When LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced Saturday during general conference that the burned-out Provo Tabernacle would be restored and become a temple, watchers in Provo were surprised -- in some cases it was a good surprise, and for others it was not quite what they'd hoped for.
Kena Jo Matthews, chairwoman for the Utah Valley Ministerial Association, has fond memories of the tabernacle from her childhood.
"It has been such a wonderful community building for so long," Matthews said. "It's amazing what they are doing with it. I'm glad they are keeping the building. Communities are made up of their history. I am glad they're going to restore it to its original look. It's a very positive thing for the community."