TREMONTON - Ellen Cook, Headliner Media Specialist, July 28, 2022
Local residents and families are invited to step back into biblical times, specifically the Old Testament, August 2-14, when a life-size replica of an ancient Tabernacle comes town. It will be set up at 1150 S. Tremont St. This traveling tour is non-denominational and will provide visitors of all faiths with a view of the importance of the Tabernacle in Moses' time, as well as offer a link with temples today.
“This will be a fun activity for all those faiths to learn a little bit more about this aspect of the Bible,” said Cindy Fronk who, along with her husband, Jerry, are serving as coordinators for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Elder Patrick Russell, who is serving as the Utah Area Tabernacle Mission Leader said the Old Testament Tabernacle was well receive during its time in Davis County. "During that time we had about 105,000 patrons of all faiths attend during an 80-day period.:
Those familiar with the story of the Israelites and their escape from Egypt will remember that the Lord commanded them to build a Tabernacle so He could dwell with them. This mobile Tabernacle is a likeness of that early edifice and will provide insight into the symbolism used within the structure that was provided to help keep the ancient Israelites focused on the Messiah.
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Those who visit will be able to stop at a Welcome Center and then six different tour stations to become acquainted with its setup and the symbolic importance inside and how it points to Christ, Fronk said.
Those stations consist of:
· The Camp of Israel: The Tabernacle was placed at the center of the camp of Israel. The pattern of the Tabernacle taught holiness, cleanliness and the pathway back to the Lord’s presence.
· The Gate: This was the only entrance to the Courtyard of the Tabernacle and located on the east. Linens were of blue, scarlet and purple in reference to the heavenly, atoning and royal role of the Messiah.
· Alter of Sacrifice: Made of brass. Sacrificer personally presented an animal sacrifice at the Gate and the Priest burnt all of some of the sacrifice on the alter.
· Laver of Water: Also made of brass and from mirrors. Used for the ritual washing of hands and feet. The Laver was located before the entrance to the Holy Place.
· The Holy Place and Veil: This is the first room of the Tabernacle tent and could only be enter by the High Priest of the assigned priest. To the right was the Table of Shewbread and on the left the golden Candlestick symbolizing the tree of life.
· Holy of Holies: The last room, entered into through the Veil. In the middle was the golden Ark, which held the commandments.
· High Priest’s Clothing: Clothing was colorful, ornamented with bells and needlework. Headgear was a miter or turban, breastplate contained stones representing the tribes (Welcome Center).
· Tabernacle Coverings: The Tabernacle building is clothed with four coverings as a testament as to how the Lord protect and saves his people (Welcome Center).
Elder Russell noted that taking this tour "gives patrons the unique opportunity to see first hand what was done and taught in what is often call the 'Tabernacle of Moses.' They will also have the opportunity to go through the Visitors Center and learn more about ancient Tabernacles and modern temples."
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Fronk said tours will be conducted by local young men and women and volunteers gathered from the 13 stakes within the Brigham City Temple area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and visitors should plan on about an hour in order to get the full effect of this meaningful display. The tours will be offered August 2-4, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m., August 5-6, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays, August 7 and 14, 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m., and August 8-13, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. The tours are free, but tickets are required. Scheduling a tour visit for individuals, families or group can be done at tabernacle2022.com
An opening devotional will be held on August 2, at 7 p.m. at 345 S 1000 W, Tremonton. Guest speakers will be Dr. Donald Parry, Brigham Young University professor and expert of the Hebrew Bible and Dead Sea Scrolls, and Elder Michael Hess, Area Seventy. A similar event will be offered in Spanish on August 7, at 7 p.m., at the same location, with guest speakers President Jorge Dennis and Elder Federico Kahnlein, Area Seventy.
Sister Fronk said, "We are excited to have this opportunity for our community to enjoy. Our hope is that all who come will have a greater desire to grow closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ."
