West Jordan Ward

This chapel was built in the 1860s, when West Jordan was a small settlement. In the 1930s, it became a museum for the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. I believe it is now owned by the city. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wilshire Ward (CA): Stained Glass Details

Six pairs of windows line the left side of the chapel. Each one has a different image relating to Christianity and LDS theology.

Wreath & Beehive

Olive Branch and Dove

Anchor and Lily

Star and Scripture

Chalice & Wheat

Grapes and Torch

At the front of the chapel is a beautiful window of Christ knocking at the door.

This window was actually based off of William Holman Hunt's painting, The Light of the World, and you can see the resemblance.

(Image Source)

I'm so happy that this building continues to be used regularly.

Wilshire Ward: Interior

The interior of this chapel is stunning.

This building highlights the art deco styles. Artistic patterns are painted on the ceiling and walls. At the front of the chapel is a circular rostrum, with a stained glass window of Christ knocking at the door. Other stained glass windows with Christian and LDS icons line the wall on the left.

At the back of the chapel is a large balcony that is used for stake conferences. A very enthusiastic member took me up there for some of my pictures.

I'll post pictures of the stained glass windows next.

Preservation Update: Farmington, NM Ward Damaged in Fire

Note: Preservation Updates are a regularly occurring series of posts where I round up recent information on historic LDS buildings and their futures. Depending on the age of the post, there may be newer information available. Click here to see all Preservation Updates.

On June 1, the historic chapel in Farmington, New Mexico was damaged in a fire that was mostly in the building's main lobby. The building sustained smoke and fire damage.

(Image Source: Farmington Daily Times)

The fire is still being investigated and services have been relocated. This chapel houses a stained glass window of Christ in Gethsemane. I can't find any word on the status of the window. My hope is that the building will be saved, and if not, that the window will be moved to another chapel.

Wilshire Ward Chapel (CA)

I originally posted about this chapel a few years ago, but I recently visited this chapel in person and wanted to share my own photos. The Wilshire Ward chapel--also known as the Hollywood Tabernacle and the Los Angeles Stake Center--is a landmark building. Constructed in the 1920s and dedicated in 1929, it was designed by Harold W. Burton, who also designed the temples in Laie and Cardston.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) 

The building was originally unpainted, but a few years after it was built, it was painted white. It cost $250,000 to build, making it the most expensive chapel the Church had (and probably has) ever built (only less expensive than temples). It has changed very little, besides some additions. Here's a painting of the building from the 1930s, done by D. Jolley:

(Image Source: Church History Library)

In the 1990s, the Church considered selling the building, but instead, they renovated the building--a project that took several years and cost about $7,000,000. President Hinckley rededicated the building in the early 2000s. I will post interior pictures soon.