New song commemorates temple that has been demolished
The former Provo Temple, affectionately known as the “Space Age edifice,” may be physically gone, but its memory lives on through a poignant protest song composed by Scott Jones, a longtime Provo resident. Jones expressed his deep sadness at the temple’s demolition, which had been a familiar sight to him for over four decades. In his song, titled “The Pillar,” Jones laments the loss of the distinctive design of the old Provo Temple, contrasting it with the preservation efforts aimed at the iconic Salt Lake Temple.
The heartfelt lyrics of “The Pillar” reflect Jones’ dismay at the demolition of the half-century-old temple in Provo while highlighting the meticulous preservation of the Salt Lake Temple. Through his song, Jones questions the decisions that led to the temple’s demise and expresses a sense of nostalgia for the unique architectural style of the former Provo Temple. Despite his heartfelt tribute, it is unlikely that “The Pillar” will find a place in the church’s new hymnbook.
Looking ahead, church president Russell Nelson recently announced plans for the construction of 15 new temples during April’s General Conference. As the anticipation builds for the announcement of more temple locations in the upcoming conference, independent church tracker Matt Martinich has identified 20 cities as the “most likely” candidates to hear their names called for new temple sites. These cities span the globe and represent diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
As the church prepares for new temple dedications and expansions, the approaching 101st birthday of prophet-president Russell Nelson is a significant milestone for the Latter-day Saint community. Leading up to his birthday on September 9, the church is commemorating this occasion by sharing messages from Nelson on social media platforms and encouraging members to reflect on the lessons they have learned from their prophet, using the hashtag #PresidentNelson101.
In the realm of media, a new nine-part video series titled “An Inconvenient Faith” delves into the nuanced aspects of Mormonism, exploring challenging topics within the Latter-day Saint faith. This thoughtful examination sheds light on the complexities and intricacies of the religion, inviting viewers to engage with a deeper understanding of Mormon beliefs and practices.
From the nostalgic tribute to the former Provo Temple in the form of a heartfelt song to the forward-looking plans for the construction of new temples worldwide, the Latter-day Saint community continues to navigate a path of reverence for its past while embracing opportunities for growth and expansion in the future. As the church prepares to embark on new endeavors and celebrate milestones, the enduring legacy of faith and community remains at the forefront of its mission.