Summum Pyramid

Curiosity tugged at passersby as they approached the enigmatic Summum Pyramid. The Summum Pyramid stood in stark contrast to the surrounding warehouses and the constant hum of I-15 traffic in Salt Lake City. This striking structure, nearly 30 feet high and 40 feet long at its base, has intrigued onlookers since its completion in 1979. The Summum Pyramid serves as a sanctuary, temple, and instruction center for the Summum philosophy. It’s a unique blend of ancient and modern, incorporating the Divine Proportion (Golden Ratio) in its design while also housing Utah’s first federally bonded winery since Brigham Young’s era. Inside the Summum Pyramid, the organization produces special wines called “Nectar Publications.” These nectars are not just beverages; they’re an integral part of Summum’s meditation practices, said to carry spiritual concepts across the blood-brain barrier. The Summum Pyramid is also the site of a practice that sets this group apart: modern mummification. This process, developed by Summum founder Corky Ra (formerly Claude Nowell), is offered to both members and their beloved pets. Corky Ra himself, who passed away in 2008, was the first human mummified according to Summum’s rites. His mummified remains now rest within a gold-plated mummiform casket inside the pyramid. Summum’s approach to mummification aims to preserve the body’s essence for a greater destination after death. It’s a testament to their belief that death is not an end, but a transformation into a different state of consciousness. This belief ties into the broader philosophy of Summum, which draws inspiration from Ancient Egyptian religion and the teachings of Moses. Summum followers believe that Moses initially received the “Seven Aphorisms,” a higher knowledge, on Mount Sinai. However, finding the Israelites unable to comprehend them, Moses returned and brought down the more accessible Ten Commandments. The Summum Pyramid embodies this unique philosophy, serving as a tangible link between ancient wisdom and modern practice. The Summum Pyramid remains an active center for the Summum community. Regular philosophy studies continue, and the pyramid still serves its purpose in the mummification process. It stands as a silent testament to a unique belief system in the heart of Salt Lake City.