Discovering Great Mormon Buildings

Archive for November, 2011

Bear River Stake Tabernacle Pulpits


Inside this beautiful chapel is one of the most unique features I have yet to encounter in an LDS building. There are two pulpits on the stand, one slightly larger and slightly higher than the other; both are perfectly aligned on the center axis of the room. If anyone has the background story as to why there are two pulpits, I would be very interested.

140 W Factory St
Garland, UT
Built 1906 by unknown architect; Remodeled 2000 by CRSA
Click for Map Location of Building

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Huntington Park Ward Detail

6531 Middleton St
Huntington Park, CA
Built 1926
Architect: Lawrence Nowell
Map Location of Building


Huntington Park Ward Exterior


Groundbreaking was held on Sunday, June 13, 1926 and completed by December 12 of that same year when meetings were first held in the building. The main hall had a seating capacity of 600 with an amusement hall directly below. On Sunday, January 2, 1927 the building was dedicated by Pres. Heber J Grant. Later that year plans were made to greatly expand the building to form the Los Angeles Stake Tabernacle. Construction on this Stake Center began January 3, 1928 and was completed on May 22, 1928. A unique feature of the Tabernacle was a Lounge, the idea of Stake President Caldwell, that offered a luxurious parlor for socializing. The Stake Tabernacle was eventually dedicated on June 2, 1929. More recently the building housed a Spanish-speaking Stake, but now houses only a single Spanish-speaking ward.

6531 Middleton St
Huntington Park, CA
Built 1926
Architect: Lawrence Nowell
Map Location of Building


Garden Park Ward Chapel Interior


This is the only LDS chapel I am familiar with that does not have pews for the congregation. These beautiful theater-type seats appear to be original to the building. The St George Tabernacle also has individual seating, but I’m not counting that since it’s a Tabernacle. I am unsure of who the original architect of the building was, but the extensive remodel done in 2008 was exquisitely done by the local Salt Lake firm of CRSA.

1150 E Yale Ave
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1939; Remodeled 2008
Original architect unknown; CRSA architect of remodel
Map Location of Building


Wells Ward Entry Frieze Detail

1990 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1920, Chapel built 1926
Map Location of Building


Wells Ward Rostrum Detail

1990 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1920, Chapel built 1926
Map Location of Building


Wells Ward Exterior


The large beautiful window above the main entry into the chapel was originally visible internally at the back of the balcony.

1990 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1920, Chapel built 1926
Map Location of Building


Wells Ward Chapel Interior


Unfortunately I couldn’t find an artist name for the beautiful artwork that serves as the focal point for the chapel. I would not be surprised if the piece were specifically commissioned for the building since it is so well integrated into the overall design. While visiting with ward members I learned that the rostrum almost met the fate of being remodeled into classrooms, just as the balcony was. Thankfully it was saved. One story stated that the Bishop put his foot down and would not allow this to happen. Another story stated that this was the ward Sis. Hinckley grew up in and she exerted her influence to ultimately save the chapel.

1990 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1920, Chapel built 1926
Map Location of Building


Wells Ward Chapel Interior


There’s a lot to love in this gem of a chapel in Salt Lake. During a past remodel, the balcony at the upper level and the overflow rooms at the lower level were converted into classrooms. Although not functioning, it is fortunate that at least all of these doors still remain, as can be seen across the back of the chapel. From a closer look, it appears that even all of the original hardware and glazing remains.

1990 S 500 E
Salt Lake City, UT
Built 1920, Chapel built 1926
Map Location of Building


Paris Tabernacle Ceiling Detail

51 S Main St
Paris, ID
Built 1884-1888; Dedicated 1889 by Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon
Architect: Joseph Don Carlos Young
Map Location of Building


Paris Tabernacle Pew

51 S Main St
Paris, ID
Built 1884-1888; Dedicated 1889 by Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon
Architect: Joseph Don Carlos Young
Map Location of Building


Paris Tabernacle Chapel Interior

51 S Main St
Paris, ID
Built 1884-1888; Dedicated 1889 by Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon
Architect: Joseph Don Carlos Young
Map Location of Building


Paris Tabernacle Exterior


Quite possibly the greatest Tabernacle in the Church, built in one of the most remote locations.

51 S Main St
Paris, ID
Built 1884-1888; Dedicated 1889 by Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon
Architect: Joseph Don Carlos Young
Map Location of Building


Hollywood Stake Tabernacle Courtyard

1209 S Manhattan Pl
Los Angeles, CA
Built 1928
Architect: Pope and Burton
Map Location of Building


Hollywood Stake Tabernacle Chapel Interior


Sadly, while I was there, the timing was not right for taking pictures in this magnificent chapel, but I was able to get a couple of skewed photos to at least get a feel for the space. One of my favorite features that also shows up in a Phoenix chapel by the same architects is all the colorfully-painted detailing on the dark wooden beams. The rostrum was fantastic, and uniquely included large red plush chairs centered behind the pulpit. At the rear of the chapel was a balcony which I also couldn’t get access to. I will definitely need to plan another trip to Southern California.

1209 S Manhattan Pl
Los Angeles, CA
Built 1928
Architect: Pope and Burton
Map Location of Building


Hollywood Stake Tabernacle Entry Lobby

1209 S Manhattan Pl
Los Angeles, CA
Built 1928
Architect: Pope and Burton
Map Location of Building