Elsinore Ward: Exterior Details

Elsinore Ward

This beautiful chapel is in the small town of Elsinore, just south of Richfield in Southern Utah. Built in 1911, it has since been sold and is now privately owned.

(Image Source: Church History Library) 

The building itself appears to be in fairly good shape.

Preservation Update: St. George Tabernacle Struck by Lightning

Yesterday, the St. George Tabernacle (which is currently being renovated) was struck by lightning, causing a small fire in the attic.

(Image Source)

The timing was extremely fortunate. Construction workers and nearby pedestrians immediately reported the fire, and because of the building's thick and historic wood, the fire didn't spread very far. You can read more about the incident here:

http://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2017/09/14/st-george-tabernacle-catches-fire-after-lightning-strike/666669001/

http://gephardtdaily.com/local/historic-lds-tabernacle-in-st-george-struck-by-lightning-scarred-by-fire/

Panguitch South Ward

Panguitch is one of the oldest settlements of the Mormon corridor, but almost none of its original ecclesiastical architecture survives today. One of its most notable buildings was its stake tabernacle, which stood on the corner of 100 E and Center.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The tabernacle was condemned and torn down in 1949; a grassy lawn was left in its place for many decades. Now, stores are in its place, but a marker remains.

Meanwhile, in 1930, Panguitch's two wards (the north ward and the south ward) both had chapels built. The Panguitch North Ward chapel (located right by the tabernacle) has since been torn down.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

This building was torn down sometime around 1980, I believe.

This only leaves the pioneer town with one old chapel--the Panguitch South Ward.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

You'll notice it looks almost identical to the Panguitch North Ward, but this building has survived. An old photo provides a glimpse of the interior--very simple.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

This building technically still stands today, but it's in rough shape. It was sold to a Baptist church--likely around the same time the North Ward was torn down--but it doesn't appear to be in active use today.

It really is a pity that such an old pioneer town is left with almost none of its historic religious architecture. Hopefully this building will continue to be used.

Grandview (Provo) Ward

The Grandview Ward (in Provo) built their meetinghouse in 1923. It's a small but charming brick chapel.

I'm not sure when the building was sold--probably in the 1960s or 1970s--but it now houses a baptist church. The building itself has been changed very little.