Archibald Gardner's Advice on the Foundation of the Salt Lake Temple
From NeilDocs
Janet Gardner, daughter of Mark Barclay Gardner, son of Brigham Evenson Gardner, son of Neil Gardner, son of Archibald Gardner
The building of [the Salt Lake Temple] began in 1853, only six years after the Pioneers entered the valley. . . . To excavate for this building, 186 1/2 feet long by 118 1/2 feet wide, with a foundation eight feet deep, took two years.
"June 16, 1855, the work of laying the foundation was commenced at the southeast corner stone and it was completed July 23, 1855. Some years later it was discovered that the foundation was not solid enough for the immense building to be reared thereon, and the whole was taken out and reconstructed." From Pamphlets in Church Historian's office.
It was when the defects of the foundation were noted that the following occurred. Clarence Gardner of Star Valley relates it.
“I have always said that revelations often come through natural sources. This premise is borne out on this occasion. I have heard father relate this story several times to his family in Star Valley. As I understand it the foundation formed the walls of the basement.
“Work had proceeded on this substructure until it had reached a height of about two feet above the surface of the ground. Then cracks in it were discovered and other defects noted. After serious consideration by President Young and his advisors, it was decided that the foundation would not sustain the tremendous weight to be place upon it. What should be done? Could the defects be rectified? President Young dismissed the workmen, and sitting down on the foundation said, ‘Here I shall remain until the Lord reveals to me what I should do next.’
“He had not been there long when father came into view. President Young motioned him to come to him. ‘Bishop, sit down,’ he said and he then told him of his perplexing problem.
“Together they went carefully over the matter in hand. They examined the foundation, the materials, the manner in which it had been put together. Then President Young said, ‘Bishop, can you tell me what to do?’
“'Yes, President Young, the trouble has arisen through the use of too much mortar. The resultant settling has caused the walls to crack. It will be necessary for you to tear out the entire foundation and start over again. This time instead of using mortar, have each and all of the stones in the entire building cut to exact measurement and place stone upon stone with precise fittings. This will prevent cracking, settling or spreading in any way.’ President Young brought his hand down on father’s shoulder and said, ‘Brother Gardner, you are right. That is my revelation.’
“He had the workmen return. The entire foundation was torn out and rebuilt according to father’s instructions. The walls were built in like manner. Very little if any mortar was used unless it was for pointing. Why did this revelation come through father? Because he had spent his life working out problems along practical lines. His past experience made him equal to the occasion.”
Source: Delila Gardner Hughes. The Life of Archibald Gardner. West Jordan, Utah: The Archibald Gardner Family Genealogical Association, 1939, pp. 133-34.
