Temple Miracles

Tarleton Lewis — First Baptisms for the Dead in the St. George Temple

Published August 31, 2026 at 12:11 AM

1870s · 1877
St. George, Utah
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On January 9, 1877, Tarleton Lewis participated in a historic spiritual event at the newly completed St. George Temple. Following the dedication of the baptismal font by Wilford Woodruff, Tarleton Lewis was the first person to be baptized for the dead in a temple in the Rocky Mountains. He was baptized for his father, Ninian Lewis, and other deceased relatives. This event was the culmination of his years of physical labor as a master builder on the temple and was attended by high-ranking Church officials, marking a significant milestone in Latter-day Saint temple work and the fulfillment of his pioneer mission.

Sources & References

Eugenie R. Hunt, 'History of Tarleton Lewis, Pioneer of 1847,' DUP History Collection; St. George Temple Records. (research confidence: high)

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