Saga of the Sanpitch Volume 17, 1985 - Sanpete County

Room were painted and the mural paintings on the east and west walls of the Font Room were completed by
Robert L. Shepherd of Salt Lake City. In 1949 the murals in the World Room were painted by Minerva Tiechert
of Cokeville, Wyoming.
The changes that have taken place have been of interest to all who have been close enough to observe
and to participate in a unique way. The temple hill has been a part of the lives of the people. There were those
who gathered pigweeds under the hill as a means of survival. Older residents remember gathering sego lilies,
sweet Williams and Indian paint brush from the hill behind the temple. Others have found precious arrowheads
left there long ago, A few people recall the "Temple Hack" that carried visitors and temple workers up
the hill. Children who grew up in Manti and surrounding communities before 1960 have fond memories of
rolling Easter eggs down the temple hill, sleigh riding or skiing from the "smokestacks" behind the temple to
the east down to the President's home and memories of riding their bikes or cars through the tunnel. Most of
all they remember climbing all those steps on the circular stairs to the tower on the day they were baptized in
the font that rests on the backs of the twelve bronze oxen.
Whenever travelers return to Sanpete Valley, they know they are "home again" as they catch the first
glimpse of the temple from many miles away. It is a beacon that guides their lives. We can never know or
fully appreciate all the sacrifice made by those who built the Manti Temple. It is a guidepost in our lives — a
temple for the eternities.
Sources: Temple on a Hill by Glen R. Stubbs.
"Building the Manti Temple" by Conrad Frischknecht from Volume 16 of Saga of the Sanpitch, p. 34.
Program for Mormon Miracle Pageant - 1984.
Messenger-Enterprise, June 13, 1985, page B-7.
The Pyramid, July 9, 1981, Vol. 89.
The Manti Temple, published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
THE MANTI TEMPLE REDEDICATION
The summer of 1985 was a period of rejoicing and humble, inspiring moments for the people living in
the valley of the Sanpitch and surrounding areas. The historic Mormon Temple, towering above Highway 89
was rededicated. This 97-year-old building had been closed for nearly four years for needed repairs and
modernization. Great care had been given to preserve the unique architecture of the pioneers who first
constructed the building, simultaneously enlarging, restoring, and making necessary changes. When the doors
were again opened, the multitudes who came to witness the new splendor had feelings of satisfaction and
awe. Great were their expressions of admiration and gratitude; happy were those who had been involved.
Events leading to this day had not been easy. Evelyn McNeill, writing for the Pyramid in 1981, stated,
"Plans for a greatly expanded Manti Temple building program were already on the drawing board when
Wilbur Cox, Manti, became president of the temple on July 30, 1973."
After reviewing the preliminary plans, President Cox reported that he had some serious reservations.
In a hearing with the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), President
Spencer W. Kimball stated that his desire was to enhance but not surplant the work of the pioneer artisans. As
a result, new plans were developed. The doors of the Manti Temple were closed October 1, 1981, to begin
work that would renovate utilities while preserving the architecture. This was expected to take 18 months
to 2 years.
But nearly four years later the church announced that the gigantic project was completed and an
"open house" would take place June 6, 7, and 8, 1985, to be followed by a rededication.
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