Provo Third Ward Chapel and Amusement Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Provo Third Ward Chapel and Amusement Hall
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Provo Third Ward Chapel
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | 105 North 500 West Provo, Utah |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Richard C. Watkins |
| Architectural style | Prairie School, Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002518 |
| Added to NRHP | April 2, 1979 |
The Provo Third Ward Chapel is a historic building in Provo, Utah. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 2, 1979. This means it's an important place worth protecting.
Building a Community Hub
The Provo Third Ward Chapel was finished in 1903. Bishop Thomas N. Taylor led the project. It was one of the first churches in Utah built in the English Parish Gothic style.
The building was designed by Richard C. Watkins, an architect from Provo. The first stone was placed on April 25, 1901. Later, in 1913, an amusement hall was added next to it. The inside of the entire building was updated in the late 1930s. Architect Fred L. Markham oversaw this work.
A Place for Everyone
In 1901, the Provo Third Ward needed a new chapel. A "ward" is a local church group. Bishop Thomas N. Taylor, who was also the mayor of Provo, led the building committee. They used mostly local materials and workers.
The new building cost $11,000 and was finished in 1903. In 1907, an organ from the Provo Tabernacle was moved into the chapel. The amusement hall was added in 1913. Its top floor was finished first, costing $15,000. The lower floor was completed in 1926 for another $5,600.
The Provo Third Ward Chapel and Amusement Hall was more than just a church. It was a place for people to gather and have fun. They held dances, musicals, and sports events there. During World War II, the amusement hall was even used as army barracks. Soldiers from Brigham Young University stayed there.
New Chapters for the Building
The LDS Church stopped using the building in 1979. They sold it that year. Since then, the building has been used for many different things.
From 1989 to 1992, it was a dance club called Ivy Tower. It also housed Scampi's restaurant and private schools.
From 1992 to 2021, the building was home to the Discovery Academy. This was a school for young people. In 2022, Discovery Academy split into two groups. Discovery Day used the chapel building for its programs. Discovery Connections operated in the building next door. Discovery Day closed its doors in 2023.
The Provo 3rd Ward Chapel was recognized as a historic Provo Landmark on April 28, 1995. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
