Providence Ward

 Built from 1869 to 1873, the old Rock Church, in the center of Providence (just south of Logan), is a beautiful example of pioneer architecture. Originally just one large room that served as a chapel, cultural hall, and community center, it received additions over time.

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The church was sold in 1968 and served a variety of functions, including a reception center, fabric store, and assisted living center. Currently, it serves as a bed and breakfast, as well as event center.

The shadows at the time of day I visited made it difficult to properly photograph the building, so I apologize.

In 2012, an article was posted that explained that the bed and breakfast was struggling. However, since the center is still running, I assumed it made it through the difficult economy of the time.

This is a gorgeous building, and I'm glad it's been preserved.

Huntington Park Ward: Cultural Hall

The cultural hall fulfills the normal criteria of having a large basketball court and a stage along one side. Along the east side of the hall (to the left in the picture below), there is a lobby connected to the hall that can be used for events as well.

One of the most unusual things about this cultural hall was the stained glass windows lining both sides of the hall.

The first one I saw looked like a normal window.

However, the remaining windows all have images relating to the arts, humanities, and culture. I thought this was a wonderful way to emphasize the purpose of the cultural hall and the activities that would take place there.

I'm not sure which this one is. A trophy? Perhaps representing competition, athletics, and victory?

This window shows instruments representing music:

This one shows a woman dancing:

I believe this one is of a torch, perhaps again emphasizing competition?

This one shows a lyre, again emphasizing music:

And this one shows masks, focusing on acting and drama.

I'm not sure I'll find another cultural hall quite like this one.

Huntington Park Ward: Stained Glass Details

Circular windows at the front of the chapel are just not common for the LDS Church, and this is the only one I'm aware of that is a rose window (with patterns that mimic the outward-facing petals of a rose). It is a beautiful window!

Other windows line both sides of the chapel.

I was also surprised by the stained glass windows I found in the cultural hall. I'll show those in my next post.

Huntington Park Ward: Interior

I posted last year about the Huntington Park Ward in California. Recently I was able to visit again to get some interior pictures, so that will be the focus of our next few posts.

This building was originally built as a stake tabernacle. Over time, members have moved out to the suburb cities of Los Angeles, and so this building now houses two wards--one English speaking, and one Spanish speaking. I was able to visit in the small window between the two wards.

(Image Source: Facebook)

I was able to take pictures of the stained glass in the chapel, but the Bishopric asked me to not take pictures of the chapel itself. I couldn't have really done it anyway because the chapel was packed in preparation for sacrament meeting. I was able to find the above photo online, though. I loved the stained glass windows lining the sides of the chapel and the beautiful rose window at the front. I haven't seen another chapel with a rose window like that. I'll post my detailed photos of the stained glass in the future.

The building itself had some wonderful features. It is built in the mission style and has some beautiful tile work, exposed beams, paintings, and windows. This is the photo of the Relief Society room:

The building is a large "U" shape. The chapel and relief society room are on the south side. The north side has classrooms, and the cultural hall connects the two different wings. In the middle is a large courtyard with beautiful trees and plants.

It's just a wonderful building! More posts to come!

Binghampton Ward (Tucson, AZ)

The earliest chapel still standing in Tucson, AZ, is the Binghampton Ward. It was built in the 1930s.

I'm still looking to visit this chapel eventually, but it's too unique to not highlight. It's built in the Colonial Revival Style. 

(Image Source: Church History Library)

The interior of the chapel itself is also beautiful. It has exposed beams along the ceiling. A circular window depicting Christ praying in Gethsemane is found at the front of the chapel. 

(Image Source: Google Photos)

(Image Source: Church News)

The chapel also used to have 4 stained glass windows on each side of the chapel. Unfortunately, these were replaced during remodeling in the 1960s. Apparently, members took these stained glass windows and put them in their homes.

(Image Source: Latter-day Saints in Tucson)

Logan Temple Barn

Built in 1897, just a decade or so after the Logan Temple, directly to its west, the temple barn's purpose was to provide accommodations for the animals of those who traveled long distances to attend the temple. By 1915 it was no longer used due to the advent of the automobile. It was sold to a member who converted it into a garage for some time. Its use since that time has been in question. At one point, it was going to hold apartments, but those plans didn't work out.

Las Vegas (NV) Ward: Interior

 I haven't had the chance to see the inside of this chapel, but the Family History Center provided me with pictures.

It looks beautiful--the slope of the sealing and the moldings along the sides. A cry room is on the second floor at the back of the chapel, enclosed by glass.

A small, circular stained glass window sits at the front of the chapel.

Since this is a family history center, this building isn't used for worship services anymore, which is really too bad. It's a great example of LDS architecture.