On March 25-30 a replica of the Old Testament tabernacle will make its way to Monroe, in Southern Utah. Here it will be toured by stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from all over Central and Southern Utah.
Details of the Event
The tabernacle replica, sponsored by members of the Church, has been traveling the state since fall of 2022. Soon, it will complete its tours with appearances in Salt Lake, Provo, Springville, Ephraim/Manti, Cedar City, and Richfield/Monroe, Utah.
The Escalante Stake has been invited to explore the tabernacle on March 26 in Monroe.
The tour of the replica will include three sections, including objects that would have been part of the tabernacle’s ordinances:
- The Outer Courtyard, with one eastward-facing entrance, an altar of sacrifice, and a laver.
- The Holy Place, including a menorah, a table of shewbread, an altar of incense, and a veil separating the area from the Holy of Holies.
- The Holy of Holies, furnished only by the Ark of the Covenant.
Significance of the Tabernacle
The Old Testament mentions the tabernacle many times throughout the book of Exodus. Surely, the tabernacle was one of the ways the children of Israel stayed connected to God during their 40 years in the wilderness. Latter-day Saints, who believe in the Bible as one of their books of scripture, draw a connection between this Old Testament tabernacle and their modern-day temples.
In Exodus 25 God described the tabernacle as “a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” He also added that the people should make it “according to all that I shew thee.”
Latter-day Saints believe that the tabernacle, like the modern-day temples, was designed through God’s instruction. It had to be that way so that it could be a holy place where he could dwell.
By exploring and coming to understand the tabernacle replica, members and nonmembers alike in Southern Utah can come to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as some of the things that go on in modern-day temples.
“When people tell you to prepare for the temple,” one youth shared, “you don’t really know how to. But because of this, I was able to see all the symbols and see how Christ is in everything.”
“Our vision is to bring the people of the Utah Area closer to their Savior,” read a brief explanation shared by the Escalante stake presidency. In addition, they hope the March 26 tour will help Church and community members “gain a better understanding of the purpose of the temple and the sacred ordinances performed there.”
Reserve tickets and find additional information at tabernacleutah.com.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: The traveling Old Testament Tabernacle replica set up at another Utah location. Courtesy redeemerofisrael.org.