Diversity and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, previously known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is one of the most renowned choral groups in the world, recognized for its outstanding musical contributions and its deep-rooted connection to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon Church. This nickname came from the fact that they believe in a book of scripture called the Book of Mormon. It began as an epithet, but the name became so widespread that for many years members of the church embraced the nickname. However, in recent years, the president of the church, Russell M. Nelson has asked that members and non-members alike use the proper name of the church to emphasize the church and its member’s belief in Jesus Christ. 

The Tabernacle Choir’s origins date back to the mid-19th century, coinciding with the early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ settlement in Utah. After the Mormon pioneers, led by Brigham Young, arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, music quickly became an integral part of the community’s religious and cultural life. The choir was officially organized in 1847, just a few weeks after the pioneers’ arrival. When the pioneers arrived in Utah, there were few Black people in early Mormonism, but none who were a part of the small choir.

The first performance of what would become the Tabernacle Choir took place on August 22, 1847, during a church conference. The group, although small and informal, was formed to provide musical support for church meetings and to foster a sense of community and spiritual upliftment among the settlers.

The Salt Lake Tabernacle

Image: Tabernacle

The construction of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, which began in 1863 and was completed in 1867, provided a permanent home for the choir. The Tabernacle is an architectural and acoustical marvel of its time. It was specifically designed to accommodate large gatherings and to enhance the musical performances of the choir. Its unique design, featuring a large dome, was instrumental in creating the distinct and powerful acoustics for which the venue is famous.

The Tabernacle’s completion marked a significant milestone for the choir, allowing it to expand both in size and repertoire. The choir’s performances became a staple of church gatherings and community events, further embedding it into the cultural fabric of the LDS Church and the wider Utah community.

The Choir

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the choir continued to grow. It began to attract attention beyond the borders of Utah, gaining recognition for its high musical standards and the unique quality of its sound, which was enhanced by the Tabernacle’s acoustics.

A pivotal moment in the choir’s history came in 1929 when it began broadcasting its performances on the radio program “Music and the Spoken Word.” This program, which has become one of the longest-running continuous radio broadcasts in history, significantly expanded the choir’s reach and influence. The weekly broadcast brought the choir’s music into homes across the United States and, eventually, around the world.

Wynetta Martin Clark and Marilyn Yuille were the first African Americans to become members of the choir. They joined around 1970. Not much is known about Marilyn Yuille except that she was in the choir off and on from 1970 to 1991. There’s a lot more information about Wynetta Martin Clark. Clark was born in the Los Angeles area and never felt much of a connection to God or to any particular church. Wynetta loved to sing and sang in the Willis and Johnson Quartette. After having surgery, she met a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the recovery room. Wynetta joined the church. One of her new goals was to join the Tabernacle Choir. At the end of her audition, the director said “Well you made it…I hope you thank God very often for your marvelous voice.” Despite Black people and Mormon priesthood restrictions still being in effect when they joined the choir, Wynetta and Marilyn showed great faith through their participation in the choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s name was officially changed to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in 2018. The change was meant to align with President Russell M. Nelson’s admonition to call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by its proper name and emphasize the role of Jesus Christ in members’ worship. The new name has kept the choir’s association with the Tabernacle, which sits on Temple Square. Over the years, the choir has performed at various significant events, including presidential inaugurations, World Expositions, and the Olympic Games, further cementing its status as a cultural ambassador for the LDS Church.

Traditionally, members of the choir have had to live within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, to attend weekly practices and performances. However, in 2023, the choir introduced a new program called the global participant program. This program allows members of the church from around the world to audition. Forty-eight new choir members qualified to fly to Utah and join the choir during the church’s semi-annual General Conference every April and October. These choir members have been from all over the world Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Ecuador, Hong Kong, the Philippines, New Zealand, Chile, Guatemala, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, South Africa, Ghana, Austria, France, England, Denmark, and Sweden. These members include many Blacks in Mormonism. These new choir members will sing with the choir in groups of 12 for up to five years, or until they have visited General Conference twice.

Image: Global Participant Program (April 2024)

Conclusion

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. From its humble beginnings in the Utah desert to its current status as a world-renowned choral group, the choir’s journey reflects the resilience and dedication of its members and the broader LDS community. Through its performances, recordings, and broadcasts, the choir continues to touch the hearts of millions, carrying forward a legacy of musical excellence and spiritual devotion.

For more detailed information, you can explore sources such as the official website of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and historical accounts from the LDS Church’s archives and publications.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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