A historical marker was unveiled on Sept. 9 at the historic North Branch Meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to honor generations of Lehi memories, according to a report published Sept. 18.
Residents and friends gathered at 1150 N. 500 West for the program, which was led by Historic Preservation Commission member Dan Olds. The ceremony honored the people who built the structure, the families who used it for generations, and those currently working to restore it.
During the program, Gary and Rhea Lewis shared family history related to the building. Gary is the great-grandson of Henry Lewis, the first bishop of the Lehi Third Ward, while Rhea is the great-granddaughter of Jackson Wanlass, Henry’s first counselor.
Gary shared stories regarding his great-grandfather, who served as Lehi’s first professional undertaker. Rhea noted that her great-grandparents held their wedding celebration at the meetinghouse and mentioned she was blessed in the building 88 years ago.
Zeb and Jami Ray of Jami Ray Vintage discussed their acquisition and restoration of the building. After their Main Street shop lease was ending, the couple purchased the meetinghouse and completed renovations over nine months. Their work included opening a wall to reveal the original stage and arch and preserving the original maple floors.
Lehi Mayor Paul Binns closed the program by stating that the marker provides an opportunity to look back and remember. The marker was unveiled by current Lehi Third Ward bishop Brett Nielson and former bishops.
The North Branch Meetinghouse was built in 1894 and features Victorian Gothic architecture with stone from the Lake Mountains. It served railroad workers and families in west Lehi and housed the Lehi Third Ward from 1903 to 1953. This is the 23rd marker in the Lehi Historical Society’s Historical Marker Program.
