The 18th Ward Chapel

The 18th Ward was one of Salt Lake City's original nineteen, organized in 1849, its early benches filled by the families of Brigham Young, Heber Kimball, and Newell Whitney. They worshipped first in open boweries, then in Young's schoolhouse, and finally, in 1883, in a handsome Gothic Revival chapel on A Street designed by Obed Taylor. That building was torn down in 1973 — but not forgotten: this careful replica, incorporating salvaged pieces of the original, rose in its place by 1980, keeping a fine example of early Utah Gothic alive.

What the plaque says

The 18th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of the original nineteen ecclesiastical wards of Salt Lake Valley, was organized Feb. 14, 1849. Early congregations consisted of families of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Newell K. Whitney. Meetings were held in boweries, then Brigham Young's schoolhouse on East South Temple Street. In 1880 Don Carlos Young deeded a lot on A Street and 2nd Avenue where the original chapel, of Gothic Revival style, was built (Obed Taylor, architect). It was dedicated Jan. 14 1883 and demolished in 1973. This 18th Ward replica, dedicated June 27, 1980, remains a permanent example of early Utah Gothic architecture (Steven T. Baird, architect). The present site was acquired through an act of the Utah State legislature in 1975. Original parts salvaged and used in this replica include: steeple, cornerstone, window frames, doors, benches, pulpit, and the stained glass window.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — 0.4 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — 0.4 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Ensign Peak — 1.0 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Liberty Park — 2.2 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882

More markers nearby

• Council Hall — steps away
• Old City Hall — steps away
• Mormon Battalion Monument — steps away
• Ottinger Hall — steps away