In July of 1847, the first company of Latter-day Saint pioneers stepped foot in the Salt Lake Valley. Within a few days of arriving their leader, Brigham Young, waved his hand over a hard, dry spot of ground and announced, "This is the right place."

Forty-six years later, on that precise location, the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated unto the Lord as a sacred house of worship. What is a Temple and why do we need temples?

To the pioneers who settled the Salt Lake Valley, the temple was more than just a matter of functional design or conceptual convenience; it was a symbol of their faith and devotion to the Lord. Unlike Latter-day Saint meetinghouses, where anyone may attend Sunday services and other meetings, temples are open only to faithful Church members for the performance of their highest, most sacred rites which bind families together for eternity.

Today, with its six granite spires towering majestically over Utah's largest city, the Salt Lake Temple continues to be one of the enduring images of the community.

Also find out about some interesting facts of the Salt Lake Temple including its long and laborious construction.