A full-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle will be erected at 2450 W. 10400 South with guided tours conducted July 11 through Aug. 2. 

The life-size replica is traveling throughout Utah. A press release about “The Tabernacle Experience” explained that the Old Testament Israelites were instructed by God, through Moses, to build a sacred tabernacle as a dwelling place for the Lord. Whenever the children of Israel changed locations, they packed up the tabernacle and moved it to the next camp, where it was reconstructed as a House of the Lord and a reminder of Jesus Christ. 

 The tabernacle will be open to all with the organizers’ goal to teach about the ancient tabernacle and modern temples and to bring people closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Guided tours will run every 10 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Sundays when they’ll begin at 3 p.m. and will be closed July 24. 

The tours consist of an introductory video, then an approximately 35-minute guided tour through the outdoor tabernacle replica, including stops at the gate, the altar of sacrifice, the laver of water, the holy place, the holy of holies (including a replica of the ark of the covenant) and more. Participants may then finish with a self-guided tour of the visitor’s center where they will learn more about ancient and modern tabernacles and temples. 

Elder Patrick Russell, who serves with his wife, Kim, as leaders of the Utah Tabernacle Service Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, pointed out that so far this event has had almost half a million guests; “and we have received thousands of comment cards from those attending the tabernacle, expressing appreciation for the Spirit that they have felt at the tabernacle.” 

The tours will be primarily conducted by young adults and youth in the immediate area. “One of the primary focuses of the Tabernacle Experience is to bless the rising generation,” Russell said. “As the youth have been trained on the tabernacle and have given the tour to over hundreds of thousands of patrons, their testimonies of temples, temple ordinances and the gospel of Jesus Christ have grown.” 

Elder Joel Alba, along with his wife, Judy, serve as site leaders for the South Jordan experience. “This once in a lifetime experience is sure to leave a positive impact in our area. We encourage community members of all faiths to come and enjoy the blessing of having the tabernacle in South Jordan.” λ