Manti, UT—In a startling first, local temple president Harold “Hal” Worthington was escorted from the Manti Temple yesterday after reportedly overturning cash registers at the temple’s clothing rental desk. Witnesses claim Worthington shouted, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of polyester!” as he disrupted operations.
The incident occurred during a routine Tuesday afternoon, when patrons typically rent temple clothing for ceremonies. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) provides these garments for a nominal fee, a practice that has been in place for decades. However, Worthington, who assumed his role six months ago, appeared increasingly troubled by the transactional nature of the process.
“He kept muttering about ‘money changers’ and ‘purity of worship’ during our last board meeting,” said Margaret Phelps, the temple’s financial secretary. “We thought he was speaking metaphorically.”
Eyewitnesses describe Worthington’s actions as both shocking and theatrical. “He stormed in, looked at the cash registers with this intense gaze, and then just started flipping them over,” said temple worker John Matthews. “Coins were everywhere. It was like a scene from an old biblical movie.”
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In addition to the clothing rental fees, the temple’s cafeteria offers food items for purchase, a convenience for patrons spending extended hours in worship. Worthington reportedly targeted the cafeteria next, accusing staff of turning the sacred space into a “food court.”
“He was particularly upset about the ‘Heavenly Ham Sandwich’ special,” said cafeteria manager Linda Gomez. “He yelled something about ‘not by bread alone’ before knocking the sandwich display to the floor.”
Local authorities were called to the scene but did not press charges, citing internal church matters. The LDS Church released a brief statement acknowledging the incident: “We are aware of the situation involving President Worthington and are addressing it through appropriate ecclesiastical channels. We remind our members that while temple operations do require funds, all practices are in place to enhance the spiritual experience.”
Reactions among church members have been mixed. Some applaud Worthington’s zeal for a purer form of worship, free from financial transactions. Others believe his methods were extreme.
“I get where he’s coming from, but I also appreciate being able to grab a quick bite between sessions,” said temple patron Emily Larson. “I mean, if President Worthington can make a bunch of bread and fishes to feed everyone, then he should have every right to knock over some cash registers, but until then, we accept only cash or card.”
As of press time, Worthington has been placed on administrative leave and is reportedly spending time in contemplation at the Provo MTC solitary confinement wing, where, ironically, he is required to pay for his stay.
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