Building of the Tabernacle
In 1867 the Salt Lake Tabernacle which was begun in 1863, was completed. It is one of the most remarkable buildings in the world. The building is elliptical in shape and is one hundred and fifty feet wide and two hundred and fifty feet in length. The roof is a self-supporting wooden structure, which was originally fastened together without nails, wooden pins and rawhide being used in lieu thereof. It rests upon buttresses of red sandstone set about twelve feet apart. The acoustic powers are marvelous. The building also contains a pipe organ which was the largest in the world, when built. The organ was originally the work of Joseph Ridges, of Salt Lake City, and was made out of native timber. Since the time of its construction it has been remodeled and kept in constant repair.
The October Conference 1867
The October Conference of the Church in 1867, was held in the new Tabernacle which was nearing completion. On this occasion one hundred and sixty-three persons were called to go and strengthen the settlements in southern Utah, and the Saints were called on to assist in the gathering of the poor from Great Britain and other foreign lands. Elder Joseph F. Smith, son of Patriarch Hyrum Smith, was called to fill a vacancy in the council of the twelve, caused by the apostasy of Amasa M. Lyman.
The Deseret Telegraph
At a special conference of the Church held April 10, 1865, it was agreed to build a telegraph line throughout the settlements in Utah. The members of the Church were called upon to assist in this worthy undertaking. Between the years 1865 and 1867, five hundred miles of line were constructed at a cost of one hundred and fifty dollars per mile. This placed the principal settlements of the territory in ready communication with Salt Lake City. Towns in Idaho and Nevada were also reached. By means of this telegraph line, the authorities of the Church —for it was a Church enterprise—were able to facilitate their business and save many miles of weary travel and great expense, in the forwarding of instructions to the people. This line remained under the control of the Church until 1900, when it was merged into the Western Union System.
Death of President Heber C. Kimball
President Heber C. Kimball, first counselor to President Brigham Young, died in Salt Lake City, June 22, 1868. He was one of the original members called into the council of the twelve, and the “father” of the British Mission. President Kimball was greatly blessed with the spirit of prophecy; was bold and fearless, and never faltered in his integrity to the truth.
At the general conference in October, George A. Smith of the council of the twelve, and cousin of the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith, was chosen and sustained to fill the vacancy in the First Presidency. Brigham Young Jr., was sustained as one of the apostles, succeeding Elder Smith in that body.