20 th Ward Meetinghouse

The Twentieth Ward outgrew two homes before it built this one. Organized in 1856, the ward met first in a modest chapel up on Second Avenue until the growing congregation — and a school board that wanted the site — pushed a move. The new Neoclassical meetinghouse, designed by the leading firm of Cannon and Fetzer, had its cornerstone laid in 1924 by the apostle James E. Talmage, a member of this ward and one of the church's rare scientist-theologians, a trained geologist. It opened its doors that September.

What the plaque says

Formed in 1856 to accommodate rapid growth in the area, the 20th Ward originally met in a meetinghouse on 2nd Avenue between D and E streets. By 1884 when the need for a larger facility and the desire of the school board to use the location for a school playground and auditorium prompted the sale of the property. When the present site was purchased, Lewis Telle Cannon and ward member John Fetzer, partners in one of Salt Lake's leading architectural firms, were hired to plan the new building. Designed in the Neoclassical style, it also exhibits Renaissance Mannerist influences, particularly in the double gable, discontinuous cornice, and Palladian style entry. The ground was dedicated and the cornerstone was laid on 18 May 1924 by LDS Apostle James E. Talmage, a ward member. The first use commenced 21 September 1924. The building was dedicated by LDS Church President Heber J. Grant on 17 April 1927. Over the years several compatible additions have been made to the basic L-shaped building. In 1914 the largest addition was completed on the southeast corner, creating a new entry and several classrooms. The stained glass windows were added to the chapel in the mid 1970s.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — 0.8 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 0.9 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Ensign Peak — 1.4 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Liberty Park — 1.9 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882

More markers nearby

• David Keith Mansion — steps away
• Thomas Kearns Mansion and Carriage House — steps away
• Gentsch-Thompson House — steps away
• Twentieth Ward School — 0.2 mi