of the Old Testament
Introduction
After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, the Lord instructed him to build a Tabernacle where He could dwell among His people. This portable sanctuary traveled with them through the wilderness. More than a sacred structure, the Tabernacle was a powerful teaching tool. Like modern-day temples, its symbols and design teach us how to draw closer to God and return to His presence. They also show how Christ’s atoning sacrifice makes that journey possible.
The Tabernacle Experience brings the Old Testament Tabernacle to life through a full-scale replica, historical displays, and youth-guided tours. More than half a million people have visited the traveling Tabernacle in Utah, and over 50,000 youth have served as guides. Under the stewardship of the Farmington Utah North Stake, the experience is now traveling to communities nationwide upon request.
Stake President's Invitation
"In 2022 several couples in our stake were called to help organize and facilitate a traveling tabernacle that toured Utah. I had a chance then to see, firsthand, the power of walking our members and youth through this sacred and ancient structure. I watched our members come to better understand and appreciate the sacred, ancient symbols used by the Lord to convey his blessings and protection to His people. I watched youth lead tours and talk about the symbolism of ceremonial clothing, altars, washings and anointings, the veil and progressively holier spaces and realized how much better prepared they will be to receive the ordinances and blessings of our modern temples. I can think of no better way to prepare the Saints to enter the Lord's House for the first time and hope this traveling tabernacle will be a blessing to youth and adults across the country. I appreciate those in our stake who worked to make this more mobile and accessible."
- President Stephen L. Richards,
Farmington Utah North Stake
Tabernacle Tours
Visitors begin their experience in small groups, gathering in a Welcome Room where a short video introduces the purpose and symbolism of the Tabernacle before the tour begins.
From there, youth guides lead guests through nine stations where they teach about the covenants and symbols of the Tabernacle and how each part points to Jesus Christ. The tour concludes with displays of Christ and the Temple.
The entire tour takes about an hour.
Tabernacle Tours
Visitors begin their experience in small groups, gathering in a Welcome Room where a short video introduces the purpose and symbolism of the Tabernacle before the tour begins.
From there, youth guides lead guests through nine stations where they teach about the covenants and symbols of the Tabernacle and how each part points to Jesus Christ. The tour concludes with displays of Christ and the Temple.
The entire tour takes about an hour.
“There are roots that go back to the ancient tabernacle and there’s a consistency over time of what Heavenly Father is trying to teach us, and the way he’s trying to teach us. Visitors are having a spiritual experience with the very foundational principles and covenants of holy temples in a way that many have never had before.”
- Elder Kevin Pearson, General Authority Seventy
Comments
The feedback received from leaders, volunteers, and youth participants inspires us to share the Tabernacle experience with other stakes. Here are some of their comments:
Stake President:
“In the experience of helping organize this, I was able to watch young people come in a little bit apprehensive, nervous, and little unsure. They left with big smiles on their faces, bold, and confident.”
Stake Tabernacle Event Coordinators:
“It was amazing to see the individual transition of almost every person who served at or visited the Tabernacle. Youth volunteers arrived apprehensive, not knowing what they were supposed to do. They left with confidence about their ability to do difficult things, including bearing testimony. Parents and adult leaders witnessed that their efforts to love and lead youth were being validated. Visitors were able to see and feel the love of God through His promised blessings, anciently and today. All marveled at the strength of the rising generation. Many lives were touched and testimonies strengthened.”
Youth:
“I was very anxious and scared to present unfamiliar information to complete strangers. But I wasn’t scared at all. In fact, I loved talking to people and telling them about the Brazen Serpent. I can’t wait to serve a mission because I know it’s not going to be as scary as I first thought.”
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“My good friend and I had the opportunity to host at the Laver of Water, and after one of the groups the Spirit was really strong. A man came up to us with eyes filled with tears and thanked us and told us we would make incredible missionaries. Thank you for such a beautiful experience.”
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“When I started, I was scared, but after seeing all the people listening, I felt better, and it became fun. I’m leaving on my mission in one month and as I was able to testify of Christ, I felt a new excitement to serve.”
Young Men Leader:
“It was gratifying to see the youth learn and grow in just a two-hour period, and to know that the Savior was blessing their lives as they were taught by the Spirit how to bear their testimonies. Many of the youth thought that they were there just to teach and instead they too were being taught”.
Young Single Adults:
“I loved bearing my testimony so many times. It reminded me of my mission.”
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“I had my prayers answered about whether or not I should receive my endowment. The answer is yes. Learning about the Tabernacle showed me the importance of temple work. This made my life choices easier to make about committing to Temple ordinances.”
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“It was very cool to see a real-life physical replica of the Tabernacle, to be able to see how those looking forward to Christ worshipped Him. It’s so cool how many parallels there are with our modern temples!”
Seminary Teachers:
“Every day in my seminary classes I have a spot for a “share” in my devotional. Every day this month has been a student sharing about how much they loved serving in the Tabernacle. All day long, I hear about it in every class. Today I had a young man who is actively involved in the Church tell his class that he’s never had such a strong missionary prep experience as teaching at the Camp of Isreal and testifying that God will bless them if they will put Him in the center of their lives.”
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“I have been a seminary teacher for over 20 years, a stake president and a bishop and I have to say that this experience has been more impactful in the lives or our youth than anything else we have done including FSY, Trek or girl’s camp. Thank you for bringing it here.”
Members:
“Even after attending the temple many times for the past 22 years, I have made so many connections here that have increased my understanding!”
An Invitation
Stakes have scheduled the Tabernacle Experience for a variety of purposes: as part of a stake youth conference, in preparation for an upcoming temple open house, alongside a study of the Old Testament, or simply to provide a spiritual boost for stake members—particularly the rising generation.
Interested in bringing the Tabernacle Experience to your stake? Click below to learn more.