Brigham Young, sympathetic, relented. Church leaders and members hailed the Temple as a great monument of its time, praising Brigham Young for his insight as a Prophet and the stalwart people of St. George for their dedication and hard work. Following the dedication Brigham Young returned to his home in Salt Lake City, where he died August 29th 1877 at the age of 76. His objection to the tower and dome was forgotten, as the people began to enjoy their beautiful temple. All was peaceful in St. George until the night of October 16th 1878.
History records a terrible storm of crashing thunder, rain and flashing lightning.
Without warning, a tremendous bolt struck and destroyed the Temple tower and dome that Brigham Young had so disliked. When things calmed down the unanimous feeling was that even in death, Brigham Young had his way. The people made the observation out of deepest respect for their late prophet and immediately designed and replaced the tower and dome with a tall, handsome steeple that stands today. To members of the Church in good standing, the Temple is a place of holiness and peace, apart from the daily world, where members worship and learn and serve. The glad message of the restored Gospel and the Temple is that family relationships can continue forever.