St. George Temple Rededication Planned

Plans for public tours and subsequent rededication of the St. George Temple, now undergoing remodeling, have been announced by the First Presidency.

The free public tours will begin in mid-October; the rededication is scheduled for November 11 and 12. A special preview tour for invited guests will be hosted by President Spencer W. Kimball on Tuesday, October 14.

The temple, which was the first completed after the Saints arrived in the West, is being extensively remodeled and expanded. Reed Whipple, temple president, said this includes a new electrical system, fire sprinkling system, heating and air conditioning equipment, carpeting, drapes, and furnishings. The baptismal font has been reconditioned and lined with stainless steel.

The original annex has been removed and a new one-story annex added to the north side of the six-level building. The annex includes a chapel, lockers, offices, laundry facilities, and a cafeteria.

Another addition on the west side includes stairways and elevators that provide access to the various rooms. New entranceways and lobbies are also being built. The remodeling will provide four new sealing rooms and a brides room. The additions total 53,195 square feet of floor space.

This is the second temple rededication this year. The Arizona Temple was rededicated in April following renovation similar to that being done on the St. George Temple. The Hawaii Temple has also recently closed for remodeling.