Provo Tabernacle burns in four-alarm fire

Nu Skin employees gather on the roof of their building to watch the fire. The building held memories for many Provoans.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames from above. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

A painting of Christ is seen inside the Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning, Dec. 17, 2010. Authorities say the fire was called in at 2:43 a.m. and crews have been fighting it from outside the building since then, using ladders to try to douse the massive fire. Flames continue to leap from the top of the building at 100 S. University Ave. The roof collapsed around 6 a.m. Our crews on the scene say smoke has been pouring out of every window and door in the building.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns Friday. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns Friday. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames from above. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames from above. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames from above. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Provo Tabernacle, long the setting for religious, civic and arts events, burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames from above. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames on hot spots from overhead.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames on hot spots from overhead.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try to knock down the flames on hot spots from overhead.

Nu Skin employees gather on the roof of their building to watch the fire. The building held memories for many Provoans.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Onlookers stand and watch as the building continues to burn. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Nu Skin employees gather on the roof of their building to watch the fire. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The Provo Tabernacle show in 1890’s. Photo provided by the Utah State Historical Society. Provo Tabernacle burned early Friday morning.

Completed in 1867, the Provo tabernacle predates the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was the hub of church and community activities during pioneer days.

Provo Tabernacle on Sept. 2, 2008.

A picture from the Salt Lake Herald showing President Wm. Howard Taft seated in the Provo Tabernacle in September of 1909.

The Provo Tabernacle show in 1890’s. Photo provided by the Utah State Historical Society. Provo Tabernacle burned early Friday.

General conferences were held in the Provo Tabernacle in April 1886 and 1887. The latter year was last time sessions were held outside.

Provo Tabernacle structure, approaching its centennial, has presided over wealth of dramatic history, Feb. 24, 1983.

Provo Tablernacle in the 1980’s.

Provo Tabernacle Sept. 1986,

Interior features a balcony wrapping around three sides.

Story from the Deseret News on the Dedication of the Provo Tabernacle April 18, 1898

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water have been shot onto the fire as Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Onlookers stand and watch as the building continues to burn. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Flames continue burning inside the old Provo Tabernacle. Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Smoke billows from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Completed in 1867, the Provo tabernacle predates the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was the hub of church and community activities during pioneer days.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

A women reacts while watching the Provo Tabernacle burn Friday.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City Firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo City firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Onlookers stand across the street and watch as Provo City firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Flames continue to burn inside the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters respond to a large fire there Friday.

Flames continue to burn inside the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters respond to a large fire there Friday.

Flames continue to burn inside the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters respond to a large fire at the site Friday.

Provo City firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Onlookers stand across the street and watch as firefighters respond to a large fire at the historic Provo Tabernacle Friday.

Provo resident Liz Miller cries as she watches the Provo Tabernacle burn. Provo City firefighters responded to a large fire at the historic tabernacle Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo, Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

The LDS Provo Tabernacle burns as firefighters try and knock down the flames and hot spots in Provo Friday.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Smoke is billowing from the top of the Provo Tabernacle as firefighters battle to save the historic building early Friday morning.

Old historic photo showing the old tabernacle when it was standing. The newer tabernacle is at the right in this photo. Workers uncover the original Provo Tabernacle foundation Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. Students from BYU aid in the effort to dig up the old building.