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First developed by the Asiatic Greeks, Byzantium Architecture features the domed roof supported on pendatives, piers, arches or pillars. The Salt Lake Tabernacle is similar in structure to the Cathedral of St. Sergus, built during Justinean’s reign. Probably few if any Saints had actually seen a domed roof because it was the first in this locality and perhaps they, the Saints, simply lacked the faith to become "anxiously engaged" in getting the project on the way. "President Young again used forceful language to persuade the Saints to harken to their responsibilities". Finally some of the construction material lay ready on the grounds, but it wasn’t until the latter part of August that Daniel H. Wells, Chairman of work on the Temple Block, gave his approval for work on the roof to begin September 1, 1865.
Architect Folsom poked at a small wood fire in the shop on Temple Block, adding a few more chips to create enough heat to warm his hands. A few minutes later James Moyle followed George Romney into the shop, where the three men exchanged greetings, talked of family affairs, expressed approval of the recently-elected Mayor, Daniel H. Wells, recounted the advantages of the telegraph which would soon be ready for the wire, and spoke of the dedication of the new City Hall. They also talked of the cold weather and remembered the severity of the past winter, 1865-1866, during which several people had frozen to death. By this time they concluded that no one was going to report for work on such a cold day, so they left the shop and walked through a biting wind to survey progress on the Temple and Tabernacle building. After noting that some of the timber on hand was well-seasoned and some green, they moved toward the west, where they encountered a man with a load of hoofs. They directed him to the hoof pile by pointing out the large iron kettles in which the hoofs were processed to make glue, to mend cracks in the timber and secure the wooden pegs in the trusswork of the Tabernacle roof.
As Romney and Moyle left, Folsom noted a few things needing his attention and pondered the lengthy struggle to get these buildings underway. After all, he was just as impatient at the numerous delays as his co-workers, but there are times when a "man’s hands are tied".
Another year passed, with Folsom feelings even more frustrated and thwarted in his purpose. Although he had long since accepted the idea that problems are an inescapable part of life and had learned to deal successfully with most human frailties, he apparently was not prepared to cope with the now-present undercurrent against him, spawned by professional jealousy. He felt defeated!
Rain dropped ceaselessly from the eaves of his home on First West as Folsom stood dejectedly looking out of the window. The grey of the murky sky was reflected in the pallor of his face. His eyelids dropped low over his pain-stricken eyes as the furrows of his brow were deepened by the misery of his soul. After four days of illness, he was finally able to arise from his bed and put on his clothing. The available drugs and herbs which he generally used to alleviate his asthmatic condition seemed to have lost their potency. He complained of the wheezing which now accompanied his breathing.
It was morning and wife Elizabeth hurried the preparation of the meal. Frances tended baby Eliza ("Lyle"), while Louise dressed young Henry. Burdette and Hinman brought dampness and mud into the kitchen as they came with milk from the barn.