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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 14 Volume IV, Issue XII October 1, 2001 New LDS Church Under Construction in Ogden Valley By Shanna Francis Ogden Valley News Staff The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints recently began construction on a new meeting house in Liberty. The 16,600 square foot brick structure is designed to house three wards.* Construction began in August of this year, and is projected to be completed by April or May of 2002. The structure is being built on a three-acre site located off of 3300 E., the highway leading to North Fork, about a block north of 4100 N. Construction is being overseen by representatives from the Salt Lake City Physical Facilities Department of the church. In the initial planning stages, a committee comprised of local members of the church was able to provide input and steer interior and exterior design decisions. Currently another committee of members acts as a liaison between the general contractor, Skyline Construction Company of Ogden, and church representatives overseeing the project. Richards Bott Architects of Ogden is the architectural firm working on the project. Because of safety issues, project managers have asked that interested parties remain off site during construction of the building. The last meeting house built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ogden Valley was dedicated on September 27, 1981. This building is located on Highway 162 on the north side of Pineview Reservoir. The last church constructed in Liberty was dedicated on December 27, 1953. It still stands next to the northwest corner of Liberty Park. Today this structure is privately owned, and is not used for public religious services. *A term similar in meaning to parrish. Construction has began on the new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meeting house located in Liberty. Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Sunday 25% OFF All Trees, Shrubs thru the end of the season. Unique Gift Baskets Watch for our Pumpkin Patch Farmers Market - Fresh Produce Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Daily Once in Huntsville - 1 mile east on the road to Monte Cristo 8588 East 100 South Huntsville UT 84317 745-3130 Early Church Buildings of Liberty Note: Information for this article came from “Echoes of the Past, Liberty Ward” printed in 1982. The book was researched and compiled by Lysle J. and Zella Chard of Liberty. The first documented church services in Liberty were held in the home of John Riddle. History shows the date being 1871. In 1884, the residents of Liberty bought the old Eden log, one room schoolhouse for five dollars. The 26 x 22-foot. building was moved to Liberty, and used for all social functions, including school, church and other town meetings. It was heated by a wood burning stove. In 1904, the residents of Liberty began to build a new brick chapel. The land for the building was donated by James Burt, Jr. Brick for the new chapel was made in Liberty. The brick kiln was located east and north of the church on a plot of ground known as the school section. Several homes in Liberty were also built from brick made in this kiln, and are still standing and being occupied today. The Liberty church was finished at a cost of $4,000 in 1906. For 47 years the building served the people in their religious and recreational activities. The people of Liberty worked very hard and made many sacrifices to erect their chapel. A fine, hardwood floor was installed. It was one of the first in Weber County. People came from far and near to dance on this fine floor. Many good times were had by all. In 1942, a Liberty Ward building fund was started. An assessment of $200 per family was made. In 1948 there was a total of $6,774.10 in the building fund. In 1950 it had grown to $7,772.48, and in 1951, $8,649.87. Each year a Fourth of July rodeo and celebration were held, which contributed greatly to the building fund. On September 1, 1952, a $10,000 building fund was reached, and construction of a new church building was allowed. On September 15, 1952, at 1:00 p.m., ground breaking ceremonies were held. The building contract was accepted by the Liberty Ward Bishopric. Two carpenters were hired. They were William De Bloois and Warren G. Allred, who supervised all the work that was done. This work consisted of ward labor donations. Some of the Liberty men worked practically every day on the church, in addition to paying their ward assessment. A plan was put into effect where every day there were a certain number of men on the job helping the supervisors. The building was completed almost totally by the two capable supervisors and the ward help, except for five sub-contracts that were let out for bids. These contracts included the heating, plumbing, plastering, painting, and bricklaying. Work began immediately. Many of the ward members paid their assessments. Building fund dinners were held. The $80,000 building was nearing completion in the fall of 1953. The Liberty people were very desirous to have David O. McKay, who was then President of the Church, and a native of Ogden Valley, dedicate the building if possible. On November 15, 1953, Bishop Lysle J. Chard and his counselor, William E. Hill, went to Salt Lake City to contact President McKay about dedicating the Liberty church. The day after Thanksgiving, Bishop Chard received a personal phone call from President McKay’s secretary informing him that the prophet would dedicate the church on December 27, 1953. This message came as a surprise and a challenge because there was a deficit of between $8,000 and $9,000 which had to be raised before dedication of the building could take place. Through the sacrifice and work of the Liberty members, the money was raised with $800 to spare. Christmas was forgotten as far as gifts were concerned, but the true meaning of Christmas was certainly felt among the ward members during that joyful season. The $80,000 building was completed, consisting of a chapel and folding doors into the cultural hall for overflow crowds, a baptismal font, a woman’s Relief Society room, kitchen, scout room, bishop’s office, two restrooms, janitorial supply room, and seven classrooms. December 27, 1953 was a cold, crisp, wintry day. The Liberty church was dedicated by the beloved Prophet and President, David O. McKay. |