Provo First Ward: Third Floor

The first ward actually has a third floor with more classrooms, which I find unusual for a church building. It is accessed by two staircases. One is normal, and the other is this metal one:

 

It is so small that I felt cramped on it. It also looks out of place compared with the rest of the building. I have a suspicion that there was originally only one staircase up to the third floor, and this one was added for safety/fire code reasons.

 On the third floor are a few classrooms and a much larger one that currently serves as the Young Women's room.

I love the hexagonal windows, which add to the recurring theme of the building. Similar windows are also at the front of the chapel.

Provo First Ward: Cultural Hall

(Source: BYU Archives)

Again, the details on the ceiling are not there anymore. That's too bad, as it gave the hall a much more ornate appearance.

Provo First Ward: Window Detail

Provo First Ward: Organ Detail

As mentioned in an earlier post, the organ was not originally part of the building. Apparently, there was a chapel with a similar floor plan in Arizona that had this organ, so when that building was demolished, the ward leaders arranged to purchase it and move it here--seeing as it fits perfectly in the arch at the front of the chapel. It's a lovely addition.

Provo First Ward: Staircase/Window Detail

The window directly below the steeple goes into the lobby. Upon entering the lobby, there are two curved staircases that rise to the second floor and meet at the window.

It's a beautiful architectural arrangement.

Provo First Ward: Chapel Interior

I found this photo of the dedication of the First Ward Chapel in 1939 by Heber J. Grant, as well as what the chapel looked like originally:

(Source: BYU Archives)

(Source: BYU Archives) 

Here's what it looks like currently:

As you can tell, the organ was added later. Unfortunately, as with the lobby, the walls and ceiling have lost most of their decorative details.

I'm a fan of the balcony, tiny as it is. It's also not easily accessible if someone were to, say, pass the sacrament up there. They would have to exit the chapel, cross the lobby, go up the curved staircase, go back toward the second floor of the lobby, and enter the balcony--all for four pews of people.

I am glad that most of the carvings remain on the walls.

Provo First Ward: Lobby

The lobby of the building is in the shape of a hexagon. It also spans two floors.

(Source: BYU Archives)

(Source: BYU Archives) 

(Source: BYU Archives)

This is what it looks like today:

Much of the detail from the ceiling is gone, which is a real shame. The wood beams only have the simple markings left.

However, the fireplaces do remain, albeit empty. It looks like they had some kind of heaters installed in them originally, judging from the above photos.

Provo First Ward: Steeple Detail

 

I'm a big fan of the wind vane, which even labels north and south.

Provo First Ward

The Provo First Ward may be 162 years old, but the building they meet in was built in 1930 (and not even dedicated until 1939).

(Source: Church History Library)

The building's main plan is a hexagonal foyer from which protrude the chapel (the wing on the left), the cultural hall (on the right), and other hallways containing classrooms. Interior pictures will be coming in future posts.