The pioneers built dozens of tabernacles throughout the intermountain region. Nine of those tabernacles, plus eight historic meetinghouses, are the focus of an exhibit of photographic prints, scheduled for a five-month exhibition at the Museum of Church History and Art, which began Sept. 13.

Photographer John Telford created the 50 images in the exhibit as part of an ongoing effort to produce a visual record of Utah's diverse architectural and natural beauty. An assistant professor in the Department of Visual Arts at BYU, he has exhibited his work worldwide."These spectacular color photographs reveal the reverent commitment of early Latter-day Saints for their religion and houses of worship," said Robert 0. Davis, museum curator. "Outstanding craftsmanship is visible in the construction and architectural details of these important buildings and is reflected in Telford's sensitive images." Brother Davis said talented Latter-day Saints who were architects, builders, and artisans from Europe and the eastern United States designed and constructed the buildings from local materials.

In a text accompanying the exhibit, the museum curator refers to a statement of Joseph Smith which became a guideline for the pioneer builders. The prophet invited converts to "build a holy city" in their gathering place. "As a result," Brother Davis noted, "these pioneer builders transformed a large part of the American West and created a host of substantial and beautiful religious structures that have become landmarks in the region."

Among the selected prints is a striking scene of the Bountiful Tabernacle, designed by Augustus Famharn and built between 1857 and 1863. Built of stuccoed adobe, the gleaming white building is the oldest meetinghouse still in use in the Church.

Among the other historic tabernacles included in the exhibit are those in the Utah communities of St. George, Provo, Logan and Brigham City. Miles Romney designed the nationally recognized St. George Tabernacle, built between 1863 and 1876 during the difficult early settlement years of pioneer Utah. "Its general form and style," photographer Telford explains in a caption, "reflect the New England heritage of its builders, resembling the 18th century churches of Boston."

A different architectural style is reflected in the Provo Tabernacle, completed in 1896 with a plan laid out by William H. Folsum to include corner turrets, a steep roof, and richly ornamented brick walls.

The architect of Brigham City's tabernacle is unknown. Constructed between 1876 and 1897, it features the work of skilled local craftsmen, whose carved pulpit, lathe-turned baluster, elaborate newel posts, and balcony columns are all documented.

The exhibit continues through mid-February. The Museum of Church History and Art is located just west of Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. The museum is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. For recorded information about other exhibits and activities call 801-240-3310.