University & Center

I recently came across a photo that can be really difficult to place although, ironically, it is probably the most recognized landmark in Provo.  It is none other than the Provo Tabernacle.  Actually, there are two tabernacles in this photo.  The one in front that looks like a cute church meeting house was at the time (between 1890-1910) refered to as the old Provo Tabernacle.  The building in the back ground was the new Provo Tabernacle, or the Tabernacle as we know now today.  Below is the picture that I am referring to and what it looks like today:

Photo courtesy of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University

At some point the old Provo Tabernacle was torn down and has now become what is the nice park next to the Nu Skin building.   A few of the other buildings have changed in the picture.  You can see the Nu Skin building peaking out in the background on the right, and the building on the right, where Los Hermanos used to be (sorry I don't know the name of it.  I'm sure I'll figure it out soon) has a completely different facade.  One of the most interesting parts of the Tabernacle is the giant spire in the middle.  Apparently there used to be a huge spire in the middle of the roof.  However, the weight of it made the ceiling colapse, and after it colapsed for the second time they decided to remove it.  Here is a better view of both buildings.

Photo courtesy of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University

Unfortunately, the Provo Tabernacle burnt down around 3 months ago.  The big question is whether they will rebuild it (and I sure hope they do).  A security guard located near the burnt out tabernacle told me that there are still investigations going on regarding why the building burnt down, and that they were unsure of what the final plans were.  So as for the future of the Provo Tabernacle, it still remains up in the air.  Let's just hope that it does get rebuilt, because it is such an important part of Provo History (and let's admit it, it is by far the coolest looking building in Provo).

If you want more on the history of the Provo Tabernacle, check out http://www.provotabernacle.org/ or http://saltlakearchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/01/provo-tabernacle.html