Sharon Ward (Orem)

Note: This post is one in a series that focuses on LDS architecture that is not historic, but that departs from standard cookie-cutter plans to become unique and beautiful in a different way. To see all of these posts, click here.

The Sharon Ward was constructed around 1958, because it looks like it was just completed when this photo was taken in that year:

(Source: Church History Library)

This was taken a couple of decades later:

(Source: Church History Library)

And here's what it looks like currently:

Obviously, it went through some major renovations in the 1960s or early 1970s. Most notably, it's clear that the chapel was widened. Perhaps it was originally too small. Also, the rock on the front is not original. I think I preferred the square theme from before--it went better with the windows--but I'm OK with this, too. Finally, the original doors looked a lot better--but at least they still have the details on the doorways.

The chapel is mostly memorable for its pipe organ:

The only other distinctive thing I could find in this building was the small pews used by the children in the Primary Room. It's hard to tell how small they are, but they are very small.

The primary room also had this miniature table in the back. I wonder what it was used for--perhaps it was part of the Junior Sunday School program, prior to the meeting consolidation in 1980.