Richfield First Ward: Exterior Details

Richfield First Ward: Stained Glass Details

The real centerpiece of the Richfield First Ward is its beautiful stained glass window. This window is so magnificent that it once graced a cover of the Ensign magazine:

Unfortunately, since the sale of the building, the window is suffering, and it's pretty obvious.

There are several concerns. The window is not protected with any kind of barrier--it's exposed to the elements; any thing that hits the window could shatter the sensitive glass.

Over time, the lead the holds the panels together can soften and become loose, allowing panels to fall or become askew. This happens to all stained glass windows; they need maintenance and upkeep.

As you can see, a closer look is even more discouraging. Panels have fallen out and are wedged at the bottom of the window, where they fell. Other panels are still in place, but are crooked or about to fall. Grime is present along most of the edges of the lead. The lead itself is clearly loose in several places.

Of course, the main question becomes: who's to blame? It might be a little bit of everyone's fault. In conversations with the owner, it's clear that it was never clearly established who was in charge of the window. Some felt that it was indicated that the Church would do this and still have ownership of the window; others have pointed the fingers at the owners. No one is sure who's in charge, so the window suffers. I really hope that this window can be preserved--it is one of the loveliest examples of Latter-day Saint stained glass in the Mormon corridor.

Richfield First Ward

Built in 1906, the Richfield First Ward has some lovely architectural elements, especially its gothic windows (one of which is stained glass) and corner tower.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The building to its east was probably built around the same time, if not a bit earlier. They are now connected with an addition.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

 The building was sold sometime around 1980. It now serves as a reception and events center called Knightsbridge Hall. It also houses a photography studio. In the future, we'll look more into the status of the stained glass in this chapel.