The Mountain of the Lord

The Mountain of the Lord is a 1984 American drama film directed by Richard Dutcher. The film is based on the true story of the building of the Salt Lake Temple, a prominent temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The story is told through a unique narrative device. An elderly and blind Wilford Woodruff, the fourth president of the LDS Church, is approached by a young reporter who wishes to know the history of the Salt Lake Temple. Woodruff, seeing no other way to convey the significance of the temple to the reporter, recounts the story of its construction through a deeply personal and spiritual account. As Wilford Woodruff begins to speak, the story of the Salt Lake Temple unfolds. In 1847, following a series of trials and hardships, Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers finally arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, seeking a place to establish their permanent home. However, their new community lacked one crucial element: a temple. The pioneers believed that a temple was needed for their spiritual development, a place where they could perform ordinances, make covenants, and seal their families for eternity. The story takes us back in time to the early days of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. We see the struggles they faced as they settled and worked to establish a new community. We witness their faith, their perseverance, and their unwavering commitment to their faith. Their desire for a temple was not driven by a desire to create a beautiful building but to establish a sacred place where they could connect with their Heavenly Father and achieve a higher level of spiritual enlightenment. As Wilford Woodruff recounts the story, we see the early pioneers toiling away on the temple site. We see the countless hours of labor, the setbacks, the financial struggles, and the personal sacrifices made by each and every individual involved in the construction of the temple. We witness the faith and determination of these early saints as they worked tirelessly, often in less-than-ideal conditions, to bring the temple to completion. We also come to understand the spiritual significance of the temple to the pioneers. They believed that the temple was a house of the Lord, a place where they could come near to their Heavenly Father and receive guidance, comfort, and strength. The temple represented a connection to their ancestors and to their divine heritage. Throughout the story, we see the struggles and conflicts faced by the pioneers, both within and outside of the community. However, despite these challenges, the pioneers remained steadfast in their commitment to the temple and to their faith. We see the temple as a symbol of their hope, their faith, and their devotion to their divine mission. As Wilford Woodruff's story unfolds, we are given a glimpse into the experiences of some of the pioneers who played a significant role in the construction of the temple. We see the struggles, the triumphs, and the personal sacrifices of individuals such as Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon, and many others. We come to appreciate their dedication and commitment to the temple and to their faith. The story takes us to the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple in 1893. We witness the grandeur and beauty of the temple, a testament to the vision and dedication of the pioneers who labored to bring it to completion. The temple represents not only a beautiful building but also a house of the Lord, a sanctuary where people can come near to their Heavenly Father and find comfort, strength, and solace. As the reporter approaches the conclusion of his conversation with Wilford Woodruff, he is met with the realization that the story of the Salt Lake Temple is not just a historical account but a testament to the enduring power of faith and determination. Wilford Woodruff's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity and hardship, people can achieve great things through their faith, perseverance, and commitment to their divine mission. The Mountain of the Lord is a poignant and powerful film that tells the story of the pioneers who built the Salt Lake Temple. It is a story of faith, perseverance, and commitment to a divine mission. The film brings to life the experiences of these early saints and serves as a testament to the enduring power of their faith.