Provo Tabernacle

Very sadly a fire broke out at the historic Provo Tabernacle this month.  The fire which burned for at least 18 hours (started at 3:00 am and when we drove by at 9:00 pm you could still see flames) destroyed the building.  When Ralph called and told me I cried.  We watched the news in shock all day and watched in sadness all the videos on you tube which seemed surreal.  I loved this building!  I loved attending church at the tabernacle.  We attended many concerts at this beautiful building, sang in choirs in this building, attended live Christmas nativities, had seminary graduation here, and then as a married family continued to attend church here when we had stake conferences while living in Provo.  We always had to sit in the balcony – even when I was little – so we could see all the people.  I loved walking up the spiral staircase and remember the cold air you felt in the bathroom. I loved looking at the beautiful stained glass windows and remember watching people open the windows to let in cool air on hot Sunday afternoons.  I have heard Grandma and Grandpa talk about the history of the building, listened to my sister Lauralyn tell stories about her and my brother Mel playing in the tabernacle when they were little while Grandpa (Grandma Ruby’s second husband – the main Grandpa I knew since all other grandparents died before I was 5 years old) cleaned and maintained the building.  It was very sad to see the destruction and hurts our hearts every time we drive by.  There was a miracle which strengthened our testimonies in our Savior Jesus Christ when we saw the picture of the Savior which was almost completely burned.  The picture tells the story.