This week community members are celebrating a historic building that has significant meaning for many Basin residents. 20 years ago the renovated Vernal City Tabernacle opened its doors as the newest temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Local members of the Church celebrated the temple opening and 20 years later patrons are remembering the building’s history as the celebration continues. Construction on the building began in 1899 with the Tabernacle dedicated in 1907. The Tabernacle hosted countless meetings, concerts, ceremonies, and graduations over nearly 100 years before the deed was transferred for a sum of $10 dollars from the Vernal Utah Uintah Stake to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the purpose of transforming the building into a temple. On May 13th, 1995 nearly 12,000 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony. It was dedicated as a temple on November 2nd, 1997. Local celebrations to remember that 20 year anniversary have been ongoing this month. Also in celebration, the Uintah Heritage Museum has a special display with unique artifacts preserved from this beautiful piece of Basin history.
