LOCAL NEWS

Crowds Pack Temple Square In Advance Of 4-Year Closure

Dec 27, 2019, 5:49 PM | Updated: 9:25 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City has been busy as the rush to get inside the Temple takes place before it shuts down for four years.

KSL spoke to Jim and Shelley Olsen – members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – who were married in the temple more than 45 years ago.

“We just needed to come one more time. We will really miss it big time, but we know that it’s inevitable. We will be anxious for it to open again, but four years is a long time,” Shelley Olsen said Friday.

The temple closure was announced in April by President Russell M. Nelson. The plans call for an overhaul of Temple Square and a major earthquake renovation that would allow the temple to withstand a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.

The temple will also undergo a complete makeover inside, bringing back the look in the 1890s.

Temple worker Terry Bird said it was very busy inside. 

Normally, we start the sessions on the hour – and right now, as soon as we get enough people, we are starting a session. Normally, this morning we would have done five sessions. Weve done seven, Bird said. It’s been extremely busy, but it has been so much fun. Everybody is in a good mood. They are happy. There are people in tears all over the place.”

Weddings have started very early in the morning and gone throughout the day.

“It’s a special day. It’s a special place, so we are just really excited,” said newlywed Annie Stoll.

Her new husband, Raymond Weymouth, said they booked their date in September.

“There were three slots open on this day. (It was) very busy, and honestly, it was a miracle that we got in,” he said.

Mitch and Haylee Rice were another couple who just got married Friday.

“The Salt Lake Temple is special. It’s been here for a long time. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into building it,” said Mitch. “We’ve been waiting since August. We called the temple way in advance.”

“I’m glad we called. We called before we got engaged actually,” said Haylee.

The temple closes Sunday, and isn’t expected to reopen until sometime in 2024. At that point, the a public open house will be held where anyone can go inside and look.

President Nelson said the purpose of the project is to “enhance, refresh and beautify the temple and its surrounding grounds.

Aging mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be updated.

The visitor experience will also be enhanced. Much of the large wall around Temple Square will be taken down and modified to allow more inviting views and better access to temple grounds.

The existing South Visitors Center will be demolished and replaced with two new guest visitor pavilions to either side of the temple.

Throughout the construction, the North Visitors Center, Tabernacle and Assembly Hall will remain open and missionaries will still give tours of Temple Square.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

5 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

6 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

7 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

8 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

9 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Crowds Pack Temple Square In Advance Of 4-Year Closure