LDS Wards and Chapels
When the original settlers arrived in Monroe they were all Latter-Day Saints and probably held their first meetings in Dugouts and Bowerys. Then after troubles with the Indians began, the citizens constructed Fort Alma. They built one room in the Fort bigger than the rest and it was used for a school and church, until Monroe was evacuated in 1867.
After the Settlers returned, they built a small two room cabin which was used as a church by the Latter-Day Saints and a school by the town. In Circa 1885 a new rock church building was constructed on the corner of Main & Center Street; where a part of the Monroe Elementary Playground is located today. [This building is pictured at right] This old rock building was used until 1930, when it was sold to Melvin Forbush who turned it into a service/gas station. Later it was sold to C.C. Bell and he continued to operate it as a gas station, plus he added a garage and automobile sales agency. In March of 1966 the old rock church building caught fire and was completely destroyed. After the mess was cleaned up C.C. Bell donated the property to the school, and it became the younger children's playground. The bell that hung in the old rock church belfry now stands on a monument in the Monroe Lions Park.
Old LDS Rock Chapel
Old South Ward Chapel
Up until the year 1887 no LDS Ward had been organized in Monroe, so that year the Church Leadership organized a Bishop’s Ward in Monroe; with Dennis L. Harris as the first bishop. And that ward continued up until 1904 when it was split into two different wards, the Monroe North Ward, and the Monroe South Ward. Both of these wards continued to meet in the old rock building on Main Street. After several years the South Ward decided that they needed to build a new chapel. A lot was picked out, only a block
north of the old rock building, and constructionwas started. The very first meeting held in this new building was on August 25, 1914. This new church building featured a tower, and balcony, and was similar to the Richfield Tabernacle on the inside.
During February 1921 the Sevier Stake was split, and the South Sevier [Monroe] Stake was created. In 1929 construction was started on a new building for the Monroe North Ward, it was completed and first used in February 1930, but it was not dedicated until June 2, 1935, by Heber J. Grant. It featured a large frieze in the chapel that depicted the Savior in conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well [After the building was demolished this frieze was moved to the lobby of the Provo Temple]. After this building was completed the old rock building was no longer needed and then it was sold and became a gas/service station, as discussed earlier. The North Ward Chapel is pictured below.
During February 1921 the Sevier Stake was split, and the South Sevier [Monroe] Stake was created. In 1929 construction was started on a new building for the Monroe North Ward, it was completed and first used in February 1930, but it was not dedicated until June 2, 1935, by Heber J. Grant. It featured a large frieze in the chapel that depicted the Savior in conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well [After the building was demolished this frieze was moved to the lobby of the Provo Temple]. After this building was completed the old rock building was no longer needed and then it was sold and became a gas/service station, as discussed earlier. The North Ward Chapel is pictured below.
Old North Ward Chapel
Monroe LDS Stake Center
About 1956 it was decided that the Church built for the South Ward was no longer adequate for the needs of the wards that met there. It was torn down and the new South Sevier Stake House [Pictured at Left] was built on its location, this new Stake House was dedicated August 18, 1956. The building was remodeled in 1984 and 1985, and still stands on Main Street as the Monroe, Utah Stake House.
In 1980 the 1930’s Monroe North Ward Church building was torn down, and the current 1st and 4th ward building was built where it stood [Pictured at Right]. This building was remodeled and expanded in 1986, but has remained practically unchanged since then.
1 & 4 Wards Chapel
Other Churches and Chapels
The Monroe Methodist Church was constructed about 1888 on the west side of 1st West just north of Center Street. Reverent Mork, and Dr. Iliff were the first ministers, but the church was soon discontinued because of lack of membership, so the building was used as an overflow by the Monroe Public Schools. The building was bought by the owners of Thanksgiving Point several years ago, and when they tried to move it, it fell apart. But apparently they were able to save the bell tower and it is located somewhere at Thanksgiving Point.
Monroe Methodist Church
Monroe Presbyterian Church
Another early church in Monroe was the Presbyterian Church; in about 1880 it was established as a branch and they built a small log church that was later replaced [1884] by a rock building which still stands on the corner of 1st North and Main Street. Reverend Stoops was the first minister, and they established a private school; with Miss Wheeler and Miss Sanford as the first school teachers. The school was discontinued, and eventually the Church in 1926. The building was used at one time by Stringham Furniture, and then was left vacant, until it was remodeled into a home in 1972.