Unfortunately, I found out recently that the beautiful Loa Tabernacle is for sale. Built in 1909, it has undergone several renovations, including as recently as the 1990s. A new LDS stake center was recently built on the south end of town, and it's been unclear exactly what would happen to the tabernacle itself.
Obviously, my feelings are mixed. On the plus side, the tabernacle will not be demolished (hopefully), and the sale will allow the building to continue in another form (if there is an interested buyer). This is in contrast to other chapel sales, where demolition of the building was a requirement to buy.
But I'm disheartened the building couldn't continue to be used. I'm sure the old building caused issues, but there is no indication in the real estate listing of major structural issues that are threatening it. At some level the decision was made that the maintenance on this building wasn't worth it. That is a fair decision for a Church that is supporting millions of members worldwide to make. But it feels like we are consistently losing these architectural treasures.
