The St. George Temple closed Monday, the first of four pioneer-era temples for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is shutting down to undergo extensive renovations.
“This is one of the beautiful, premier temples in the church,” Brent Roberts, managing director of the church’s special projects department, said earlier this year in a news release. “Latter-day Saints have worshipped here for almost 150 years. However, the building has worn out over time, and it is once again time for us to refresh and strengthen this historic structure for future generations to enjoy.”
The three-year overhaul will include “limited seismic upgrades” to the iconic white-plastered temple, with steel being added to the structure’s original wooden trusses, along with installation of new heating and cooling systems, and partial demolition and rebuilding of the temple annex.