Uintah Stake Tabernacle

LDS Stake President Samuel R. Bennion directed the majority of the Uintah Stake Tabernacle construction, beginning with site selection and architectural drawing in 1898. The nest year rock quarries for foundation and stone were opened; a groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1900. Building the native sandstone and brick edifice occupied the next seven years. The brick was manufactured at the Swain brickyard. The tabernacle was dedicated in August 1907 by church president Joseph F. Smith. The Tabernacle was the largest building in the county for decades. It served as a meeting place for church conferences, funerals and many community activities and gatherings. By 1980 the building had deteriorated and some in the community threatened demolition. "Save the Tabernacle Committee" lobbied for the building preservation holding fund raisers and writing letters of support. In February 1994, the First Presidency of the LDS Church announced the tabernacle would be renovated to become the Vernal Utah LDS Temple. The temple was dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on 2 November 1997.