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Show NEW grounds adjoining the Temple, where a main stand for the authorities, and others for musicians, had been erected. Aftrr music composed for the occasion had been rendered by the band and the choir, a copper plate, inscribed with historical data, was exhibited to the multitude; this, with various Church publications and photographs, to be laid in with the President Joseph F. Smith capstone. offered prayer, after which there was music from the choir. President Woodruff then stepped forward and said: Attention, all ye house of Israel, and all ye nations of the earth! We will now lay the topstone of the Temple of our God, the foundation of which was laid and dedicated by the Prophet, Seer and Rev-elato- r, President Brigham Young. Woodruff then pressed a button, opening an electric current to a contrivance connected with the capstone, the latter being thus released and placed in position on the top of the central east tower. The immense concourse of people, led by President Lorenzo Snow, shouted the hosanna in concert: Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna, to God and the Lamb, Amen, This was done three Amen, Amen. times, each shout being accompanied by a waving of handkerchiefs, except when the names of God and the Lamb were uttered. Then there was more singing by choir and congregation and by the glee club, remarks by Elder Lyman in explanation of a resolution that w'as presented and adopted, music by the band, an anthem by the choir, and the benediction by President George Q. Cannon. Immediately after these ceremonies the work of surmounting the capstone with the figure representing the angel Moroni was proceeded with. This figure is of gigantic proportions, being twelve feet five and a half inches in height. The idea conveyed by the statue is that of a herald or messenger, in the act of blow-ina trumpet, an embodiment of the fact of Moroni bringing the Gospel to the earth in this latter-dadispensation. The figure is admirably proportioned and its It is made of hampose is graceful. mered copper, is gilded with pure gold leaf, and surmounting its crown is an incandescent lamp of one hundred candle power. The placing of the ornamental spires on the other towers was continued till all were in place, each being provided with electric lights; the tower walls were washed, pointed and received the finishing touches, and gradually the scaffolding was removed, leaving the building, so far as the exterior is concerned, completed and with nothing to mar the sight and study of its magnificent beauty. We have now passed hurriedly over the interesting subject from the beginning of our settlement in these valleys until the services of last April. Much that is interesting remains to be told; for g YEARS, 1893. 5 and handsome structure; and when to this significance they add the reflection that this is the grandest of its class, the one whose history is longer and more closely intertwined with that of the Saints than any ocher, the one that occupies the place of honor at the headquarters of the Church, they have full reason to look for great beauty and perfection in its workmanship and great power and efficacy in its ministrations. Surely nothing that could contribute to Believing that the instructions ot President its stability, convenience, comfort and Woodruff, respecting the early completion of the Salt Lake Temple, is the word of the Lord elegance has been or is being neglected. unto us, I propose that this assemblage pledge As an instance of the former quality may to be mentioned the circular stairways in themselves, collectively and individually, furnish, as fast as it may be needed, all the each corner tower, extending from the money that may be required to complete the basement to the very top; the steps, upTemple at the earliest time possible, so that the wards of two hundred in number, are all dedication may take place on April 6th, 1893. ol solid granite cut by hand, built into the It should be understood that at the massive walls and the gigantic newel-poof solid masonry; the only woodtime this motion was presented, practiof heavy oak, cal men were of opinion that three, or at work is a wainscoting least two.years would be necessary for crowned with moulding and relieved by the whole giving an impresthe completion of the building. But the a hand-raicastles of the fact that the work is well in hand and sion of the that the time specified will see the holy middle ages, built to stand, without edifice ready for dedication, is proof crack or quiver, for a thousaud years. How successfully convenience has enough of the earnestness with which all concerned have taken the resolution as a been sought may be understood from the text to heart. Not only the First Presi- fact that the building is completely fitted dency, the Apostles and the general au- up for lighting by electricity in every thorities of the Church, but also the room and corridor and on every floor of Stake and Ward authorities every where, the interior as well as on the spires of all and the Saints in their various abiding the towers; that it has its own electric places have coupled faith with works in light plant, located at the west of the this most glorious undertaking. Not basement of the main building, in the maonly those superintending and directing chinery room, where four engines and the present labor, but also those who are four dynamos, with a capacity of two performing it, seem to be filled with a thousand lights, as well as the necessary tireless energy in the fulfillment of their pumps, boilers and motive power for the Between two and three two handsomely finished elevators that alloted duties. hundred men are regularly employed at operate in the west central lower, all represent, and no industrious hive presents pose in drowsy might or move in stately a busier scene than that which is daily measure. Comfort is secured by a thorough sysenacted within those massive walls. Those who do not know how much has tem of hot water heating, already in full been done during the past eight months, operation and a pronounced success. would not believe that all that is left un- The vast building in all its parts can be done can be completed in the remaining maintained at an equable, balmy, healththree. On the other hand, those who do ful temperature, with no undue heat at know what has been done and who know any point or an insufficient degree at anhow well it has been done,, have no other. The main pipe, twelve inches, particle of doubt that the eighty days left will connect with the boilers, three hunof the specified time will see everything dred and thirty feet distant. The main is not buried in the earth but laid in a finished and ready. For obvious reasons but little has been stone-linetunnel, so that it can be said or written concerning the work on reached at any time. Equally effective the interior of the building, the part now are the arrangements for cooling the receiving attention. From this it must building during the warm season. Vennot be inferred that there is little to im- tilation will be secured by pressing elecpart or that the interest of the community tric buttons, which will throw open tranhas abated. The exact reverse is true. soms in the various rooms and start sixf As the day draws nearer that is to wit- teen fans, each of horsepower. ness the dedication, the interest of the Absolutely fireproof as the building is, it Saints becomes more lively and their has nevertheless been provided on each hearts glow more warmly. The com- floor with adequate protection in case pletion of another Temple on the earth the unexpected, we might almost say the has a meaning to them quite beyond and impossible, should happen. A stand pipe outside of the mere finishing of a costly and fire hose are readily available, and on the latter occasion assembled Israel, with one mighty voice, signified a desire that the ceremonies of next April should be still more impressive and more satisfying to the souls of the Saints than these hadbeen. A resolution to that effect, as has already been stated, was offered by Elder Lyman for the endorsement of all the people, and it received a deafening shout of ayes from the assembled host. We quote it: l, time-defyi- one-hal- |