sketchclub.net: The El Paso Sketch Club: The 1931 First Ward Mormon Church

This is a beautiful, well loved Church building erected in 1930-1931, and according to period newspapers is the first Mormon Church building of "its kind and proportions" in the state of Texas. The plans were drawn by El Paso architect Guy Lewis Fraser. Fraser describes the design as a Spanish architectural style, and it is very handsome indeed. I would describe the design as a Mission Revival/Spanish blend, featuring a stampede of Mission parapets and wonderful arches, especially along a beautiful renaissance arcade at the front of the building.

The erection was to cost $40,000, according to the building permit, which was secured by Bishop A.L. Pierce in October 1930; however at completion the price tag was $75,000. The contractor was C.E. McClellan. Dedication of the ground was performed by President Harry L. Payne of the St. Joseph Stake, headquartered in Safford, Arizona, on Sunday the 26th of October. Ground was broken by Mormon Church historian Andrew Jensen from Salt Lake City.

The building was completed and its dedication services held on May 24, 1931. Dedication was officiated by Heber J. Grant, the President of the Mormon Church. At the time of completion, the Church had a membership of about 500 people.

The completion of this building was an historical milestone for the Mormon Church in El Paso. Up to 1918, there were only a handful - less than 25 - Mormons in the area. The Mexican Revolution drove hundreds of Mormon people as refugees northward into ELP from Mexico, and then after settling, they met in homes and rented halls until this chapel was dedicated.

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Text, research and modern photography provided to Sketchclub.net Mark Stone, citing period newspaper articles accessed at newspapers.com