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One of the manifold problems confronting Folsom was the Salt Lake Temple construction. Under the direction of former Church Architect Truman O. Angell, the Temple foundation was laid with sandstone and the walls had started to rise, when word was received in 1857 that Johnston's Army was approaching Utah Territory. The Authorities immediately ordered the foundation covered to protect it from desecration. As soon as the army was gone, all of this dirt had to be removed before the building could be resumed. Aside from this, Folsom felt a deep concern about the building materials being used for the Temple.
At a meeting with the Authorities, he suggested that they remove the sandstone foundation and construct the Temple with granite, for a granite edifice would--be handsome and everlasting, without any need for upkeep or repair. Folsom had been to the quarry in Little Cottonwood Canyon to determine the extent and quality of the stone and had explored the possibility of building a canal to ease transportation of the stone to the Temple site. The Authorities accepted his recommendation to build with stone and the work of uncovering and raising the sandstone foundation began. Huge blocks of granite were moved from quarry to Temple site by ox team until the canal could be completed. The architectural plans of Truman O. Angell were in no way altered and with their realization in everlasting stone, we have today a beautiful building to last into the eternities.
Journal History, May 20, 1863, records that as the men were replacing the Temple foundation, "President Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells, Wilford Woodruff and William H. Folsom took a walk over the Temple Block and through the Theatre from top to bottom. President Young expressed his satisfaction with the present work on the Temple."
From the time of their arrival in the Valley, Eliza accompanied her husband to many of the social functions in the city. Then July 22, 1862, she gave birth to a. son, Richard Clark Folsom, who was permitted to remain with the family but a short time, passing away November 20, 1862. Eliza did not regain her health after the birth of this child, but went valiantly forward with her responsibilities,as best she could.
It was on October 20, 1862, that Colonel Patrick Connor arrived in Salt Lake City with his California Volunteers. The report was that theyha4 been sent by the United States Government to "protect" the Saints. They marched through the city and encamped on the Red Butte Canyon stream, where they built stables for their horses along the creekbed. Drainage from the Camp polluted the water used for culinary and irrigation purposes by residents in that section of the city.
In 1864 a "Petition of Grievance" was written, addressed to the United States District Court, to have the problem corrected. Wilford Woodruff served as Chairman of the Committee. William H. Folsom assisted as a member of the Committee.
The arrival of this army also caused a spirit of subjection to prevail throughout the Territory. No doubt the Saints wondered if they would be permitted to remain in their homes.
On October 17, 1962, William H. Folsom was ordained a High Priest by President Brigham Young.