The Wellsville Tabernacle is one of two tabernacles in Cache Valley, and dominates the south end of the valley. Built during the years 1902 to 1908, it demonstrates the persistence of the Mormon village form, based on cooperative
idealism. In spite of alterations, primarily to the tower, the architectural form and imposing scale make the tabernacle one of the four major landmarks in the Mormon settlements of northern Utah.
Plans for the Wellsville Tabernacle were prepared by the architect C.T. Barrett under the direction of Bishop Evan R. Owen. Ground was broken in 1902 by former Bishop William H. Maughn who had served as bishop for forty years.
The cornerstones were laid by Apostle Owen Woodruff and President Seymour B. Young in 1903. It was dedicated June 28, 1908 by Anton H. Lund of the Mormon Church’s First Presidency.
All the materials came from local sources. A rock quarry, a lime kiln and a brickyard were operated by local men. William S. Poppleton supervised the stone work, quarried in nearby Sardine Canyon. Job Miller Sr. made the red
brick, which was laid by Fred Douglas and Co. Alex Hill provided the rough lumber from his sawmill in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Thomas Thorpe Sr. directed the plaster work and the Brenchley Brothers did the iron work. Daniel and
William Walters and Francis 0. Gunnell were responsible for the carpentrywork. Professor Emil Hansed, a landscape gardener, supervised the planting of the lawn, shrubs, and trees. The total cost of the building was $65,000.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#80003893) November 26, 1980.
Located at 75 South 100 East in Wellsville, Utah
Related:
I stopped by the town celebration on September 6th, 2021 and they were letting people inside – they said nobody had been let inside for ten years. Here are some interior photos:
