--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Card, Joseph Y. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 26 number: 11 published: 1923-09 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Joseph Y. Card, "The Cardston Temple", *Improvement Era* 26, no. 11 (September 1923): 1001–1009.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera26011unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera26011unse start_page: 1001 end_page: 1009 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1923-09) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera26011unse publication_year: 1923 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1923, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # The Cardston Temple The Cardston Temple By Joseph Y. Card The Granite Temple at Cardston, the only building of its kind in Canada, is entirely unique, and has been the subject of of much comment by thousands of tourists and others who have visited it during 1920 to 1923. History On June 3, 1887, there arrived at Lees Creek, Alberta, now the site of the town of Cardston, a company of immigrants from Utah. The land at that time being unsurveyed, save the south boundary of the Blood Indian Reservation, they "squatted" on the open prairies on and near the present location of the town, the latter being then the homestead and pre-emption of Charles Ora Card, the leader of the Colony. This he divided into eight-acre squares with 99-foot streets between. Almost in the geographical centre and on the highest elevation within the half mile, an eight-acre block was given to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by this loyal pioneer, he calling it Tabernacle Square, and evidently intended that on it the main Church for the town and district some day should be built. Soon others settled in what was then termed "Card Ward" but which was soon changed to "Cardston," and by 1889 some two hundred to three hundred people had found here, a new home. Among the settlers was an apostle of the Church, John W. Taylor. To this little pioneer band, then living on the cattle range of the West, he made a prophetic utterance: "This land will yet become a bread-basket to the world; and in this land a temple shall be reared to the worship of Almighty God." These prophecies are now fulfilled within the short space of thirty two years. When uttered, the writer did not think the usual three score years and ten allotted to man would see their fulfilment, which then seemed extremely remote, if not improbable. On July 27, 1913, in the presence of probably 1,500 mem- bers and friends, Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church, dedicated this Tabernacle square as the temple site. On November 9, of the same year, a large number of people gathered to witness the breaking of ground as the beginning of the erection of this building. Daniel Kent Greene, of Glenwoodville, turned the first furrow of sod. 1002 IMPROVEMENT ERA This picture was taken on the 27th of July, 1913, at the conclusion of President Smith's dedicatory prayer. There are many well known faces, among them President Joseph F. Smith, Bishop Charles W. Nibley, President E. J. "Wood and Elder George Albert Smith of the Council of the Twelve. Work was immediately commenced, and by September 19, 1915, the laying of the corner stone ceremony was conducted by David O. McKay, of the Council of Twelve Apostles. Under the draped Union Jack, and amid bunting and flag decorations, an impressive service was held despite rain and sleet which was intermittently falling. Within the hollowed stone, and copper-sealed box were placed various coins, a complete set of Church Books, a history of Cardston, and several photographs and autographs of importance. The capstone-laying took place on the 23rd of September, 1917, the service being in charge of President Edward J. Wood, of Cardston; the dedicatory prayer being offered by Patriarch Henry L. Hinman. For this occasion a temporary auditorium was erected in the middle part of the unfinished structure. Some 1,500 to 2,000 people were in attendance, and saw the stone placed into position by President Heber S. Allen, of Raymond, Alta. The edifice was completed during the summer of 1921. Dedicatory services were held August 26, 1923. After the dedication the temple is open only to members of the Church in good standing. Until just before the dedication the privilege was granted to tourists and others to view the vari- ous works of art and excellence of construction, and listen to the explanation of the uses for which the building is intended. f HE CAfcDSTON TEMPLE 1003 Construction The temple proper, also the retaining wall, is built of a light gray granite from the quarries of Nelson, B. C. The foundations of the temple are some 32 feet deep and in some instances 12 feet wide at the base, all being of reinforced con- crete. The building throughout is lined with hollow tile, steel- lathed and hard-finish plastered, the latter being covered with canvas gauze to retain paint and prevent cracking. Floors and ceilings are of strongly reinforced concrete, all fire proof and noiseless. Some of the materials used in construction are as follows: 50,000 bags of cement; 3,680 tons of granite, 200 tons of steel, and fourteen thousand cubic yards of sieved gravel; in addition to the ornamental wood furnishings for the interior, there are steel window and door frames, steel grates, several car loads of marble and onyx and various fittings and inlays, tile, etc. The estimated total cost of the building, heating plant, and decor- ation of grounds, interior furnishings, etc., is estimated at over one million dollars. Interior finish is of the best. Baths and toilets are of white marble, trimmed with nickle and silver and are of superior construction. A most modern ventilating system of warmed, scoured and moistened air thermostad heat regulators, latest and best type of electrical furnishings, private lighting system and most modern type of heating plant, with no sparing of cost at the expense of durability, characterizes the whole building and additions. Architecture Approaching the town of Cardston from any direction, the large, white, straight lines of the Temple are first to greet and attract the eye. Impressive and unique, the Temple occupies a distinctive place of its own in the historic field of architecture. It has the Grecian massiveness, a Peruvian touch, and is similiar only to the ancient temples of the Aztecs and other aborigines of Central and South America, ruins of which have been discovered in recent years. The optic impression is that of the pyramid, or the huge pile effect. The plan was accepted in competition with several others submitted to the First Presidency of the Church. The building is on a pronounced elevation around which appears to nestle and cluster the dwellings of 1,800 people of the prairie town of Cardston. The main structure is of octagonal shape or of a Maltese Cross ground-plan, being 118 feet square, and is surrounded on its four sides by a solid granite retaining wall, 165 x 165 feet, the latter being some ten feet in height. 1004 IMPROVEMENT ERA Viewed from any distance the outline gives the impression of a "great pile" of granite inclining from the four main sides and the four lesser sides to the topmost point. The double approach from the West leads up broad granite steps of easy tread towards the large ornamental steel gates which are surmounted with bronze lamps. An outside fish pond about 12 x 30 feet, between the two approaches is fed by a stream of water falling out of a solid granite wall. On this wall is to be engraven a most impressive and artistic frieze of cast concrete in color to match the granite. The subject, about 20 feet in width by 8 feet high, facing the west and about 30 feet from the sidewalk, is that of Jesus and "The Samaritan Woman at the Well," showing the Savior in the attitude of saying he would give the woman of "living water." On either side of this ornamental pool are stone steps leading up to steel gates and into a tile-covered outer court, in size 32 x 90 feet, similar to the "Court of the Gentiles" of former day temples. On all sides and in the Court itself, are ornamental flower beds and at both right and left, small gold fish ponds fed by a streamlet of water coming out of the stone and rather typifying the stone which Moses struck for the children of Israel. All is conducive to a sacred atmosphere. A roof garden over the first floor, and outer rooms of the building is accessible from this court by granite steps right and left and extends with a Tarraza marble tile walk of some 600 feet entirely around the main temple building. Entrance to the main building is through the "Annex," directly across the outer court. The temple proper, technically faces east, where an entrance is provided for those who officiate; the corner stone being the south east corner and inscribed "1915." On entering the outer rooms or Annex, to the left is the Recorder's office and vault for all records; to the right a small cloak room and supply wardrobe. Proceeding farther are two large cloak rooms one to the left and one to the right and a dining room to accommodate the "Temple workers," and an electrically equipped culinary department, of most modern design. Continuing to the right is a small laundry fitted with steam coil heaters and driers. These rooms are finished in oak with tinted and stenciled ceilings and painted walls. From these rooms entrance again is directly in front of the outside door of the temple proper into the Assembly Room. This has a seating capacity of probably 150, is furnished with a small stand and pulpit. Walls are panelled, all wood being of natural colored oak with very little inlay. The floor is of best buffed colored tile, ceiling probably 30 feet in height is beautifully tinted, while the walls are of artistically designed THE CARDSTON TEMPLE 1005 mural decorations, comprising a frieze of almost life size figures. The subjects of the four large group decorations are of pre- historic American origin as described in a sacred record of the Western Hemisphere known as the Book of Mormon. The centre panel shows the administration of the Sacrament among the Nephites, (Ancient American) by the Savior, thus confirm- ing the Indian tradition of the Savior's appearance among them on this continent hundreds of years ago; the south panel illustrates the "Preaching of Repentance;" the north panel depicts upon an altar the burning sacrifice offering. The other parts of this frieze are \ery beautiful landscapes. The walls proper are of glazed finish of silver gray. The artist of this Assembly room is Professor A. B. Wright, and his harmony of colors and reproduction of ancient customs and costumes, have won the admiration of the numerous visitors and critics who have viewed the work. Returning from this room again to the Annex, one hall leads to the right for men, and one, left for women. These rooms, which are separated into individual booths, are on the north and south of the Baptistry, the latter being directly in the centre part of the building. Marble steps lead from each room to the Baptistry, in which we find a large steel, white-tiled baptismal font, which rests on the backs of 12 life- sized oxen, constructed out of granite concrete, and standing a few feet below the floor level. These oxen are symbolical of the twelve tribes of Israel, and are in groups of three, each group facing a cardinal point of the compass. Twelve marble pillars, extending from floor to ceiling in the baptistry are arranged in groups of three in each of the four corners of the room. These are further emblematic of the twelve sons of Jacob or the twelve apostles of the Lord. The room is furnished with four large bronz chandeliers of most modern and artistic design, is finished in Tennessee marble and oak, and has an elaborately ornamented plaster ceiling about 30 feet in height. Appropriate seats are provided for those in waiting, also a desk at the Font, and a place for those who witness the baptism-by-immersion ordinance, for each rite of this holy house is attested by witnesses. Through a marble stairway, access is gained to what is termed Lecture room number one, or the Creation room. This, as the other three main lecture rooms, has a seating capacity of one hundred facing the lecturer's platform which is raised about 8 inches above the floor level. Walls are panelled and finished in oak with ebony and maple inlay. The artist, Le- Conte Stewart, who decorated the Hawaiian Temple, and who has in charge the general decorative work of this temple, has impressively portrayed by picture the six stages of the 1006 IMPROVEMENT ERA creation of the earth. They are, describing from left to right, shown as first, the chaotic condition, then the work of the first day, the earth "without form and void," next in order, "Let there be light," and, the work "was good," followed by the appearance of the spherical earth and the waters. The fourth "great time period" called a day, shows the land and water divided; the fifth, the sun, moon and stars to rule the day and night, and then the appearance of living plants and birds and fish, and lastly animals, over all of which man shall "have dominion."' The picture story alone impresses one with the Omnipotence of God and the responsibility of man made "in his own Image," "male and female." A few steps up, symbolizing the advancement of the faithful in Christ, we pass to room number 2 or "The Garden Room" wherein is depicted, with grace and excellence, the Garden of Eden. A well lighted room, entirely panelled in the best of Birdseye maple with inlays of tulip, and ebony, rose and maple woods, finished in light color scheme, greets the eye and here the tourist is wont to linger. The mural panel decorations by Lee Greene Richards, of the Bozart and Julian schools of Paris, are of soft, rich and subdued colors of perfect tonality and represent nature's greatest beauty in her gardens of plant, flowers and leaf, and also animals of field and forest, and all at absolute peace. The blend of colors, woodwork and picture, coupled with the perfect light effect make a scene of which the eye never tires. Passing through the Garden Room and ascending a few steps brings us to Lecture room number 3, or "The World Room." In sharp contrast with the peace and harmony of the Garden of Eden, here is shown in picture and color the nature of our present surroundings, "The World." This room is finished and panelled in deep rich, South American walnut. Edwin Evans, late of the Department of Art in the Univer- sity of Utah, and Miss Florence Christensen, decorated this room and have here portrayed local scenes, showing Old Chief Mountain, Yellow Mountain, and Waterton Falls. In the fore- ground is shown the fox and wolf ready to devour a young lamb, the ewe bleating for its lost lambkin, the Eagle in descent with outstretched talons, and the mountain deer calling for its lost mate. Mural scenes of the tropics in other panels show birds and beasts of prey helping to tell the story of present day strife, and point the way for mankind to overcome and live above such, and not to become "of the world" but to "subdue it." Passing through the World room, a few steps bring us to the upper lecture, or "Terrestrial Room" which is finished in a rich African mahogany, with inlays of maple, rose and other THE CARDSTON TEMPLE 1007 woods. The ceiling is here ornamented in plaster of Paris and colored and together with the softly tinted walls, gives a pleasing contrast to the room just left. A suitable pulpit provided with volumes of the scriptures is arranged for a review of the three lectures past, and instructions are here given on the practical duties of life, which are made more comprehen- sive through the obligations to righteousness accepted by those who receive their endowments and temple blessings. Having now ascended by degrees, as is the progress of members of the Kingdom of God, we leave this room and enter the topmost, or Celestial room, typifying the celestial glory of heaven, the aim and goal of all true followers of Christ. This room, to be the most luxuriantly furnished, is some 40 feet square with a 36-foot ceiling ornamentaly plastered to a pattern and to be decorated in gold leaf and stencil work. The wood finish used is chiefly the rich African mahogany with inlays of ebony, rose maple and tulip woods. The wainscoting, of polished Utah onyx of deep varigated brown, on a baseboard of alternate small squares of marble, splendidly blends in color with all other materials. The list of furnishings include a large solid bronze chandelier, and a very rich Wilton rug on the floor, with several fine tapistry hangings, and suitable and comfortable furniture made to order. In the semi-circle of the four high arches on each side of the room is gilded steel grill work, while underneath, and set back a foot or so, are painted panels on west and south, while the entrance to the room from the one previously mentioned, and the opening to the corridor on the east occupies the other two sides. Suitable paintings and perhaps statuary may help to complete this splendid, if not gorgeous setting. Rich windows of varigated colors, and of 144 small panes each, diffuse a blended light, and altogether the effect is one of a fitting climax to the sacred rites of this house dedicated to the worship of God. To the east are three smaller rooms, each 15 feet square, used for prayer and sealing ordinances, each being furnished with an altar. The entire walls of these, save two small panels, are finished in the following woods, describing from right to left; American walnut; cross grained African mahogany cut into triangles, forming squares of about two feet each way; and third, Circassian walnut, each of the many panels being finished with the wood from one tree. The woodwork, finish and inlays may not be described better than as exquisite. Deep rugs, decorated ceiling, tapistries to match, vari-colored windows and panel paintings, complete the excellence of the unstinted decorations of these three impressive rooms. Down the two easterly towers or corners of the building 1008 IMPROVEMENT ERA which are arranged to make up the octagonal shape, are winding steel and tile stairways leading to the first floor. The same space on the westerly towers is taken up in rest rooms, etc., while a reception room on the north is on the same le\el as Lecture room number 1, or the Creation room. These two larger rooms are the only two on the same floor level in the entire edifice. On the first floor of the east side of the building are the smaller rooms for the temple president and his assist- ants. Across the corridor are two large record vaults and an entrance through a hall under the Font for these workers to the main Assembly room. One feature of the architect's plan is the fact that of all the many thousands of small panes of glass in the long windows, which in the towers extend the entire height of the walls, there is not a curved line. Perhaps all the beauty that could well be derived from the straight lines effect, is here seen. The heating and ventilating are modern in e\ery respect. Through a 200-foot tunnel, all pipes pass from the power plant, underground to the main building. No radiator is seen through- out the entire plan, all being concealed behind steel lattice, while the ventilating air ducts are similarly hidden. The modern and apparently perfect harmony of design and plan of both exterior and interior in color and arrangement, and of grounds and heating plant, stand out as a monument to the architects, Messrs. Pope and Burton, of Salt Lake City. The durability of construction should make this wonder- ful granite shingled building as useful to our children's children, one thousand years hence at it is to us today. Its Use Why build a temple? The chosen people of God, those called by his ancient prophets were "commanded" to build temples and therein administer the ordinances of the gospel to the people. Thus did Moses, with specific plans from the Lord, prepare for the migrating Children of Israel a movable temple called "the tabernacle," and later was built the great temple of Solomon; then in 37 B. C. the temple of Herod. When our Savior saw the pollution of his Father's house "He cleansed it" and scourged the wicked who had made it "a den of thieves." Among the articles of religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are, "We believe that through the atone- ment of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel;" and further, "We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important thing* pretaining to the Kingdom of God." We read in Malachi 4:5, 6, THE CARDSTON TEMPLE 1009 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." This temple, and temples erected in this our day called "The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times," are by command, that the earth may not be cursed, but that this unselfish work of faith and of love may go on by the living for and on behalf of the living and the honored dead, that alj the children of our Father may be saved in his household. The Apostle Paul touched one of the saving ordinances in preaching to the Corinthian Saints (1 Cor. 15:29) when he said, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead," Scriptural justification abounds, but in these "the latter days" of "wars and rumors of wars" the angel spoken of by John the Revelator, (Rev. 14:6-7) has come and the gospel "for every nation, and kindred and tongue and people1" has been restored preparatory to the second coming of Christ in the flesh. Modern temples are built by command for the salvation of the living and the redemption of the dead, so that "when the Son of Man cometh" he may "find faith on the earth," and a fit place of abode while here, as spoken of by the prophet Malachi "that he would suddenly come to his temple." Cardston, Alta, Canada. An Overall of Blue You look quite nice in fancy clothes; And I'll admit that fashion throws A comely grace on you; But I love you best when you are dressed In an overall of blue. You look quite sweet in colors bright, And I'll admit they look alright, Especially right on you; You look refined in a coat fur-lined, But better in gingham blue. I've not much use for modern style, I know it looks well for a while, Especially well on you; But through the years, through smile and tears, My heart must fall for that overall, That overall of blue. Belleisle, Canada. Alan C. Reidpath.