A Christmas Miracle

If you've read my blog for a while, you know I love old buildings. They fill my soul and fascinate me. My parents live in Provo, Utah, a town that is home to some beautiful old homes and buildings. There are two that are stunning: Brigham Young Academy - precursor to BYU and current home of the city library - and the Provo Tabernacle.

The tabernacle was originally constructed from 1883 to 1898. It is a symbol of pioneer artistry and sacrifice. In 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft spoke at the tabernacle. It has memories for most citizens of the city. In my case, I attended meetings and concerts there, my dad's graduation when he received his doctorate degree was held there, live nativities are acted out there every year and I used to work in a historic building located diagonally across the intersection from the tabernacle. I saw it every single day. It was beautiful inside and out.

In the early morning hours of Friday, December 17, the building caught fire. Because the structure is primarily made of wood, it had little chance of survival. My mother called me in tears later that morning to tell me of the fire. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I have been drawn to the internet ever since to see photos and read updates. The pictures are difficult to look at.

But these two are remarkable.

Especially this one.

Coincidence? I think not.

Pictures taken from ksl.com.