October 1, 1999
As it has for 132 years, the first weekend in October means LDS faithful will be gathering in the Salt Lake Tabernacle for the church's semi-annual general conference.
But it's the last conference for the historic old building.
And the change marks a new era in Salt Lake City.
Since 1867, the Tabernacle has been the site of hundreds of LDS general conferences.
It has also hosted cultural, even political events.
Several U.S. presidents have spoken from the Tabernacle dais.
And it was the site of the first celebration of Utah Statehood.
A century later, it was also the place Utahns gathered to celebrate the state's centennial.
Next April's General Conference for the LDS church, all eyes will be focused on the new Conference Center, still under construction on North Temple and Main Street.
Religion Specialist, Carole Mikita, was part of a media tour this afternoon and tells us what's taking shape inside.
The new Conference Center takes up much of a 10 acre block and we're told, when finished, it will be the largest building for religious meetings in the world.
Tom Hanson, project manager: "The interior, the finishes of the building are meant to emulate a meetinghouse. This is a house of worship."
The auditorium is immense. The stage, down below, will hold hundreds of LDS Church general authorities, the 325- voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and a huge new organ.
21-thousand people will watch the proceedings.
Hanson: "That framework will be completely removeable and the entire stage can be used then for presentations of drama or concerts or whatever."
The project manager says the sound system will be so good that when you are seated at the very top, you'll be able to hear someone who's at the podium, as if he or she is speaking to you face to face.
The building is designed as one on the west coast would be... to withstand natural disasters.
Hanson: "We feel the safest place in town during an earthquake will be sitting in the new building."
Six months before next April's General Conference, there is still much left to do. Will it be ready, as President Hinckley hopes?
"He's a wonderful leader and we will take it upon ourselves to see that it happens."
One of the places taking shape is the roof. Architects planned a city garden here for everyone to use.
Since the roof will be open to the public during daylight hours, there's already a lot of speculation that this balcony will be the spot for a lot of marriage proposals in the years to come. It is directly north of the Salt Lake Temple.
"I feel very good about this building now. It does have a spirit of its own."
Hanson says he understands the sentimental attachment to the Salt Lake Tabernacle, but he feels sure the spiritual experiences church members have had there will also happen in the new Conference Center.
Carole Mikita, Eyewitness News, Salt Lake City.
