The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-10-22
THE GREAT MORMON TEMPLE.

SdH Lake Letter IN TIE Missouri Republican.
The work commenced many years ago. but
was arrested in the year 1857, at the time when
the Mormons exhibited spirit of insubordina-
tion towards the officers OF the General Govern
ment, and General Johnston was sent with a
sufficient military force to compel due respect to
the authorities of the United States. All work
was then suspended on the temple, and prepara.
tOns were made by the MormoAs TO burn their
town and migrate to some yet more remote place
Of settlement.
These troubles, however, were pacifcated, and
matters resumed their wonted aspect. But the
architect of the temple for some reason, was dis
satisfied with the work done and the entire mas
si7c foundations were taken up and the stones re-
laid. l am not sufficiently familiar with the
technics Of architecture to describe in professional
terms the work done; but that which strikes
every observer Is the remarkable sOdity of the
BtOnewOIk. IL appears to be laid there to remain
q thousand years, furnishing an unyelding sup
port TO the immense building that Is to rest
upon IT,
selected, perfectly jointcd with innumerable
arches, upright and reversed. IL trust no archi-
tect viii criticize that expression. What mean
by il is, that the arches Of immense strength, are
both right side up and bottom side up. Isn't
that plain y The stones comprising this foun-
uhtOn are lArge square DlOCkS or granite, Drought
fifteen miles, and it is of similar stone that the
entire structure is 10 be built. lt covers a large
space, say 200 by 100 feet. 1 saw an outside view
of the upper portion. The style of architecture
is somewhat novel. The front view shows three
towers the centre more elevated than those at the
side.
The rear end presents view OF three towers
also, the side walls being strengthened with
powerful abutments, covered with pinnaces.
The walls are lofty, and the entire air of the
building, as represented in the view / saw, is
imposing There is no excess of ornament. All
is substantial, dignihed, and impressive. This
building Is not for the of the congregations of
the people, but for the priestlY ordinances of the
Church. The peopekin their assemOlages will
meet In another building in the rear, Of which
shall speak.
The work on the temple building appears to be
Suspended now. saw no workmen, and l was
informed that no definite period could DO assigned
for its completion. Immediately in the rear of it
is the beginning of the tabernacle q building
intended for the gathering Of the people. 1t is
projected on large scale, and on a very peculiar
design, in marked contrast with the temple
design. II is 70 be an oval building shaped.
1 was told that the interior would correspond
with the shape Of an egg. At present fifty two
massive abuments of solid masonry, ten feet by
four, show the exterior line Of the structure.
From the top of these abutmgnts the oval roof
will spring. The floor will be oval doWnWards,
seated with rising seats, as an amphitheatre.
There will be no clOsebult side walls.
As il is intended for the vast congregations,
ventilation ana llght are looked 10, ana the build
ing will be nearly all windows and doors. 1t
covers q space Of two hundred and twenty-five
feet deep by one hundred and seVenty-fye feet
wide, and is calculated to hold ten thousand peo-
pie. Here the teachers and elders will enlighteu
the people, and their united songs will go up.
The cost of these buildings must be immense.
But all is contributed by the members of the Nor
mon Church in labor and money. Their system
of tthing is adequate to the work. When l
asked, "What Is the estimated cost of the temple
and tabernacle2" l was informed with & smile,
owe do not calculate things in that way. When
il is decided to do anything among us, It is done
without calculation of cost each doing his part
am informed that President Young himself
is the superintendent and actual architect Of the
buildings. Every stone in them he has inspected
and measured with a tape line, and assigned 10
its place. i am also informed that II Is the pur-
pose Of the President, with view to facilitating
the purposes of the enterprise aud 10 tighten the
heavy labor, TO undertake the gigantic and costly
business Of turning a neighborng river from its
course, and carrying its waters over to the noun
tain quarry, whence the gigantic blocks are OBJ
tained, and thus supplying a large canal he
intends constructing for the purpose of floating
the stones up to the very door of the temple The
work already done here, under his direction,
shows that he is capable Of doing this. Ho has
energy of conception and strength Of purpose
sufficient for all such daring work.