Exploring Temple Square in Salt Lake City

• Tweet
• Sharebar

• Tweet

Salt Lake City is know for being the headquarters of the Mormon Church. The must-see attraction in Salt Lake City is Temple Square. I’m not a Mormon. Nor do I currently observe a particular religion. So my intention on visiting Temple Square was to just say that I have been there, done that, and to maybe do some genealogical research.

Parking is available in several lots near Temple Square. I happened to have found a parking meter nearby (which worked to my favor later on). Temple Square was a surprisingly large space. There was the temple, visitors center, performance hall of the famed Tabernacle Choir, Research Library and some other buildings and garden areas. Our clients told us earlier that there would be volunteers visible to help us if we needed any. And that was certainly the case. A visit to Temple Square is more than just a sight to see, but also an opportunity for Mormons to educate (and probably more likely to convert) visitors. Here’s how it almost happened to me.

My colleague and I obviously looked like great targets. We were standing on the grass with map in hand, trying to find the research library. Two young, friendly women, not older than 25, approached us. One was from the U.S., the other from South Korea. They politely asked if we needed help and we said, “could you point us in the direction of the library?” They gladly offered to personally walk us there. Hmmmmm

Things started out simple at first. “Where are you from?” “What brings you here to Salt Lake City? and other get-to-know-you questions were asked. Along the way they stopped us in front of a statue of Joseph Smith and John the Baptist. They asked if we knew the story of Joseph Smith – to which we said “no”. It was time for a Mormon Story.

Here’s the simplest understanding of the Mormon Religion. Practicing Mormons and Religious Scholars please feel free to correct me via commenting below – but I’m trying to keep this really simple.

One day, a guy named Joseph Smith was ordained to the priesthood by an Angel. From that point forward, he became a prophet, sharing the word of God. He established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he died, a new prophet took his place. Today, Thomas Monson is the prophet du jour.

The idea of a 21st Century Prophet was intriguing. I asked if he was like the Pope. Sorta was the answer.

Nonetheless, our guides walked us into the research library and handed us off to a new set of guides. While I took my place at the computer they exchanged notes.

My new guide, started showing me how to use the record locater. While the website was loading she said, “I heard you had some questions about the church”.

“Not Really”, I said. I was just curious about the whole prophet thing. I asked my guide how one can become a prophet. A prophet is chosen from 12 Apostles, which are chosen from a group of 70 men. The eldest Apostle becomes the prophet. I was curious further. “Is an Apostle a full-time job?” The answer is yes. The church has no paid clergy, so being an Apostle is full-time. My guide also explained that it’s possible they might have a 2nd job. I suggested Ebay – and we both chuckled.

That was a brief moment of levity in what was now heading towards the hard-sell of the Mormon Religion. With my perceived curiosity, my guide started handing me brochure upon brochure about the church. I took them all because I’m a push over and was being polite. I only declined the opportunity to give them my information on a card for a pop-in by some missionaries. I don’t like being on lists.

When I was given the pamphlet about the Mormon Temples I was told, “Here is a pamphlet that describes what goes on inside our temples.” (Only Mormons are allowed in their temples, giving the religion a very negative, secretive perception). “We printed it so you wouldn’t think that we do secret things in there.” And that’s where the skeptic in me laughed on the inside.

I don’t know whether or not secretive things happen inside their temples. My guess is, like all religions, they have their seemingly bizarre rituals to outsiders. But honestly, printing a pamphlet, authored by the church about the church isn’t a great PR strategy in convincing people that you are being upfront.

At this point, more time was being spent talking about the religion than on my Family Search Project. TINSTAAFL: There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. The timing couldn’t had been any better. My alarm clock on my phone went off. I had 10 minutes to get to my car before my parking meter would expire. I asked if Family Research could be done online (and it can here). I grabbed my brochures and set out to the car.

Family Search takes some time. It won’t give you a Family Tree per se, but you can find birth and death records and from there, start to trace your roots.

The temple is set amidst a lush garden with fountains and flowers. It also is accessible directly from the airport. Follow Temple Road from the terminal and Voila, you are there. Coincidence? Probably not. The Mormons are known for their not-so-subtle conversion attempts. A trip to Temple Square shouldn’t be any different. If that’s not your thing, you may want to avoid this experience. Otherwise, check out the grounds on the basis of visiting it as a landmark in Salt Lake City, bring your patience and park your car at a meter for a quick getaway if necessary.

**********

If you enjoyed today’s post, why not enter the adventureswithben.com Tugo contest by visiting here?

**********

Don’t forget, Ben and Brian are applicants in the Ultimate Thailand Explorer Contest. Please follow us on twitter@benandbrianthaiand share our Ultimate Thailand Explorer Application Video to Puttaya, Thailand with your friends and family.

Visit the adventures with ben online store for travel ebooks