Timpanogos Ward Chapel

The Timpanogos Ward building was the first one built in Orem. It stands at about 800 N 400 E.

 

There is a plague at the front of the building, which reads:

The Timpanogos Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized November 8, 1885, at a meeting held in the log schoolhouse presided over by Presiding Bishop William B. Preston, his counselor Robert T. Burton, and Provo Stake President Abraham O. Smoot. Timpanogos, an Indian word meaning many waters, was the name given by the Indians to the entire valley as well as the beautiful mountain standing at the northeast border of the valley. Plans were made in 1895 to erect the meetinghouse. The land for the new building was donated by Thomas Jefferson Patten, Sr., nephew of the Apostle David W. Patten. Peter Mastin Wentz, called as the first bishop, and his sons made some of the brick for the building and the adobe lining. The various hues now apparent in the restored brick face show that they were made in small batches. The style of the church with its lovely gothic windows and tower was typical of the architecture of the day. The building measured fifty-two feet by thirty-six feet. Balls of carpet rags were donated and these were placed on hand looms to make rugs that added comfort and beauty to the new chapel. Window openings were covered with quilts. The building was dedicated in 1898 and used for dances and community activities as well as for worship. This chapel has been remodeled, renovated and added to throughout the years to accommodate members. From the original Timpanogos Ward has come a growing number of wards and stakes.  

 I decided to look up some older pictures of the building. It was interesting to see. Originally, the chapel had a tower.

This was removed near the beginning of the 1900s because of structural deficiencies.

Here, the chapel and cultural hall were not yet connected. Also, the windows appeared to be a clear type of glass, not frosted. The doors were also nicer than the standard glass door on the chapel now.

The chapel is now used as a classroom, not the chapel. I'll post some interior pictures soon.

Manti Temple East Stairs

These doors directly enter the priesthood assembly room on the top floor of the temple. It is used at least once a year for an assembly for temple workers--the doors aren't used, though, from what they told me.

Spring City Endowment House

Located a block south from the Spring City Chapel, this house was constructed in 1876. It's been dubbed "endowment house" because of some Church records that list "O. Hyde's Office" in Spring City as a location where temple ordinances were performed. It's still unclear whether or not it was actually used for that purpose.

When I visited, it looked as though it was being used for storage. It really is a lovely building, though.

The Manti Temple

It is unsurprising that I would like to begin with the Manti Temple--it is the Church's most stunning example of pioneer architecture. It is also, in my opinion, the most well preserved: St. George has been heavily remodeled to accommodate the film presentation of the endowment; Logan has been gutted, and Salt Lake has had other changes to its architecture (a greenhouse, elevator, etc.). Manti also has a setting that feels more true to its nature--on a hill above a small town in rural Sanpete County. The temple was dedicated in 1888 by Wilford Woodruff.

The portion of the temple closest to the front is the annex. The temple has always had an annex, but this particular annex was built in 1985 as part of the remodeling of the temple. The main hallway of the annex includes the chapel and laundry rental; the lower floor contains the locker rooms and cafeteria. Upon entering the temple proper, patrons either can participate in sealings (there are sealing rooms on the first floor or on the second floor, off of the celestial room) or sessions (which takes patrons on a five-room journey to the second floor). The ordinance rooms have stunning murals and architecture in the rooms.

The third floor contains the assembly hall of the temple--used at least once a year for a devotional for temple workers. The central, east tower contains sealing rooms that can only be accessed by the open-center spiral staircases that wind up the side towers.

About This Blog

Somewhere in the past couple of years, I woke up and noticed the "invisible buildings" surrounding me--the works of architecture that were built years ago by pioneers of the LDS Church; temples, tabernacles, and regular ward chapels. My love for it has only grown since then.

My appreciation is that of a rather clueless person admiring the architecture around me, especially when it ties into the gospel and helps us to learn it. I have studied quite a bit about LDS temples and tabernacles, and have published two articles--one regarding temple architecture, and one regarding LDS Tabernacles. I will include whatever facts I happen to know (or can find out!).

Feel free to comment on the posts with whatever insights, questions, or comments you might have. I'd love to hear from you!

I don't know how long I can keep this blog up, or how much I can post, but I'll do my best. I hope you enjoy the pictures!