Sevier Ward

Built in 1930, the Sevier Ward Church (originally known as the Cove Ward) is unique for its use of local stone.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

As you can see, there were some lovely stone patterns incorporated into the structure. This was mostly lost when the entire building was painted white in 1947. Now, much of it has faded, but you can still see trace of the original pattern today.

The community dwindled, and in 1949 the Sevier Ward was discontinued. It was still used for local Church and community events until it was sold in 1973. It is still held privately today, but it looks fairly well maintained, considering the remote location.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Richfield (Sevier Stake) Tabernacle

The original Sevier Stake Tabernacle (in Richfield, Utah) was a stunning piece of architecture. It was completed around the turn of the century.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

Unfortunately, the tabernacle really didn't last long. It was seismically unstable, and Richard Jackson noted that during a meeting in 1912, a large piece of the ceiling fell, creating a panic in the congregation. The tabernacle was torn down soon afterward. In its place, in 1930, came the new tabernacle.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

It still stands today.

The majority of the building is a larger version of the red brick Colonial Revival style that was used in many LDS chapels of the period.

However, what really sets the building apart is its front entrance--with grand staircases, greek columns, and leaded glass.

I'm glad to see that this building is still being used!

Junction (Utah) Ward

The rather simple (yet gothic in nature) Junction Ward chapel was likely built around the turn of the century. This is one building I haven't been able to find many details on. 

The building is now privately owned. It looks like it's used more for storage.

The good news is that it appears to be actively cared for. This picture was taken by another blogger about a year ago. You'll see some changes in that time--the new paint job, work on the doors, etc.

(Image Source)

Takaroa (French Polynesia) Branch

I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a really beautiful little chapel located on the island of Takaroa in French Polynesia. The atoll that includes the island has about 882 people. A Church News article in 1991 noted that 68% of the people on Takaroa were members of the Church, so it is a center of strength for Mormonism.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The chapel for the Takaroa Branch was built in 1891. The walls were constructed using large blocks of coral that were bound together with a cement made out of smaller coral stones. Wood was used to frame the vaulted windows (which have stained glass) and doors.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

A lot of the pictures from the Church History Library appear to be taken when the building was in a state of disrepair. A cyclone in 1906 destroyed virtually everything on the island except the chapel. Other cyclones in 1982 and 1983 also destroyed many buildings, but the chapel remains.

(Image Source: Mormon Newsroom)

The chapel looks in great condition today. Excepting the Gadfield Elm chapel (in Great Britain), it may be the oldest chapel outside of the United States. It's a lovely piece of Mormon Architecture, in what many would consider to be an unlikely place!

Salina First Ward: Exterior Details