Wellsville Tabernacle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wellsville Tabernacle
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The Wellsville Tabernacle in 2009
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | 75 S. 100 E., Wellsville, Utah |
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| Built | 1902-1908 |
| Architect | C.T. Barrett |
| Architectural style | Victorian Eclectic |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003893 |
| Added to NRHP | November 26, 1980 |
The Wellsville Tabernacle is a historic building located in Wellsville, Utah, in Cache County, Utah. It was built in a style called Gothic Revival, which means it looks a bit like old European churches with pointed arches and tall windows. This building was originally a meeting place for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 26, 1980, recognizing its importance.
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Building the Wellsville Tabernacle
Work on the Wellsville Tabernacle began in 1902. William H. Maughan, who had been a local leader in Wellsville for 40 years, started the project. The first special stones, called cornerstones, were placed in 1903 by important church leaders, Abraham O. Woodruff and Seymour B. Young.
The building was made using strong stone from nearby Sardine Canyon and red bricks. It took several years to complete. The tabernacle was officially opened on June 28, 1908. Anthon H. Lund, a leader from the First Presidency of the LDS Church, dedicated the building.
Unique Design Features
The Wellsville Tabernacle was quite special for its time. It could hold about 800 people inside. The total cost to build it was $65,000, which was a lot of money back then!
One very unique thing about this building is its floor plan. Most meetinghouses of its kind had the speaker's stand, or pulpit, in the center. However, the Wellsville Tabernacle had its pulpit in the northwest corner. The seats were arranged in a semi-circle, facing the pulpit along a diagonal walkway. This made it different from many other buildings of its type.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, the Wellsville Tabernacle has seen some changes. In 1959, a fire damaged the main tower, and the new tower built to replace it was much shorter than the original. Also, in the 1950s, the original red bricks of the building were painted white.
What is the Tabernacle Used for Now?
The tabernacle was sold to the city of Wellsville in 1981. However, the city found it hard to keep up with the building's needs. So, it was later sold to a group of people called the Wellsville Tabernacle Foundation. This foundation is made up of private citizens who care about the building.
They make the tabernacle available for different events. People can rent it for private parties, community gatherings, and even weddings. For a while, part of the building also served as a museum for the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, a group that preserves history.
Future of the Tabernacle
In 2010, the Wellsville Tabernacle had to close because of problems with its roof. The Wellsville Tabernacle Foundation is working hard to fix these issues. They are trying to raise money to renovate the building so it can be reopened for everyone to enjoy again.
