The Salt Lake Assembly Hall stands majestically. It’s a beacon of history and faith.
This isn’t just any building. The Salt Lake Assembly Hall holds a special place in the heart of Salt Lake City. It’s a Victorian Gothic masterpiece. Its rough granite exterior almost resembles a small gothic cathedral. Twenty-four spires crown its perimeter. A central tower rises from the cruciform layout. Stars of David grace each entrance. This symbolizes the LDS Church’s belief in their lineage to the Tribes of Israel.
The Assembly Hall’s history is rich. Construction started in 1877. It replaced the “Old Tabernacle” an inadequate adobe structure. The Old Tabernacle seated 2500 people. It’s important not to confuse it with the current Salt Lake Tabernacle. That one was built in 1867 and stands just north of the Assembly Hall. For the first two years the Assembly Hall was mistakenly called the “new tabernacle”. President John Taylor officially named it the Salt Lake Assembly Hall in 1879.
Obed Taylor designed the building. He used mostly discarded granite from the Salt Lake Temple’s construction. Builder Henry Grow finished it in 1882 at a cost of $90,000. After the Tabernacle the Assembly Hall was the second permanent structure on Temple Square.
The building has seen changes over time. A flying-angel weather vane was removed. Original ceiling murals were painted over. Extensive renovations from 1979 to 1983 addressed structural weaknesses. The spires were replaced with fiberglass. Benches were refinished. Hundreds of small speakers were installed to improve acoustics.
Today the Salt Lake Assembly Hall hosts free weekend concerts. It also serves as overflow seating for the church’s general conferences. Its impressive organ is a highlight. Built in 1980 it boasts 3489 pipes. It’s decorated with beehives sheaves of wheat and sego lilies. This beautiful building remains a testament to faith and architectural prowess. A true gem of Salt Lake City.