In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a temple is a building dedicated to be a House of the Lord. Temples are considered by church members to be the most sacred structures on earth.
111-634: The Jordan River Utah Temple (formerly the Jordan River Temple ) is the 20th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , located in South Jordan, Utah . The intent to build the temple was announced on February 3, 1978, by church president Spencer W. Kimball during a press conference in the Church Office Building . The temple is the first in the city of South Jordan,
222-536: A graduate or professional degree . The US Census Bureau estimate for 2019 lists 1,160,437 people in Salt Lake County. The racial makeup of the county was 70.3% non-Hispanic White , 2.2% Black , 1.4% Native American , 4.6% Asian , 1.8% Pacific Islander , and 2.9% from two or more races. 18.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the 2010 United States census , there were 1,029,655 people, 343,218 households, and 291,686 families in
333-407: A 15 acre (61. ha) plot, and landscaping around the temple features fountains, conifer and deciduous trees, and other flowers and plants found in the gardens. These elements are designed to provide a peaceful setting which enhances the sacred atmosphere of the site. Exterior The structure stands four stories tall and is made of cast stone with white marble chips. To reduce the weight, some of
444-411: A Democratic Senate candidate in 1974 , although, it voted for independent candidate Evan McMullin in 2022 . In addition to a mayor and council, Salt Lake County has eight other officials elected to four-year terms. Current officeholders: The region's economy used to revolve around LDS services and mining. While both are still important to the economy, each has greatly declined in significance since
555-452: A controversial race-based policy . As of 2023 , all temple ordinances are unavailable to lesbian , gay , or bisexual persons who are in a same-sex marriage or homosexual sexual relationship, and to all transgender individuals who are transitioning or have transitioned. These restrictions have also garnered criticism from both outside, and inside the LDS church. To qualify for
666-433: A conversation with Woodruff, Logan Temple president Marriner W. Merrill stated that the contemplated public announcement prohibiting additional polygamist unions was "the only way to retain the possession of our temples and continue the ordinance work for the living and dead which was considered of more importance than continuing the practice of plural marriage for the present." Latter-day Saint temple building halted until
777-536: A desire to continue the ordinance work in temples was a significant consideration preceding Wilford Woodruff's decision (announced in his Manifesto of September 1890 ) that the church would discontinue its practice of polygamy . In 1887 the US Congress passed the Edmunds–Tucker Act , which disincorporated the church and directed federal officials to begin seizing its assets, potentially including its temples. After
888-554: A few days to a month in extreme cases and is caused when an area of high pressure forms over the Great Basin . The 2000 census was the first to allow residents to select multiple race categories. Prior to 2000, the census used the category 'Other Race' as a catch-all identifier. For county-level census data in 1950 and 1900, Utah counted all non-White and non-Black residents using this category. Asian and Hispanic Americans were counted by national origin (i.e. Mexican). According to
999-405: A global scale, church leaders announced an end to the one-year waiting period in most cases, except in relation to converts to the church, who are still required to wait a year after their own confirmation before entering the temple. Salt Lake County Salt Lake County is located in the U.S. state of Utah . As of the 2020 United States census , the population was 1,185,238, making it
1110-434: A major force in the economy. In 1995, Salt Lake City won the bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympics . The 2002 Olympics boosted tourism and the economy, and helped to dramatically improve transportation throughout the county. Transportation has been a major focus, as the county continues to rapidly grow in population. It was drastically improved beginning in the late 80s and through the 90s, and continues to this day. Beginning in
1221-480: A million people toured the temple during its open house. The temple was dedicated on November 16, 1981 by Marion G. Romney , a counselor in the First Presidency . The building has modern aspects blended with traditional temple designs. Designed by Emil B. Fetzer, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of South Jordan and the spiritual significance of the church. Site The temple sits on
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#17332028780071332-458: A single person living alone and 35,271 (8.7%) were two or more people living together. 145,748 (36.0%) of all households had children under the age of 18. 259,912 (64.1%) of households were owner-occupied while 145,317 (35.9%) were renter-occupied . The median income for a Salt Lake County household was $ 77,128 and the median family income was $ 90,815, with a per-capita income of $ 34,640. The median income for males that were full-time employees
1443-592: A strong Democratic trend when Joe Biden carried it with 53% of the vote. He was the first Democratic presidential candidate to win a majority of the county's vote since Johnson. Democratic strength in the county is mainly concentrated in Salt Lake City and closer inner ring suburbs like South Salt Lake and Millcreek . Other inner ring suburbs in the I-215 corridor such as West Valley City tend to be swing towns. Sandy and West Jordan tend to lean more Republican, and
1554-654: A temple for the use of the Norwegian Latter Day Saints. Meanwhile, Young urged the Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo to redouble their efforts to finish the temple. By the end of 1845, the building was sufficiently finished to allow temple ordinances to be performed. Ordinances continued to be performed in early 1846 as the Mormons were forced to abandon the city. A small crew remained in the city and continued to work on
1665-631: A temple recommend, an LDS Church member must faithfully answer the following questions which affirm the individual's adherence to essential church doctrine: A list of questions were first introduced in 1857 and used to qualify whether an individual could enter the Endowment House , before the first temple in Utah was built. They reflected the context of the times, including questions about ones belief in polygamy, branding an animal that one did not own, and using another person's irrigation water. Since then,
1776-499: A temple, only church members in good standing who have a valid temple recommend are permitted to attend the ceremony. In many nations outside the United States, a civil ceremony, where required by the law of the land, has been immediately followed by a temple sealing. In the United States, a one-year waiting period between the civil ceremony and a temple sealing was required until 2019. In May 2019, to standardize sealing policies on
1887-400: Is a process which culminates in the participation by the couple in a ritual called the sealing ordinance; which involves pronouncing the couple as having a permanent marriage bond which persists even beyond death. This ceremony, among others, is taught as being vital to an individual's and family's exaltation status, following the final judgment . With the sealing ordinance being held inside
1998-421: Is attributed to the low humidity of the region. During winter, temperature inversions are common, causing air pollution in the valley. They trap pollutants, moisture, and cold temperatures in the valley while the surrounding mountains enjoy warm temperatures and clear skies. This can cause some melting snow in the mountains and unhealthy air quality, and low visibility in the valley. This weather event lasts from
2109-533: Is decided in partisan elections; the current mayor (as of January 2019) is Jenny Wilson , a Democrat . Former county mayors include Peter Corroon , Nancy Workman and Alan Dayton (Workman's deputy mayor; sworn in as acting mayor in September 2004 when Nancy Workman was placed on paid administrative leave). The County Council is composed of three seats elected at-large and six elected by district . District-elected councilors are elected to staggered four-year terms;
2220-480: Is fed by seven streams from the surrounding mountains. All the runoff water eventually ends in the Great Salt Lake, which has no outlet. The mountains rise precipitously from the relatively flat valley surfaces, indicating their comparatively youthful formation. The county has a total area of 807 square miles (2,090 km ), of which 742 square miles (1,920 km ) is land and 65 square miles (170 km ) (8.1%)
2331-447: Is often considered good for skiing, contributing to the four ski resorts in the county. Snow usually falls from October through May. The heavy snow totals across the county can be attributed to the lake-effect , where precipitation is intensified by the warm waters of the Great Salt Lake, which never entirely freezes due to the lake's high salinity. The lake effect can affect any area of the county, depending on wind conditions. The dry snow
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#17332028780072442-420: Is the place " after seeing the valley. Compared to eastern regions, it seemed arid and unpromising to some of the migrants. Settlers used irrigation to develop agriculture and the flourishing, self-sufficient city known then as Great Salt Lake City . Thousands of Mormons joined them in the next several decades. Settlers buried thirty-six Native Americans in one grave after an outbreak of measles occurred during
2553-577: Is water. It is the fifth-smallest county in Utah by area. The county borders on the Great Salt Lake and is traversed by the northward flowing Jordan River . The western portion of the county descends toward the valley of the lake, but perhaps the most dominating physical feature in Salt Lake County is the Wasatch Mountains in the eastern portion of the county, famous for both summer and winter activities. The mountains are administered as part of
2664-598: The 2020 United States census and 2020 American Community Survey , there were 1,185,238 people in Salt Lake County with a population density of 1,574.3 people per square mile (607.9/km ). Among non- Hispanic or Latino people, the racial makeup was 800,914 (67.6%) White , 21,976 (1.9%) African American , 7,205 (0.6%) Native American , 50,241 (4.2%) Asian , 21,194 (1.8%) Pacific Islander , 5,537 (0.5%) from other races , and 46,083 (3.9%) from two or more races . 232,088 (19.6%) people were Hispanic or Latino. There were 595,608 (50.25%) males and 589,630 (49.75%) females, and
2775-638: The Tabernacle was considered a "portable temple" by the children of Israel in the Old Testament. The first Latter-day Saint temple ceremonies were performed in Kirtland, Ohio , but differed significantly from the endowment performed on the second floor of Joseph Smith 's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the Nauvoo Temple . Kirtland ordinances included washings and anointings (differing in many ways from
2886-662: The Wasatch-Cache National Forest . The mountains' snow is touted in state-sponsored publicity as 'Greatest Snow on Earth' for its soft, powdery texture, and led to Salt Lake City 's winning the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics . Salt Lake County has four ski resorts: Snowbird and Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Solitude and Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon . Hiking and camping are popular summer activities. The Oquirrh Mountains border
2997-473: The endowment ceremony , and sixteen sealing rooms (used for marriage ordinances ). The interior features stained glass, dark wood accents, and crystal chandeliers, designed to create a spiritually uplifting environment. Elements members of the church find symbolic are integrated into the design. Marion G. Romney, a member of the church's First Presidency, dedicated the temple in fifteen sessions held during November 16–20, 1981. More than 160,000 members attended
3108-401: The state House of Representatives , and all six Democrats in the state Senate , represent districts based in the county. In 2004, Republican President George W. Bush won the county over Democrat John Kerry 59% to 37%. In 2008, however, Democrat Barack Obama won Salt Lake County by an extremely narrow margin, 48.17% to 48.09%, over Republican John McCain —a difference of 296 votes. It
3219-576: The succession crisis , Brigham Young assumed control of the church's headquarters at Nauvoo, Illinois. While he and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve made contingency plans for abandoning the city, he may have hoped that it would not prove necessary. For example, in early 1845, Young convened a conference at the Norwegian colony at Norway, Illinois , and announced a plan to build a Latter-day Saint town there with
3330-410: The 1960s and 1970s to make way for the expansion of the open-pit mine. The city of Bingham Canyon was completely torn down and swallowed up in the mine by 1972, and the dismantling of Lark in 1980 completed the process. The only remaining mining town in the county is Copperton , located southwest of West Jordan , with approximately 800 residents. Magna has workers who continue to be associated with
3441-539: The 1970s and 1980s. Huge residential tracts were developed through the center of the valley, and within ten years, the entire area had been converted from farmland into sprawling bedroom communities in Salt Lake City. West Valley City was created from the merger of the three unincorporated cities of Granger, Hunter and Redwood (including Chesterfield) in 1980. But not every area of the county saw growth. The former mining towns related to Bingham Canyon were abandoned in
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3552-546: The 19th century. Since World War II , defense industries in the region have also played a very important role in the economy due to its strategic central location in the Western United States, as well as the largely uninhabited and desolate Great Salt Lake Desert to the west (used for training, weapons testing, and storage of hazardous materials). Beginning in 1939, with the opening of Alta Ski Area , skiing and other winter sports (as well as summer sports), have become
3663-486: The Bingham Canyon Mine kept on expanding. In the early 21st century, it is among the largest open-pit mines in the world. After the railroad came to the county, the population began to expand more rapidly, and non-Mormons began to settle in Salt Lake City. During the early 20th century, the heavy industry came to the valley as well, diversifying its economy. Local and interurban trolley systems were built covering
3774-457: The City of Zion plan and designated four of these to contain temples: Salt Lake City (1847), St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877). The St. George Temple was the first to be completed in 1877, followed by Logan (1884) and Manti (1888). The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete because of various setbacks and delays. It was dedicated in 1893. In the late 1880s and in 1890,
3885-761: The First Presidency also dedicated a number of temples during Monson's administration. As of October 2018, Monson's successor, Russell M. Nelson , has dedicated the Concepción Chile Temple . The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). It has been suggested that recent temple construction represents an attempt by church leadership to “re-energize” congregations in
3996-589: The Great Salt Lake level to drop to record low levels. This area was occupied for thousands of years by cultures of indigenous peoples. The future Salt Lake County area was settled by European Americans in 1847 when Mormon pioneers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fled religious persecution in the East. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after descending what settlers later called Emigration Canyon . Brigham Young , their leader, declared " This
4107-592: The Jordan River Utah Temple was Donovan Herbert Van Dam, who served from 1981 to 1985. As of 2022, James Scott Lundbert is serving as president. Like all those in the church, the temple is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. Temple (LDS Church) Upon completion, temples are usually open to
4218-621: The LDS Church and the State of Utah, Salt Lake County's population was 50.6% LDS (Mormon) in 2008, as reported in the Deseret News . By 2013, this had increased to 51.41%. However, by 2020, the share of LDS members had decreased to 46.89%. The first governing administrative body of the county was made up of the probate court and judge, Elias Smith, and three selectmen: Samuel Moore, Reuben Miller, and J.C. Wright. The first order of business on March 15
4329-412: The age of 18 living with them, 57.80% were married couples living together, 10.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% were non-families. 20.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.53. In terms of age, 30.5% of the county's population
4440-465: The at-large councilors are elected to six-year terms. See district maps Like most of Utah, Salt Lake County usually favors candidates from the Republican Party . While it is somewhat conservative for an urban county, it has been friendlier to Democrats than the rest of the state, and has traditionally been more competitive in state and local elections than Utah as a whole. All but one Democrat in
4551-422: The bride’s room, initiatory areas, and the baptistry, including the addition of a separate baptistry entrance. Other renovations included a bride and groom exit at the west side of the temple instead of the front to greet friends and family. Escalators were replaced with staircases. These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards. Throughout the renovation process, care
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4662-407: The church announced that beginning February 15, 2016, the temple would close for renovations that were anticipated to be completed during the latter part of 2017. The renovations focused on several key areas such as interior systems like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems. The general floor plan remained the same. Interior walls were removed to remodel the celestial room,
4773-400: The church. Unlike many of the temples, which are built mostly with tithing funds, the site was given to the church and all of its construction was paid for by members in the 134 stakes within the temple district. At the time, payment from local building funds was the established church practice but was later abandoned to respond to the need for temples and meetinghouses in developing areas of
4884-636: The city the capital of the Territory. In 1858, when the Utah Territory was declared in rebellion, the federal government sent troops to install a new governor and keep watch over the area. The government transition was made peacefully, then the troops set up Camp Floyd to the south in Utah County . In 1862, Fort Douglas was established on the eastern bench, near the current site of the University of Utah , as
4995-406: The condition of exaltation after the final judgment . They are also taught that a vast number of dead souls exist in a condition termed as spirit prison , and that a dead individual upon whom the temple ordinances are completed will have a chance to be freed of this imprisoning condition. In this framework ordinances are said to be completed on behalf of either the participant, or a dead individual
5106-455: The county Probate Court, overseen by judge Elias Smith. Settlers were required to file land claims, make declaratory statements, attend their adjudication hearings, provide testimony if counter claims on a parcel of land were filed, and wait for final judgement from the probate judge, who issued a final Land Title Certificate which declared a person the rightful owner. These certificates are retroactive backwards to 1852. The idea of statehood for
5217-469: The county in Congress only for four years – from 2015 to 2019, after Jim Matheson , who survived two redistricting cycles following the 2000 and 2010 censuses, retired and was replaced by Mia Love , who in turn, was defeated by former county mayor Ben McAdams in the 2018 election. McAdams lost to Republican Burgess Owens in 2020 , giving Republicans full control of the county’s districts. Salt Lake County
5328-407: The county was $ 20,190. About 5.70% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty threshold , including 9.00% of those under age 18 and 5.50% of those age 65 or over. The 2005 American Community Survey indicated that 11.4% of Salt Lake County's population living in households (as opposed to group arrangements such as college dormitories) spoke Spanish at home. According to data from
5439-519: The county. The population density was 1,388 per square mile (536/km ). There were 364,031 housing units at an average density of 491 per square mile (190/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 81.2% White , 1.59% Black or African American , 0.89% Native American , 3.3% Asian , 1.53% Pacific Islander , 8.35% from other races , and 3.14% from two or more races. 17.09% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. In 2010 there were 343,218 households, out of which 40.10% had children under
5550-585: The dead , washing and anointing (or "initiatory" ordinances), the endowment , and eternal marriage sealings . Ordinances are a vital part of the theology of the church, which teaches that they were practiced by the Lord's covenant people in all dispensations . Latter-day Saints cite various Old Testament references to temple ordinances such as those found in Exodus 29:4–9 , Exodus 28:2–43 and Leviticus 8:6–13 . The words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" can be found on LDS temples as referenced in Exodus 28:36 . Likewise
5661-420: The dead. The initiatory, endowment, and sealing ceremonies are today performed only within a temple. The sealing ordinance can be performed on behalf of dead couples; so long as the two living participants are of opposite sex they need not be married. It is also performed on behalf of living couples who wish to be legally married. In this manner, the ordinance is typically performed as a celestial marriage , with
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#17332028780075772-594: The dedicatory services. Thirty of those in attendance at the dedication were elderly members who had been at the dedication of the first temple in the Salt Lake Valley, the Salt Lake Temple . Most had been very young at the time but still remembered the event. The temple serves Latter-day Saints in Southern Salt Lake County , Utah. Geographically, it is the smallest Latter-day Saint temple district in
5883-486: The deeds and titles handed out during the twelve-year period were not federally recognized homestead certificates, the Utah Territory agreed to reconcile the unrecognized deeds and titles in order to fold the Utah Territory into the federal homestead system, calling them (instead of homestead certificates) Land Title Certificates. The process to adjudicate the certificates took place over several years in 1871–1873, through
5994-566: The east side and less on the west side, as most storms come from the Pacific Ocean and the west side is in the rain shadow of the Oquirrh Mountains . Up to 19 inches (480 mm) is received on the east benches . Most of this precipitation is received in spring. The summer is dry, with the majority of precipitation arriving from the monsoon that rises from the south. Short, localized, and often dry thunderstorms are usually associated with
6105-587: The endowment rather than live actors. Joseph Fielding Smith dedicated a temple in Ogden, Utah , and Harold B. Lee dedicated its twin in Provo, Utah . Spencer W. Kimball began a plan to build many more smaller temples according to standardized plans. Twenty-one temples were dedicated during his presidency, including the tiny Papeete Tahiti Temple —which has a floorspace of less than 10,000 square feet (900 m ). This trend has continued. Nine additional temples were dedicated in
6216-506: The entire Jordan River watershed north of the Traverse Mountains ). In addition, the northwestern section of the county includes part of the Great Salt Lake . The county is noted for its ski resorts ; Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics . Salt Lake County is the central county of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area . Sustained drought in Utah has more recently strained Salt Lake County's water security and has caused
6327-498: The face of flat numerical growth. Most temples are built facing east, the direction from which Jesus Christ is prophesied to return. The spires and towers on the east end of multi-spired temples are elevated higher than spires and towers on the west side for this same reason, and to represent the Melchizedek, or higher, priesthood. Some temples, such as Salt Lake , Chicago , and Washington D.C. , have triple spires on each side of
6438-457: The faithful where certain rites of the church must be performed. The LDS Church has 367 temples in various phases, which includes 201 dedicated temples (192 operating and 9 previously-dedicated, but closed for renovation ), 3 scheduled for dedication , 48 under construction , 1 scheduled for groundbreaking , and 114 others announced (not yet under construction). There are temples in many U.S. states, as well as in many countries across
6549-490: The federal government wanted to ensure the loyalty of the territory during the American Civil War . On January 29, 1868, "Great" was dropped from both the county and city names, giving them their modern names. Patrick Edward Connor , the leader of the garrison at Fort Douglas, was openly anti-Mormon . He sent out parties to scout for mineral resources in the nearby mountains, hoping to encourage non-Mormons to settle in
6660-481: The federal government, the federal surveyor abandoned his post in 1857, two years after he arrived. The surveyor's duty was to officially plat the territory in order to bring the area onto the market, to make homesteading possible. The intermediate years between 1857 and 1869 passed with no federal surveyors, the LDS Pioneers completed plats, deeds, and surveys of the county in order to homestead and collect taxes. Since
6771-512: The first members of Smith's Quorum of the Anointed , or Holy Order, as it was also known, were made on May 3, 1842. The walls of the second level of the Red Brick Store were painted with garden-themed murals, the rooms fitted with carpets, potted plants, and a veil hung from the ceiling. All the while, the ground level continued to operate as Smith's general mercantile. After the early events of
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#17332028780076882-458: The host of the 2002 Winter Olympics spurred a construction boom in the city that continued after the Olympics, slowing only in 2008 recession . As the county's population has surpassed 1 million, it has significantly urbanized, leaving only a few rural areas in the far west of the valley. Issues facing the county today include congested transportation and related air pollution. The Salt Lake Valley
6993-460: The idea the marriage bond lasts after their death, or for "time and all eternity". A "time only" modification can be made to the ordinance, such as when the surviving widow of a celestial marriage wishes to legally remarry. In addition to the ordinances listed above, 19th-century temples were host to other ordinances that are no longer practiced such as the baptism for health and baptism for renewal of covenants. In 1922, Heber J. Grant discontinued
7104-627: The judge was removed when the court was abolished upon statehood, the Selectmen stayed on in their offices until elections to fill the new commission seats were held. The first commissioners elected were: A.S. Geddes, M. Christopherson, and C.H. Roberts. The Commission took over all duties the Court and Selectmen performed. The County Court house was demolished after the completion of the Salt Lake City and County Building in Downtown Salt Lake City in
7215-642: The mid-1890s. The new County Commission governed at the City and County Building until 1986 when the county government moved its offices to the newly built the Salt Lake County Government Center at State Street and 2100 South, formerly the location of the County Hospital, which was demolished in early the 1980s to build the County Government Center. The county currently has a mayor–council form of government. The position of mayor
7326-500: The mine's smelting operations in Garfield and at Arthur Mill . In the 1990s, the county's areas of rapid growth shifted further south and west. Farm and pasturelands were developed as suburbs. The cities of West Jordan , South Jordan , Riverton , Herriman , and Draper are some of the fastest-growing cities in the state. During the 1990s, Salt Lake City gained population for the first time in 40 years. Salt Lake City's selection as
7437-568: The modern portion) and the washing of the feet ordinance. For nearly four years, beginning in 1842, Smith's Red Brick Store functioned as a de facto temple—the site of the first washings, anointings, endowments, and sealings. In contrast, the grand edifice known as the Nauvoo Temple was in operation for only two months before the Latter Day Saints left Illinois for the West. Preparations to initiate
7548-596: The monsoon. However, some can be very intense. These storms can cause contrasting emergencies of flash floods and wildfires (due to dry lightning and powerful winds). Precipitation is heaviest in late fall/early winter and in spring, while early summer is the driest season. Annual snowfall in the valley is 55 inches (140 cm), with up to 100 inches (250 cm) on the benches. The most snow falls between mid-November and late March. The mountains receive up to 500 inches (1,300 cm) of light, dry snow and up to 55 inches (140 cm) of precipitation annually. The dry snow
7659-404: The more urban northeastern quarter of the valley. The city dismantled the trolley system by 1945, favoring the use of individual cars . Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the east side of the valley began to be more densely settled. In 1942, Kearns Army Air Base , a large military installation developed for World War II , was located in what is now Kearns on the western side of
7770-470: The most populous county in Utah. Its county seat and largest city is Salt Lake City , the state capital . The county was created in 1850. Salt Lake County is the 37th most populated county in the United States and is one of four counties in the Rocky Mountains to make it into the top 100. (Others being Denver County and El Paso County , Colorado and Clark County, Nevada .) Salt Lake County has been
7881-402: The most productive of the county's mines. The mine, located in the southwest portion of the county, attracted thousands of workers to the narrow canyon. At its peak, the city of Bingham Canyon contained 20,000 residents, all crowded along the steep walls of the canyon, and natural disasters were a frequent occurrence. By the early 20th century, most of the mines in the county had closed. However,
7992-451: The national forest, assuming greater risk from wildfires. New communities are also being constructed on the southern and western slopes. Rapid residential construction continues in the west-central, southwest, and southern portions of the valley. In the far west, southwest, and northwest, rural areas still exist, but rapid growth threatens what remains of the natural environment in the valley. The County government operates several large parks in
8103-438: The nationwide suburban boom of the late 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, such cities as South Salt Lake , Murray , Midvale , and much of the east side of the valley grew rapidly. In common with other industrialized cities, Salt Lake City faced inner-city decay in the 1960s, when residents moved to newer housing in the suburbs. Cities such as Sandy , West Jordan , and what would become West Valley City grew at boomtown rates in
8214-551: The new area was quickly tossed aside by the federal government, and the area was declared a territory in September 1850 – the Utah Territory . Construction of the capitol building in Fillmore was completed in 1855, so the territorial legislature traveled to the small community for their first session there. It was to be their last, as they chose to meet in Great Salt Lake City the following year and, in 1857, formally voted to make
8325-523: The only county of the first class in Utah – under the Utah Code (Title 17, Chapter 50, Part 5) is a county with a population of 700,000 or greater. Although, Utah County directly to the south has recently reached this threshold. Salt Lake County occupies the Salt Lake Valley , as well as parts of the surrounding mountains, the Oquirrh Mountains to the west and the Wasatch Range to the east (essentially
8436-508: The other outer-ring suburbs in the southern part of the county like South Jordan are strongly Republican. The bulk of the county was for a long time located in the 2nd congressional district . However, after Utah gained a seat following the 2010 census redistricting, the Republican-controlled state legislature split the county into three districts – 2nd, 3rd and 4th . Despite that, from 2000 to 2020 Republicans controlled most of
8547-565: The population distribution by age was 310,343 (26.2%) under the age of 18, 740,417 (62.5%) from 18 to 64, and 134,478 (11.3%) who were at least 65 years old. The median age was 32.9 years. There were 405,229 households in Salt Lake County with an average size of 2.92 of which 276,809 (68.3%) were families and 128,420 (31.7%) were non-families. Among all families, 207,859 (51.3%) were married couples , 23,928 (5.9%) were male householders with no spouse, and 45,022 (11.1%) were female householders with no spouse. Among all non-families, 93,149 (23.0%) were
8658-480: The practice of baptisms for health in the church. The second anointing is a rare, but currently practiced ordinance for live participants, and (less commonly) vicariously for deceased individuals, though, it is usually only given in absolute secrecy to a small number of members after a lifetime of service. The LDS Church booklet " Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple " explains that Latter-day Saints "do not discuss
8769-629: The presidency of Ezra Taft Benson and two in the brief presidency of Howard W. Hunter . Under church president Gordon B. Hinckley , the church dedicated 77 temples. In 1997, Hinckley introduced a standardized, smaller temple plan designed to bring temple services to smaller or remote congregations at a reduced cost. The first of this new generation of temples was completed in 1998 with the Monticello Utah Temple . The original plan called for 6,800 square feet (630 m ), later increased to 10,700 square feet (990 m ). Subsequent revisions to
8880-468: The presidency of Joseph F. Smith , who announced two additional temples: Cardston, Alberta (1913), and Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi (1915). Cardston became the first Latter-day Saint temple dedicated outside of the United States. Smith broke with the previous tradition (established since Kirtland) of building temples with upper and lower courts. Temples previously had been ever larger, but the Laie Hawaii Temple
8991-554: The public for a short period of time (an "open house"). During the open house, the church conducts tours of the temple with missionaries and members from the local area serving as tour guides, and all rooms of the temple are open to the public. The temple is then dedicated as a "House of the Lord", after which only members who are deemed "temple-worthy" by their congregational leaders are permitted entrance. Temples are not churches or Meetinghouses designated for public weekly worship services, but rather are places of worship open only to
9102-430: The recommend, indicating their approval of that member's worthiness. The individual also signs the recommend, acknowledging the responsibility to remain eligible to hold the recommend. Most recommends are valid for two years. Temple ordinances have historically been unavailable to some members. For about 130 years (between 1847 and 1978) all LDS endowment-related temple ordinances were denied to all Black women and men in
9213-505: The same sex as the participant ("on behalf of the dead" or "by proxy"). Ordinances performed in the temple include: Most ordinances are performed by proxy only on participants who have already completed the ordinance. Similarly, most ordinances are completed only one time for a participant in a lifetime and all subsequent temple ordinance participation is seen as acting for a dead individual. Baptism, confirmation, and priesthood ordination are usually performed in temples only when on behalf of
9324-478: The second in Salt Lake County , and as of 2024 is one of thirty in the state of Utah . The temple has a single spire design and is one of the only temples with an Angel Moroni holding the gold plates. This temple was designed by Emil B. Fetzer , showcasing its modern architectural design. A groundbreaking ceremony to signify the beginning of construction was conducted by Kimball on June 9, 1979. The temple
9435-463: The south; and a space (known as Garfield ) between the Oquirrh Mountains and the Great Salt Lake leading to Tooele County to the west. Of these, only the connection to Davis County to the north is wide enough and flat enough to accommodate transportation routes without reliance on earthworks . Annual precipitation for the Salt Lake Valley is around 15 inches (380 mm), usually with more on
9546-607: The spreading of the gospel throughout the world and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ , which will be announced by trumpet-blowing angels . In the temple, baptismal fonts rest on the back of 12 oxen , symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the strength and power of God 's work. Over the years, the Jordan River Temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. On August 7, 2015,
9657-539: The standard design further increased the size and complexity of the temples. The majority of the temples dedicated under Hinckley's tenure were of the smaller design, but one particularly noteworthy achievement was the rebuilding of the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois , known as the Nauvoo Illinois Temple . Hinckely's successor, Thomas S. Monson , dedicated 26 temples during his time as church president. His counselors in
9768-518: The state's capital ( Fillmore ). The county was officially organized on January 31, 1850, with slightly more than 11,000 residents recorded. In 1850, 26 slaves were counted in Salt Lake County. In 1852, the territorial legislature passed the Act in Relation to Service and the Act for the relief of Indian Slaves and Prisoners formally legalizing slavery in the territory. Due to Utah Territory's conflicts with
9879-728: The temple for time only. It may only be used in conjunction with a standard temple recommend. A limited-use recommend is available to members who have not yet received their endowment or who have not been a member for one year. These may also be issued to a group for a single visit to the temple, to youth 11 and older, or to others for specific cases. Those without recommends occasionally need to enter temples after dedication during fires, medical emergencies, or building inspections. They are escorted by temple personnel during such visits. Temples may offer introductory tours to new local firefighters and emergency medical technicians during regularly scheduled maintenance periods. The LDS temple wedding
9990-444: The temple ordinances outside the temples". To enter the temple, an individual must be baptized, and after one year, may seek a temple recommend , which authorizes admission to the temple. The person is interviewed by their bishop , during which the candidate is asked a series of questions to determine worthiness to enter the temple. The individual is also interviewed by his or her stake president . The bishop and stake president sign
10101-432: The temple recommend questions have changed significantly, though less so in recent years. The standard temple recommend authorizes a member who has been baptized at least one year prior to take part in all temple ordinances and is valid for two years. A recommend for living ordinances is given to individuals who are participating in the endowment for the first time, being sealed to a spouse, or anyone being married in
10212-724: The temple representing three different offices in both the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood . A statue of the Angel Moroni , stands atop many temples built after the Salt Lake Temple. The statue design represents the Latter-day Saint belief that Moroni was the angel spoken of in Revelation 14. LDS Church members perform rituals (termed ordinances ) within temples. They are taught that temple ordinances are essential to achieving
10323-541: The temple until April 30, 1846, when it was formally dedicated in a private ceremony by Joseph Young , the senior of the Seven Presidents of the Seventy . It was used for three months, then abandoned in late summer 1846. The completed temple was eventually destroyed by fire, and the remaining structure was later demolished by a whirlwind . Upon reaching the Great Basin , Brigham Young began to build settlements based on
10434-644: The territory. During the late 19th century, mines were established in the Wasatch mountains, most notably around Alta (and nearby Park City in Summit County ). Exploiting the mineral wealth was difficult until the Utah Central Railroad was constructed and reached this area in 1870. In the Oquirrh Mountains , the Bingham Canyon Mine , which contains vast deposits of copper and silver, was developed as
10545-541: The towers contain fiberglass and cemlite. The exterior is characterized by drape-motif-inspired windows, a single spire, and stained glass windows. The design incorporates elements that are reflective of both the local culture and broader church symbolism. Interior The temple is the fourth largest Latter-day Saint temple (but second-largest in Utah) and has a total of 148,236 square feet (13,771.6 m), one baptistry, one celestial room , six ordinance rooms which are used for
10656-599: The valley (including some with incorporated cities), including Big Cottonwood Park , Crestwood Park, and an Equestrian Center . Traffic into the Salt Lake Valley passes through four narrow geographic features: Parley's Canyon to the east; the space between the Salt Lake Anticline and the Great Salt Lake leading into Davis County to the north; the Point of the Mountain and adjacent Jordan Narrows leading to Utah County to
10767-572: The valley. After the camp was closed in 1946, the land was sold for private development. Rapid postwar residential settlement of the area began. The federal government established other major defensive installations along the Wasatch Front and in the Great Salt Lake Desert during World War II, which stimulated the economy and brought more people to the area, establishing Utah as a major military center that benefited from federal investment. In
10878-467: The western part of the county. These two mountain ranges, together with the much smaller Traverse Mountains at the south of the valley, delimit Salt Lake Valley , which is also flanked on the northwest by the Great Salt Lake , and on the north by the Salt Lake Anticline (including Ensign Peak ). On the north and east benches, houses have been built halfway up the mountain to the boundary of
10989-530: The winter of 1847. The initial territorial settlement was in Great Salt Lake City proper, but Brigham Young desired to secure a substantial population base across the then-uninhabited Great Basin, so he soon asked members to resettle farther out from the central point. They declared themselves a state ( State of Deseret ) in hopes of gaining admittance to the Union, and to assure the nascent state would grow uniformly, they named an as-yet-unbuilt settlement in mid-state as
11100-454: The world, but the temple is one of the church's busiest. Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements from the Bible and Book of Mormon , providing deeper spiritual meaning to the temple's appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and for them, the central spire represents reaching upwards to heaven . With his right hand, Moroni holds a horn to his lips, symbolizing
11211-434: The world. A site dedication and groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 9, 1979. The ceremony and dedication were presided over by Kimball. Instead of the usual small ceremonial shovel-full of dirt at the groundbreaking, Kimball used a large power scoop shovel to begin the building process. Following completion of construction, the temple was open to the public for tours from September 29 through October 31, 1981. Over half
11322-460: The world. Several temples are at historical sites of the LDS Church, such as Nauvoo, Illinois , Palmyra, New York , and Salt Lake City, Utah . The importance of temples is often emphasized in weekly meetings, and regular participation in "temple work" is strongly encouraged for all Latter-day Saints (LDS). Within temples, members of the church make covenants , receive instructions, and perform sacred ceremonies and ordinances , such as baptism for
11433-441: Was $ 55,514 and for females $ 42,479. 8.6% of the population and 5.6% of families were below the poverty line . In terms of education attainment, out of the 726,907 people in Salt Lake County 25 years or older, 61,635 (8.5%) had not completed high school , 162,491 (22.4%) had a high school diploma or equivalency, 237,252 (32.6%) had some college or associate degree , 170,110 (23.4%) had a bachelor's degree , and 95,419 (13.1%) had
11544-447: Was announced by church president Spencer W. Kimball on February 3, 1978. The site for the temple was selected due to its significance to the church and the local community. In 1880, William Holt, a 19-year-old English immigrant, bought 15 acres of land from his uncle Jesse Vincent for $ 2.00 an acre. This land remained in the Holt family until Alma Holt and his family donated the parcel of land to
11655-543: Was rededicated by Henry B. Eyring on May 20, 2018. Since its dedication in 1981, the temple has been overseen by a series of temple presidents , each serving for a term of approximately three years. The president oversees the administration of its operations and provides spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff. Notable presidents include H. Burke Peterson (1985–87); William Grant Bangerter (1990–93); LeGrand R. Curtis (1996–99); Ben B. Banks (2002–05); and Robert L. Backman (2005–08). The first president of
11766-609: Was smaller than the Nauvoo Temple had been. Both Cardston and Laie were dedicated under church president Heber J. Grant , as was a temple in Mesa, Arizona . George Albert Smith dedicated the next temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho . David O. McKay dedicated five additional temples including one in Bern, Switzerland —which was the first temple dedicated in Europe and the first temple to use film recording of
11877-484: Was split into 4 districts after the 2020 census , and Republicans have held all of them since. Only one Republican (Workman) has ever been elected county mayor. Since its inception, the county council has mostly been Republican-controlled, save for two years in 2009–2011, when Democrats had a narrow 5-4 majority following the 2008 election. The county last voted for the Democratic candidate for governor in 2004 , and for
11988-419: Was taken to maintain the temple's historical and spiritual significance. Artisans and specialized craftsmen were employed to ensure the artwork was cohesive with the interior designs and were in keeping with the original design. Following renovations, a public open house was held from March 17 through April 28, 2018, excluding Sundays and two Saturdays associated with the church's general conference . The temple
12099-557: Was the first time since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson was the Democratic candidate, that Salt Lake County had voted for a Democrat in a presidential race. In 2012, the Republicans recaptured the county, as Mitt Romney received 58% of the vote to Obama's 38%. In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton won the county with 41.5% of the vote, to Republican Donald Trump 's 32.6% and Independent and Utah-native Evan McMullin 's 25.9%—a much wider margin of over 35,000 votes. In 2020, Salt Lake County saw
12210-473: Was to appoint a county Assessor/Collector, S. Eldridge. Second order was the appointment of a county Treasurer, Thomas Rhodes, and the third and fourth orders of business for the day was setting the rate of taxation on taxable property, at .5% of $ 0.01, and .25% of $ 0.01, as a road tax. The Court (probate section) adjudicated in civil and criminal cases in the county. The Board of County Commissioners began its duties on June 8, 1896, with Utah's statehood. Though
12321-472: Was under the age of 18, 12.90% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 18.00% from 45 to 64, and 8.10% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.70 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 48,373, and the median income for a family was $ 54,470. Males had a median income of $ 36,953 versus $ 26,105 for females. The per capita income for
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