Provo Tabernacle Fire Spurs Letter to God

on December 17, 2010 at 4:04 PM

Fire broke out in the historic Provo Tabernacle in Utah early this morning, causing the main roof of the second story to collapse. It is still unclear, although the four walls were still standing after the fire was put out, if the red brick Mormon building can be saved.

The gorgeous tabernacle featured wood benches and stained glass windows handcrafted by settlers, as well as peaks, gables, winding staircases, balconies, and a ceiling crisscrossed by heavy timbered beams. The 1880s building was renovated in the 1980s, clearly a monument built by some seriously God-loving people.

God, where were you last night? How could you let this happen?

Dear God,

Why weren't you watching over this house made for your very own worship last night? And right before your son's birthday, too? Right before 200 performers were all set to tell the story of Jesus' birth set to music? Wouldn't that have been nice?

Well, I'm sure you had a good excuse for missing this one. Probably plenty of other critical things to tend to last night. Like maybe dealing with this DMV employee who's trying to take over your job. Or trying to sort out the ongoing "Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays" debate about Jesus' birthday (oh wait ... birthday? I guess that depends ... we'll come back to that). We know it must be exhausting listening to Sarah Palin's prayers about becoming the next President. And then there was this eyebrow-raising Man of the Year nonsense. Yeah, we're human, and we don't even get it.

In any case, we know you have much to tend to from your post, and we know some things are just, you know, your will and all, which basically we can't question.

The cause of the fire was not determined and the investigation is just beginning. All we know is the performers were the last ones in the building late Thursday evening ... When asked what might have started the fire, Mayor John Curtis said: "There are no suspicious points right now."

But we know you know what happened, God, and we also figure you must know what you're doing. Or not doing, in this case.

Sincerely,

God-loving people

Editor's Note: Based on the comments this piece is generating, it seems important to clarify that this piece was intended as humor, not in the loss of this meaningful building but in an attempt to find humor even in the darkest times.

Image via The Salt Lake Tribune

About the author Sheri Reed

is a writer and the Entertainment, News & Sports editor for The Stir. She loves a good film, watches lots of good TV and follows Ryan Gosling's every move because she has to -- for work.

Filed Under: fire, in the news, religion

Comments (29)

Nonmember comment from very confused

on Dec 17, 2010 at 4:33 PM

This is supposed to be a satire, right? I really, really hope this is isn't serious.

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Nonmember comment from Not Very Moved

on Dec 17, 2010 at 4:54 PM

Hearing that the building, one we love and have frequented, has burned down was moving. The letter was not. I think most of the people who have personal interest in the topic of this article would rather not see it made fun of.

Nonmember comment from Tami

on Dec 17, 2010 at 4:59 PM

I'm having a hard time understanding the point of the "letter to God". Yes indeed, the Lord does have His mighty hands full keeping this tired world going around and preventing His beloved children, most of whom know better than to act the way they do, from destroying themselves and the earth they live on. Worship of our Heavenly Father will continue with or without the beautiful LDS tabernacle, and life will go on with a hope for a better and kinder world.

sweetcherry_59

on Dec 17, 2010 at 5:00 PM

I am a local and this building meant a lot to us as lds members & members of our community for the history it represents. I found your "article" to be extremely disrespectful and tasteless. I cant believe the stir would post something like this....

spaangel13

on Dec 17, 2010 at 5:04 PM

I do not find this article amusing at all. I don't care if the intent was to be satire or funny....it's not. I don't care what religion or faith anyone is, when a house of worship or a place such as this one where people came together for activities, events and so on is destroyed in anyway....it's not something that should be mocked or taken lightly. On another note, God shouldn't be mocked as well....totally offensive.

Happyfacecookie

on Dec 17, 2010 at 5:18 PM

I dont believe in god. But this article really needs to be removed, its just plain rude. that was a house of worship, and even I can appreciate what it meant to others. Your a snot op

hipmomto3

on Dec 17, 2010 at 5:39 PM

Wow. This is really classless. And not terribly well-written, regardless of the content. Very disappointing, Ms. Reed. Poke fun at celebrities, stupid human tricks, and the like. Poking fun at over ten million people and their completely harmless, cherished beliefs is very low indeed. There's more I'd like to say, but like Emily Gale, "being a Christian woman, I can't say it!"

Nonmember comment from Cdf

on Dec 17, 2010 at 5:42 PM

he wrote it for teh lulz

Nonmember comment from bf5577

on Dec 17, 2010 at 6:11 PM

clearly you have no sense of... memories. or community. or class. that building held many wonderful childhood memories for me and my family- patriotic events, graduations, concerts... the fact that it burned to the ground today is only eclipsed by your insensitive and disrespectful take on it. today was my first visit to the stir. and the last.