Salt Lake Tribune religion commentator Jana Riess examines how Latter-day Saint temple usage has evolved since the 19th century, when temples routinely hosted dances, theatrical performances, and community gatherings alongside religious ordinances.

Riess traces the shift toward exclusively sacred use, noting that early temples in Nauvoo and Salt Lake City featured assembly halls and social spaces that would be unthinkable in modern temple design. The change reflects broader shifts in how the Church defines sacred space and separates religious and cultural activities.

The commentary draws on historical records and architectural analysis to show how temple culture has adapted over nearly two centuries of Latter-day Saint practice.