Manti Utah Temple

The Manti Utah Temple (formerly the Manti Temple) is the fifth temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Construction of the temple was completed in 1888. Located in the city of Manti, Utah, it was the third built west of the Mississippi River, following the Utah temples in St. George and Logan. The temple was designed by William Harrison Folsom, who relocated to Manti during its construction. Built on what is known as “Temple Hill,” it overlooks the Sanpete Valley and is visible from a considerable distance, serving as a prominent landmark in the region. Constructed largely through the labor and resources of early Latter-day Saint settlers, the temple used pioneer-era craftsmanship and community effort from the Sanpete Valley. Like all Latter-day Saint temples, entry is available only to church members who hold a valid temple recommend. For many years, it was one of only two remaining temples in the church where a live portrayal was used in the endowment ceremony. Following its 2024 rededication, the temple now uses a filmed presentation. The building is an early example of a temple design using progressive ordinance rooms to represent stages of spiritual progression. History Church president Brigham Young announced the decision to build a temple in Manti on June 25, 1875, and dedicated the site on April 25, 1877. Construction began shortly thereafter and continued for approximately 11 years. When completed, it was dedicated by Wilford Woodruff in May 1888. The site, later known as “Temple Hill,” had long been associated with expectations among settlers that it would eventually be used for a temple. The city of Manti itself was established in 1849 as part of the early expansion of Latter-day Saint settlements in the Utah Territory, becoming an important agricultural and regional center in the Sanpete Valley. The temple’s construction and presence reinforced the city’s role as a religious and cultural focal point for the surrounding region. Although the Salt Lake Temple was announced in 1847, it was not completed until 1893. Prior to its completion, the Manti Temple was constructed, as were two others in Utah (St. George and Logan), to meet the church’s need for temple facilities. The Manti Temple was dedicated during the apostolic interregnum following the death of church president John Taylor, one of only a few temples dedicated under such circumstances. The temple housed the Holy of Holies until the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated in 1893. The room was subsequently used for sealings before being closed in the late 1970s. Although there were 13 operating temples at the time, a 1966 study reported that 52 percent of temple ordinances were performed in the Salt Lake, Logan, and Manti temples. This contributed to additional temples constructed later in Utah to meet demand. Renovations The Manti Utah Temple has undergone various remodeling and renovations since its completion. In 1907, construction began on a large stone stairway leading up the hill to the west entrance. In 1935, the temple was fully lit at night for the first time. In 1940, the stairway was removed to improve the surrounding grounds. Between 1944 and 1945, significant interior renovations were carried out, including updates to facilities and ordinance rooms. The temple underwent a major modernization beginning in 1981, including structural improvements, installation of mechanical systems, restoration of murals and furnishings, and the addition of an elevator and updated facilities. Following this work, the temple was rededicated in June 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley, a counselor in the church's First Presidency. In April 2019, church president Russell M. Nelson announced the intent to perform major renovations to preserve pioneer-era temples while upgrading structural systems and functionality. The Manti Utah Temple closed in October 2021 to begin a comprehensive renovation lasting approximately two and a half years. The renovation included mechanical and plumbing upgrades, waterproofing, accessibility improvements such as a new ADA-compliant entrance, and interior updates including a new marriage waiting room, expanded locker areas, and refurbished finishes. A new north-side entrance, gathering space, and designated bridal exit were also added, along with landscape improvements to the temple grounds. Technological upgrades, including audiovisual systems, were incorporated to support updated presentation methods. A central component of the project was the conservation and restoration of historic murals. Art conservators carried out detailed cleaning and stabilization work, removing layers of varnish and overpainting to restore the original appearance while preserving the artists’ intent. The work was described as highly meticulous, requiring precise, incremental treatment to avoid damaging original materials. Following completion of the renovation, a public open house was held from March 14 to April 5, 2024 (excluding Sundays), attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The temple returned to regular operations after it was rededicated by Russell M. Nelson on April 21, 2024, in a single session. Mural preservation In March 2021, the First Presidency announced plans to renovate the Manti Utah Temple, including replacing live endowment presentations with filmed sessions and reconfiguring interior spaces. Initial plans called for removing, documenting, and relocating historic murals to accommodate these changes, with portions intended for preservation and public display. The announcement prompted public reaction, including petitions and advocacy efforts expressing concern over the potential loss of historic artwork, particularly murals by Minerva Teichert. In response, church leaders stated that they would consult preservation specialists regarding the future of the murals. On May 1, 2021, Nelson announced a revision to the renovation plans, stating that the temple’s historic interior, including its murals, would be preserved in place. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the building’s “pioneer craftsmanship, artwork and character,” while also announcing plans for the construction of a new temple in nearby Ephraim, Utah, to accommodate regional needs. Temple presidents The church’s temples are directed by a temple president and matron, who typically serve three-year terms and oversee temple operations, as well as provide guidance and training for temple workers and patrons. Notable temple presidents include: Daniel H. Wells (1888–1891); Anthon H. Lund (1891–1893); John D. T. McAllister (1893–1906); Robert D. Young (1933–1943); Jack H. Goaslind Jr. (2000–2003), and Ed J. Pinegar (2009–2012). As of January 2026, the temple president and matron are Richard W. and Linda N. Wheeler. Architecture and design The Manti Utah Temple uses Gothic Revival, French Renaissance Revival, Second Empire, and other 19th-century architectural styles. Constructed of locally quarried oolitic limestone, it reflects both the materials and craftsmanship of early Latter-day Saint settlers. The temple has 100,373 square feet (9,325 m²) of floor space and includes multiple ordinance rooms and sealing rooms. Its design includes two towers of approximately 179 feet (55 m), each containing open center spiral staircases that show the engineering skill of its builders. The building has historic interior elements such as original woodwork, flooring, and decorative features that have been preserved through successive renovations. Art The temple contains murals by several Latter-day Saint artists, including C. C. A. Christensen (Creation Room, 1886–87), Minerva Teichert (World Room, 1947, assisted by Frank Stevens), Robert L. Shepherd (Garden Room, 1946), John Hafen, J. B. Fairbanks, and Dan Weggeland. These murals depict scenes associated with the Latter-day Saint endowment narrative. Many of the murals function as visual representations of theological concepts and stages of spiritual progression. Christensen’s Creation Room mural, for example, portrays the formation of the earth through successive stages, while the Garden Room mural represents the Garden of Eden and humanity’s early spiritual state. Some murals were transferred to canvas during earlier renovations due to deterioration, while others remain on original plaster surfaces. Teichert’s World Room mural, completed in 1947, spans nearly 4,000 square feet and includes approximately 120 figures depicting scenes such as the Tower of Babel and the gathering of peoples. She was the first woman commissioned to paint a temple mural for the church, and completed the work in a relatively short period with the assistance of Frank Stevens. She later described the mural as a “great pageant”. Some original murals were damaged beyond preservation and were subsequently covered or replaced during earlier renovations; however, at least one pioneer-era mural, including Dan Weggeland’s Garden Room work, survives beneath later artwork. The temple also contains additional paintings, including works by Christensen depicting both the temple site prior to construction and the completed building. Gallery See also The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah Comparison of temples (LDS Church) List of temples (LDS Church) List of temples by geographic region (LDS Church) Temple architecture (LDS Church) Mormon Miracle Pageant Notes Further reading External links Manti Utah Temple Official site Manti Utah Temple at ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) No. UT-71, "Manti Temple, Main Street (U.S. Route 89), Manti, Sanpete County, UT", 8 photos, 7 data pages