The Magnificent Dome Church

For its grandest effort, Riverton hired Utah's grandest architect. When the ward organized in 1886 and set out to build a proper meetinghouse, it turned to Richard Kletting — the man who would design the Utah State Capitol and the fabled Saltair pavilion. Begun in 1899 on land donated by Thomas Page, his church rose beneath a high dome, with 'Holiness to the Lord' carved above the door, and stood so tall it could be seen for miles across the valley. For a farm town of a few hundred souls, it was an astonishing thing to build.

What the plaque says

A maturity milestone was reached August 8, 1886, when the Riverton Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized with 138 members. Orrin P. Miller served as the first bishop. Plans were soon underway for a new meeting house. Richard W. Kletting was selected as architect (he was also architect of the Utah State Capitol and the old Saltair Pavilion). Willard C. Burgon was named building contractor. With visions of new hope, the people geared up for Riverton's "grandest effort". Construction began in 1899. This magnificently beautiful domed church, with the inscription "Holiness to the Lord" over the front door, was erected at 12800 South Redwood Road on a two-acre site donated by Thomas P. Page. With its high dome, it was an inspiring edifice and could be seen for long distances. On January 21, 1900, Bishop Miller was sustained Stake President. Gordon S. Bills was ordained bishop of the 346 member ward. The lower part of the building was in use by 1908. There were many financial hardships during construction; however, it was finally paid for and dedicated on December 20, 1920. The cost was approximately $25,000.00 plus much donated labor and material. Because of its high ceilings, excessive maintenance and heating problems, it was razed in 1940 after just 30 years of use. Gone, too, are the brick kiln, tithing yard, molasses mill, flour mill, harness shop, the commercial building and dance hall built by Daniel Densley, and the Salt Lake and Utah Railroad (Orem commuter line) 1914-1945. Many fond memories linger in the hearts of the long-time residents, the "pioneers" of Riverton. This monument is gratefully erected to their memory and integrity.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Lehi Roller Mills — 9.8 mi
  The flour mill from the movie Footloose
• Bingham Canyon Mine — 11 mi
  The largest man-made excavation on Earth
• Timpanogos Cave National Monument — 13 mi
  Three spectacularly decorated caves connected by hand-carved tunnels
• Thanksgiving Point — 14 mi
  A massive complex with dinosaur bones, gardens, and a curiosity museum

More markers nearby

• Early Riverton — steps away
• Riverton Tithing Yard — steps away
• Bluffdale — 1.9 mi
• South Jordan Settlement — 2.7 mi