Historic Mormon Tabernacle- St. George

stgvr • December 13, 2014

Share this article

Yep, the St. George Tabernacle is where Mormon tithing started.

Shortly after their arrival in the harsh St. George desert, settlers began work on what was to become an elegant tabernacle.  The St. George Tabernacle was built under the leadership of Brigham Young who said he wanted a “commodius well-furnished meetinghouse, one large enough to comfortably seat at least 2,000 persons, and that will not only be useful, but also an ornament to your city.”  The cornerstone was placed on Brigham Young’s Birthday, June 1, 1863.

The most famous event to occur in the LDS Tabernacle happened in 1899.  LDS President Lorenzo Snow spoke at the Tabernacle.  In his talk,  he declared that “the time has now come for every Latter-day Saint who calculates to be prepared for the future and to hold his feet strong upon a proper foundation, to do the will of the Lord and to pay his tithing in full. That is the word of the Lord to you, and it will be the word of the Lord to every settlement throughout the land of Zion.”

The red sandstone walls and graceful interior plaster and woodwork illustrate the pride and dedication of the founders of Utah’s Dixie.  The Tabernacle is called the “Jewel of the desert” by older St. George locals.

The Tabernacle was constructed from local hand-hewn, red sandstone bricks locally quarried.  The London England built tower clock added a level of prestige to the community. It allowed the Saints to signal various events, such as when Church began, when Church ended, and the start and end of community gatherings; and to signal dignitaries coming to the community.

After the balcony was completed and in place, Brigham Young visited the Tabernacle and noticed that people sitting in the balcony were so high that they could not see the pulpit. President Young directed the building superintendent, Miles Romney, to cut off the various posts holding up the balcony to allow those sitting in the balcony to see the pulpit.

The Southern Heritage Choir and others often have musical performances in the Tabernacle that are open to the public.

18 South Main Street
St. George, UT 84770
(435) 628-4072

St. George Tabernacle Hours:  9am- 6pm in April to September; 9am-5pm in October to March.

 

Historic St. George Mormon Tabernacle| LDS Tabernacle in St. George, Utah

Recent Posts

Red sandstone canyon with towering cliffs and a green valley under a cloudy blue sky
July 11, 2026
The Tuacahn Theatre lies among the majestic 1500-foot red sandstone cliffs of Padre Canyon in Ivins, Utah. Since opening, the venue has entertained hundreds of thousands of spectators with a selection of popular Broadway musicals. From the middle of spring into the middle of autumn, the Tuacahn thrills audiences with spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics and professional performers.
Red sandstone canyon with a green valley and cloudy sky at sunset
July 11, 2026
In Southern Utah, there’s always something exciting waiting for you! Here are a few of the upcoming events happening in the greater St. George area: St. George Half Marathon January 14th: Southern Utah’s longest running half-marathon celebrates its 35th consecutive year. The St. George Half Marathon takes place on paved city trails winding along the Virgin River and through the scenic St. George landscape. (sgcity.org) St. George Area Parade of Homes February 17th through 26th: The St. George Area Parade of Homes features twenty-eight spectacular new homes that will be on display throughout the Southern Utah area. For those looking to purchase a new home in the Southern Utah area, or just looking for something interesting to do, this is an event not to be missed. (paradehomes.com/web) Sand Hollow Marathon March 11th: For the sixth consecutive year, the Sand Hollow Marathon will be an exciting running event featuring scenic views around the Sand Hollow State Park and Reservoir. Beginners and experts alike are encouraged to attend! (sandhollowmarathon.net)
Red sandstone canyon with towering cliffs and a green valley under a cloudy blue sky
July 11, 2026
For families visiting Utah, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a must-see destination. This unique park captivates children with its exciting dinosaur-themed playground, offering a world of adventure and discovery.
By stgvr February 27, 2018
For families visiting Utah, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a must-see destination. This unique park captivates children with its exciting dinosaur-themed playground, offering a world of adventure and discovery.   Thunder Junction All Abilities Park offers a variety of engaging activities: An erupting smoke volcano for immersive fun. A miniature, operational train for little explorers. A jungle-themed treehouse playground. A water play zone and splash pad for cooling off.... The post Awesome New Park | Thunder Junction | All Abilities Park appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr March 3, 2017
In Southern Utah, there’s always something exciting waiting for you! Here are a few of the upcoming events happening in the greater St. George area: St. George Half Marathon January 14th: Southern Utah’s longest running half-marathon celebrates its 35th consecutive year. The St. George Half Marathon takes place on paved city trails winding along the Virgin River and through the scenic St. George landscape. (sgcity.org) St. George Area Parade of... The post 2017 St. George Events appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr February 8, 2017
The Tuacahn Theatre lies among the majestic 1500-foot red sandstone cliffs of Padre Canyon in Ivins, Utah. Since opening, the venue has entertained hundreds of thousands of spectators with a selection of popular Broadway musicals. From the middle of spring into the middle of autumn, the Tuacahn thrills audiences with spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics and professional performers. Photo Credit: McKinley on flickr The Tuacahn Theatre Story More than a century... The post The Tuacahn Theatre Story appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr February 1, 2017
The number of options that you have for a vacation are endless. Therefore, you can become easily overwhelmed by the multitude of things that you could do on your trip. Instead of developing a migraine trying to fit 100 activities into a 24-hour day, you can take an easier trip planning route. Try going down this list of what not to do on vacation, and then you can figure out... The post Plan Your Vacation by Choosing What Not to Do appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr January 26, 2017
Located in scenic southwestern Utah, St. George is increasingly being recognized as one of the most desireable recreation and vacation spots in the West. The famous St. George climate, balmy in summer and surprisingly mild in winter, is only one of many reasons to fall in love with this magnificent hidden treasure. Photo Credit: ap0013 on flickr Outdoor Recreation Central Situated amid breathtaking high desert cliffs, mesas and red rock... The post St. George, Utah, Information appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr January 25, 2017
A good sport helps you relax while still providing you with a timely jolt of adrenaline. You can try BASE jumping or white-water rafting, but why not get your thrills from a sport that’s a little more laid back? Golf is a sport that is much more than a good walk spoiled – it provides exercise for the body while still stimulating the mind. This is a sport of passion,... The post Why You should Play Golf appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
By stgvr January 20, 2017
A vacation is something you should enjoy. It is a break from the stress of daily life, so it is important to relax and have fun. If you find that you don’t enjoy your vacations as much as you would like, here are some tips to help you enjoy one more. Photo credit: easyandme on flickr Anticipation Participate in planning your vacation. This prepares you psychologically. Read a book about... The post How to Really Enjoy Your Vacation appeared first on St. George Condo Rentals.
Show More