Mormon Monuments - Salt Lake City

 The Mormons had fled deadly persecution from Missouri, Ohio and Illinois, and had finally found what they thought would be a place of safety and security. In 1847, the first party of Mormon emigrants, led by Brigham Young, reached the Salt Lake Valley. This story of the thousand-mile Mormon exodus from the midwest to Salt Lake has become well-known as a tale of remarkable hard work, faith, and dedication. Upon reaching Utah, these hardy men and women prospered through their wisdom and industriousness in a place once thought too dry and desertous to support modern civilization.

Fortunately, these pioneers left a rich heritage which gives tourists today insight into these admirable traits. Utah is full of Mormon historic and cultural sites which continue to fascinate and inspire visitors more than 150 years after Brigham Young declared "This is the place."

Currently the world wide strength of Mormons is 14 million and out of this around 50% live outside the US. In India the Mormon community is around 7500. Out of this approx. 5300 live in Coimbatore,Chennai & Visakapatnam. I was amazed to note that Mormons live in Coimbatore too. So I did a web search and saw a photo of the Mormon church in Coimbatore and surprisingly it is situated on Trichy Road, Ramanathapuram and I have driven past this church so many times. It is in fact a fairly large building and the unique architecture stands out.

On day 2 at Salt Lake city our first trip was to Temple Square where we visited some of the significant Mormon monuments:


Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Satue of Jesus Christ in the Visitors Centre

Salt Lake Temple - Above & Below: Visitors are not allowed inside.

This building is a worldwide icon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the heart of Temple Square. The massive granite edifice was constructed in a neo-gothic style over the course of an astounding 40-year period between 1853 and 1893

Home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Tabernacle, located just north of Assembly Hall, is an architectural and acoustic wonder. The famous organ at the front of the Tabernacle contains 11,623 pipes, making it one of the largest and richest-sounding organs in the world

We were fortunate to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing during our visit - 360 member all volunteer choir both men and women

The Assembly Hall: The most ornate and colorful building on Temple Square. Built in 1877, the Assembly Hall is used today for free weekend concerts featuring local and international artists



The Hand Cart Pioneer Monument: A tribute to the thousands of Mormon pioneers who,because they could not afford the larger ox drawn wagons,walked across the rugged plains in the 1850's pulling and pushing all their possessions in hand made all wood hand carts



Exquisite stained glass windows inside the Assembly Hall

The Salt Lake Temple Grounds

The Conference Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains a 21,000-seat auditorium and an 850-seat theater.

A guided tour on the terrace of the Mormon Conference Hall

A water fountain atop the Conference Hall

View of the Salt Lake Temple & Tabernacle from atop the Conference Hall