Pioneer Rock Church

When the log Council House could no longer hold Parowan's crowds, the valley built in stone. Work began in 1863 on this church of red sandstone hauled from Parowan Canyon, and it took thirteen years to finish — but when it was done in 1876 it was the religious heart of the valley, with an amusement hall in the basement for school and dances. Church meetings ended in the building in 1918, and it fell into disrepair, until the Daughters of Utah Pioneers took it over and made it their Memorial Hall. The old sandstone still stands.

What the plaque says

This church built of sandstone brought from Parowan Canyon, started in 1863 and completed about 1876, was the religious center of Parowan Valley. The large amusement hall in the basement was used for school and dances. A stage was erected in the south end where Pioneer Dramatic Association presented plays. In 1918 church activities ceased. By 1826 it had deteriorated. The Daughters of Utah Pioneers asked permission to recondition the building for a Memorial Hall which was granted.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Parowan Gap Petroglyphs — 10 mi
  An ancient rock art gallery hidden in a desert canyon
• Brian Head — 10 mi
  Utah's highest town — a ski-and-bike base camp at the top of Parowan Canyon
• Panguitch Lake — 13 mi
  A Blue Ribbon trout lake at 8,400 feet on the Patchwork Parkway
• Cedar Breaks National Monument — 14 mi
  A 2,000-foot-deep amphitheater of vivid orange and red rock

More markers nearby

• Pioneer Sundial — steps away
• First School & Council House in Iron County — steps away
• John C. Fremont — steps away
• Public Works — steps away