Utah State Meetinghouse Rendering
“Architectural drawing of the LDS stake building, known colloquially as the ‘Golden Toaster,’ built in 1962.” (Image courtesy Special Collections & Archives, Merrill Library, Utah State University) This rendering was featured as the cover of the dedicatory program.
This meetinghouse, designed by James H McCrea, was built as the U.S.U. Stake Center, containing two chapels to accommodate four University wards, the USU First, Fifth, Seventh and Eighth wards. Groundbreaking occurred on May 2, 1961 and was done by President David O Mckay. The event was shared with a groundbreaking for the Student Living Center on Campus, which would eventually be named in honor of President Mckay. All the speakers referred to how memorable and significant the occasion was. The building would eventually cost $700,000 to build. Dedication took place a year later, on Sunday June 3, 1962 with services under the direction of the Stake Presidency – Reed Bullen, Wendell O Rich, and Leonard J Arrington. Speaking at the event was University President Daryl Chase. President David O Mckay gave the final address and then offered the dedicatory prayer. At the end of the services a Hosannah anthem was sung followed by the singing of ‘The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning.’
This building is scheduled to be given to the University in exchange for another site, after which it will be demolished.
650 N 1200 E
Logan, UT
Built 1962
Architect: James H McCrea
Map Location of Building
Utah State Meetinghouse Chapel Detail
I learned today from several comments on a previous post that this building, the ‘Golden Toaster,’ is going to be demolished. This will occur through a land swap with Utah State University in order to build a newer meetinghouse in another part of the campus. I agree with the article that the site is a fabulous location and will be great for the University to have. But I am profoundly disappointed that this building will be gone. It is by far one of my favorite mid-century buildings and is wonderfully designed and detailed. Losing this building is going to hurt. Here are all the pictures I have posted on this meetinghouse.
650 N 1200 E
Logan, UT
Click for Map Location of Building
Utah State Meetinghouse Entry
All of the detailing on this building is consistent with the overall form of the building. Including these ‘golden toaster’ door handles that I am in love with. Good design will show themes carried through no matter the scale.
650 N 1200 E
Logan, UT
Click for Map Location of Building
Utah State Meetinghouse Chapel Interior
There are actually two chapels in this building that are similar but have minor differences. This is the West chapel, which appears to be the primary chapel since it is slightly longer and has a decorative grill at the front above the pulpit. The other chapel is called the East chapel and is in line with the other chapel. In other words, the two Chapels are connected but do not open up to each other and the Cultural Hall is not connected to either Chapel.
650 N 1200 E
Logan, UT
Click for Map Location of Building
Utah State Meetinghouse Exterior
Great mid-century building. Nicknamed the Golden Toaster.
650 N 1200 E
Logan, UT
Click for Map Location of Building
LDS ARCHITECTURE 