First Orem Chapel

You can still read the hands that made this chapel in its walls. Orem's Timpanogos Ward organized in 1885 in a log schoolhouse, taking the name the Ute gave the whole valley and its mountain — Timpanogos, "many waters." When the settlers built their meetinghouse a decade later on land donated by Thomas Patten, the first bishop, Peter Wentz, and his sons made the brick themselves, firing it in small batches. That handwork shows: the restored brick face carries many faint shades of red, each batch a little different, a wall quilted together one kiln-load at a time.

What the plaque says

Timpanogos Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized November 8, 1885, at a meeting held in the log schoolhouse presided over by Presiding Bishop William B. Preston, his counselor Robert T. Burton, and Provo Stake President Abraham O. Smoot. Timpanogos, an Indian word meaning many waters, was the name given by the Indians to the entire valley as well as the beautiful mountain standing at the northeast border of the valley. Plans were made in 1895 to erect the meetinghouse. The land for the new building was donated by Thomas Jefferson Patten, Sr., nephew of the Apostle David W. Patten. Peter Mastin Wentz, called as the first bishop, and his sons made some of the brick for the building and the adobe lining. The various hues now apparent in the restored brick face show that they were made in small batches. The style of the church with its lovely gothic windows and tower was typical of the architecture of the day. The building measured fifty-two feet by thirty-six feet. Balls of carpet rags were donated and these were placed on hand looms to make rugs that added comfort and beauty to the new chapel. Window openings were covered with quilts. The building was dedicated in 1898 and used for dances and community activities as well as for worship. This chapel has been remodeled, renovated and added to throughout the years to accommodate members. From the original Timpanogos Ward has come a growing number of wards and stakes.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Bridal Veil Falls — 6.1 mi
  A dramatic double waterfall cascading 607 feet into Provo Canyon
• Aspen Grove — 9.4 mi
  The mountain-base trailhead for Mount Timpanogos and Stewart Falls
• Sundance Mountain Resort — 9.4 mi
  Robert Redford's intimate, arts-minded ski resort on the slopes of Mount Timpanogos, in the North Fork of Provo Canyon.
• Alpine Loop Summit — 9.6 mi
  The 8,000-foot high point of the Alpine Loop, face to face with Mount Timpanogos

More markers nearby

• Pioneer Cemetery — 1.7 mi
• World War II POW Camp — 2.3 mi
• Saw and Grist Mills — 2.5 mi
• Dan Jones, Missionary — 2.6 mi