LDS Church Shares Photo of President Oaks at Entrance to Newly Renovated Holy of Holies

President Dallin Oaks posted an Instagram image showing himself in a hard hat at the entrance to a newly renovated space inside the Salt Lake City Tabernacle reserved for Second Endowment ceremonies. The official media department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also shared the photograph.

Washington Examiner reported that the image is the first publicly known photograph of the Holy of Holies since the early 20th century.

The Second Endowment ceremony takes place exclusively in the Holy of Holies inside the Salt Lake City temple and is given only by invitation from the prophet and president of the church. An old LDS teacher’s guide instructed instructors not to discuss or answer questions about the second anointing.

Jasmine Rappleye posted a video reacting to the photograph and spoke openly about the Second Endowment.

She stated that she viewed the church posting the image as a historic moment that could draw attention and questions. Rappleye also stated she believes the Second Endowment is a beautiful part of LDS temple liturgy. The church maintains temples whose interior spaces are closed to non-initiated individuals.

Closed-door endowment ceremonies include handshakes and tokens performed with hands appearing behind veils. Members wear special undergarments beneath everyday clothing. In 2019, David Bednar stated at general conference that members may discuss the basic purposes, doctrine, and principles of temple ordinances and covenants but should not discuss information they promise not to reveal.

The church has published informational videos about temple garments on YouTube. In 2024, the church authorized the use of sleeveless temple garments for believers in hot climates. The garments sold out immediately upon arrival at stores in Salt Lake City and remained in high demand for months.