The Vernal Utah Temple is the fifty-first temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is located in Vernal, Utah. The intent to build the temple was announced on February 13, 1994, by the church's First Presidency. It is the tenth temple in Utah.
When it was dedicated on November 2, 1997, the Vernal Utah Temple was unique as the church's only one built from a previously existing structure. Since 1997, the Copenhagen Denmark, Manhattan New York, and Provo City Center temples have been similarly adapted from existing structures. The temple has two domed towers, with the east tower having a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni. This temple was designed by FFKR Architects, using an adaptation of the Uintah Stake Tabernacle's original design.
A groundbreaking ceremony, signifying the beginning of construction, was held on May 13, 1995, conducted by church president Gordon B. Hinckley.
History
Originally, the building served as the Uintah Stake Tabernacle for Latter-day Saints in eastern Utah. The tabernacle's foundation was constructed of nearby sandstone with walls built of four layers of fired brick from local clay. As of 2023, Keith B. Caldwell is the president, with Rahnene Caldwell serving as matron.
Design and architecture
The temple is on a 1.6-acre plot at 420 West 200 South in Vernal, Utah. Its grounds are landscaped with trees and flowerbeds.