I stumbled across this gem in Ephraim the other day. It was originally known as the Ephraim South Ward chapel. I really struggled to get a picture without those power cords in the way.
Here's what it looked like before its additions, including the usual steeple. Looks like they had trouble with the power poles, too.
(Image Source: Church History Library)
It looks like it was built in the 1930s or so. The thing is, it's not currently housing any wards or stakes (at least, if LDS Maps is correct). Instead, it houses a family history center and employment resource center. That's fine, but it does make me worry about its future. It doesn't look like it's been majorly remodeled--in other words, the chapel is still a chapel--so how long will a large, historic building like this be used for those two functions? It's something I'll have to keep an eye on.
Yes this beautiful chapel was were my college ward met when I attended snow college 1999-2000, the snow college 12th ward. I asked many from town if they know the history. Many said the chapel was built in 1930. The addition to the east was added on around 1948. In 2000 the kitchen of the church was completely updated from the original 1948 one. Many good memories of that nice church.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the simple style of the building. This is one where I'm hoping to eventually photograph the interior.
DeletePlease do when you get a chance. There are some nice details in that chapel. It's the oldest standing LDS chapel/building in Ephraim. When I attended college the Snow College music building was the Ephraim North Ward chapel located 100 E and 100 N. That church was built in 1937, made from yellow brick but the building was condemned and torn down around 2003 or later. On Main and Center street (I think) was the Ephraim West ward chapel built around 1954 or 1955. It had a circular pink stain glass window in the chapel. That building was torn down when the newest chapel was built at the south end of town. Sorry to blab.
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect place to "blab"! :) Ephraim is one of those unfortunate places that is steeped in pioneer history, but almost none of its architecture--in terms of chapels--remains to tell that story. I have seen pictures of the Ephraim North Ward and Ephraim West Ward (though I was unaware of the circular window), and also the Ephraim Tabernacle. These were all good buildings--perhaps not the most historically significant in the Church, but certainly to the community--and all of them are gone except this one. It feels strange to drive through Ephraim and see all these modern chapels; it doesn't fit with the rest of the town.
DeleteIf I'm able to get into this chapel at some point, I will definitely add a post with those pictures!
When the Sanpete South Stake covered both Manti & Ephraim (until the mid 1980's), this building housed the only font in the stake (other than the font in the Manti Temple baptistry). I believe that from the time this building was built until the stake split (to create the Manti and Ephraim stakes) all of the baptisms in the stake were done here. I grew up in Manti but was baptized in the Ephraim South Ward on July 2, 1966. When I was a YSA Bishop at Snow College, we used the building for socials. Also, the student married ward met in the building and I believe they still do. The chapel has a cordoned-off section in the very back with a glass wall providing full view of the rest of the chapel - but is somewhat sound-proofed. Parents with irreverent children used it. It was always referred to as the "crying room".
ReplyDeleteI've got a relative's obituary stating their funeral was at the "new South Ward Chapel" in Ephraim in April 1927. Of course, I don't know if only a portion of the building was completed or open for use, but I believe it's this building.
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