Mormons plan to add temples in five cities

The church will also restore the fire-ravaged Provo Tabernacle and convert it into a temple, Monson said during the opening session of the faith's semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. Temples are considered sacred to Latter-day Saints and are used for religious rituals including proxy baptisms, marriage ceremonies, and other rites, often referred to as "ordinances," which are designed to strengthen church teachings.

The towering white buildings differ from the church meeting houses used for regular Sunday services. Temples are closed on Sundays and open only to church members considered worthy - a designation achieved through tithe paying and a faithful adherence to the standards of conduct expected by the church.

Built between 1883 and 1898, the Provo Tabernacle had been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 until it burned last December. A three-month investigation found the fire began in the attic and was caused largely by human error.

A lamp on a wood speaker was left on after a dress rehearsal for a choir concert, and then a security guard turned off a fire alarm instead of calling authorities.