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The famous Mormon tabernacle choir will now call the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is changing the name to end the short name "Mormon" for religion. (October 5)
AP

The world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sing the same tune, but under a new name: The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.(Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP)

The iconic singing group known since 1929 as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir announced Friday that its name had changed to become the Tabernacle Choir of Temple Square.

According to a statement, little will change about the choir. The name change comes as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints departs from abbreviated labels such as "Mormon" and "SDJ".

In August, the President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, announced that "the Lord has made me understand the importance of the name that He has revealed for His church". He issued guidelines saying that "Latter-day Saints" was an acceptable shortcut.

The choir said its new name paid tribute to the Tabernacle, which has housed it since 1867.

The Tabernacle is "known for its unique sound, formed in part by the superior acoustics of the building, which allows you to hear a pin fall a hundred meters," said the statement.

The Tabernacle is located on the church grounds, Temple Square, in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. It's a place of worship and worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "the statement said.

Latter-day Saints believe that the full name of the church was given by revelation from God to the founder of Joseph Smith in 1838.

"Mormon" refers to the Book of Mormon, the signature of faith. Believers say it is the word of an ancient prophet named Mormon.

More: A church leader wants people to stop using "Mormon" and "SDJ" as substitutes for the full name

Contribute: The Associated Press

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