’m not saying I am right. I’m saying that almost two years ago when I heard “rumours” of extensive Cardston Alberta Temple remodel plans, I felt greatly unsettled, and more so as I observed the morphing of the promised “restore and refresh” of the Salt Lake Temple into a complete removal and rebuild of the interior into single-room instruction.
I have been praying that the unique, beautiful, progressive Cardston Alberta Temple would be preserved as it was dedicated to be (if that be God’s will). Many in the Church are not even aware of the progressive structure of the first temples because their only experience has been in single-room instruction. So much history and symbolism are vanishing, in part, in the name of speed and efficiency.
As well, I do not understand seismic concern because both dedicatory prayers for Salt Lake (1893*) and Cardston (1991 re-dedication**) address that issue directly.
Please, do not feel any obligation to respond. I just wanted you to be aware of my letter and concerns expressed to the powers in Salt Lake.
Sincerely,
[SM]Smith
...
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* Dedicatory Prayer - Salt Lake Temple, April 6, 1893
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/dedicatory-prayer/salt-lake-temple/1893-04-06?lang=eng [13th paragraph]
“Preserve these buildings, we beseech Thee, from injury or destruction by flood or fire; from the rage of the elements, the shafts of the vivid lightning, the overwhelming blasts of the hurricane, the flames of consuming fire, and the upheavals of the earth-quake, O Lord, protect them.”
** Dedicatory Prayer - Cardston Alberta Temple, June 22, 1991
https://www.thechurchnews.com/1991/6/29/23260491/cardston-alberta-temple-touch-the-hearts-of-thy-people-with-the-spirit-of-elijah-the-prophet/
“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.”
▪ Dedicatory Prayer - Cardston Alberta Temple, August 26, 1923
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/dedicatory-prayer/cardston-alberta-temple/1923-08-26?lang=eng “Protect this building from the powers and elements of destruction.”
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Since the letter I sent to the powers in Salt Lake was produced at https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2026/04/alberta-temple.html, I do not include it again here.
