The Lehi Historical Society scheduled the unveiling of its 23rd historical marker for the North Branch Meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., according to a report published September 7.
The free public event at 1150 N. 500 West is intended to celebrate the building that once served the heart of Lehi’s railroad community.
The 132-year-old structure was constructed in 1894 to serve families in the community northwest of Lehi, an area known as the New Survey, Over the Creek, and Lehi Junction. This neighborhood was comprised of railroad workers, miners, and laborers.
Organized on Oct. 1, 1893, under Thomas R. Jones, the North Branch initially held services at the Franklin School. Local masons Andrew Fjeld and Charles Ohran designed and built the chapel, which features Victorian Gothic elements such as decorative brick corbeling and pointed arch windows. Limestone used for the foundation was quarried from Zion’s Hill in the Lake Mountains.
As the congregation grew, the building underwent a major addition in 1917 that nearly doubled its size. The site served as the Lehi Third Ward under Bishop Henry Lewis after Lehi was divided into four wards in 1903. The congregation worshipped there until 1953, when a new meetinghouse was completed one block to the east.
The scheduled program includes historical insights and personal memories shared by Gary and Rhea Lewis. Zeb and Jami Ray of Jami Ray Vintage are set to discuss their restoration efforts regarding the building, and Lehi City Mayor Paul Binns will conclude the program.
A short, guided tour of the building will be offered following the unveiling.
The unveiling provides a chance for the community to see one of Lehi’s surviving historic buildings and honor the generations of families who used the space for worship, weddings, funerals, and social gatherings.
