Take a tour of St. George’s charming “jewel of the desert” to learn about its Mormon history, marvel at its clock and bell tower and enjoy weekend concerts.
The St. George Tabernacle is one of the most recognised icons in the city and can be seen from all around due to the height of its spire over the rest of the community. The redbrick building is known as the “jewel of the desert” because its tall white spire is a dramatic contrast to the flat, arid landscape around it. Its most recognizable feature is the historic clock and bell tower.
Take a free, guided tour of the New England-style tabernacle and learn about its history as one of the oldest operating temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The tour takes about half an hour. Admire the main clock and bell tower, which stands at 140 feet (43 metres). The clock was built by Thwaites and Reed, one of the oldest clockmakers in the world. Walk around the main hall, which seats 1,200. Learn about the historical details of the structure, such as the twin spiral staircases built by Miles Romney, great-great-grandfather of former U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Examine the paintings on wooden panels in the building.
Capture photos of the structure’s architecture from outside as you wander around the serene grounds. Take part in the daily church services and music recitals or attend community concerts that take place on most Sunday evenings and organ recitals on Saturday afternoons. The building’s excellent acoustics enhance the sounds of the vocal and instrumental pieces.
The site was built in 1876 to hold court hearings and church services. It is now open to the public daily from morning until late afternoon. Admission is free. Opening times vary according to the season.
You can find St. George Tabernacle in the city’s northwest region, less than a 10-minute walk from the St. George Art Museum. It is served by the bus stop at Tabernacle Street and St. George Boulevard.
