Preservation Update: St. George Flood Street Chapel Sold

I'm a bit behind on this one, but was saddened to hear that the St. George Flood Street Chapel (also known as the St. George 5th Ward) was sold in October.

I'm disappointed to hear this; the chapel, built in 1951, was really lovely, and I loved the placement of paintings on the front chapel wall. The building has already been sold, and it almost certainly will be demolished.

St. George Fifth Ward: Mural Details

These paintings are beautiful. They definitely add to the sacred spirit of the chapel. In 1953 when the funds were being raised for the chapel, the committee head, Hortense Foremaster, loved the artwork of Lorin Covington, an artist who lived in Hurricane. She chose the two paintings and paid $300 for them ($150 each).

St. George Fifth Ward: Chapel Interior

There are several little touches in this chapel that make it a beautiful worship space. I like the simple design on the ceiling, and the natural light that shines in from the windows on both sides. Of course, the paintings are also beautiful and add so much to the chapel. The one on the right shows the First Vision; the one on the left depicts Christ with children. Both paintings were done by Lorin Covington of Hurricane; his painting of Christ with the children also hangs in other chapels (including the Blanding Tabernacle).  I'll post large pictures of the paintings in my next post.

One last thing that I liked--the sacrament preparation room (behind the pulpit) is beautifully lit with a two-story window. I liked that touch.

St. George Fifth Ward

For how old St. George is as a pioneer settlement, you'd think there'd be more historic chapels around. Of course, there's the tabernacle (which is beautifully preserved) and the temple, but all the regular meetinghouses are new, generic buildings. In fact, the oldest one still standing, the St. George Fifth Ward chapel, was constructed in the early 1950s (but after 1951).

(Image Source: Church History Library) 

The building has 3 floors (which includes a full basement). There are some beautiful paintings in the chapel that I will show in my next post.

A kind ward member showed me around the building and noted that this is the chapel Elder Jeffrey R. Holland attended while growing up. She also mentioned that they expect it to undergo a renovation shortly. I'm glad this building is still standing.