A short drive up the mountain you can get a taste of history, a breath of cooler air and a little bit of religion at the Pine Valley Chapel.
Known as the oldest continuously operating chapel in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Pine Valley Chapel still holds services each week.
Pine Valley Chapel | A bit of history
According to the Washington County Historical Society of Utah web site, the Pine Valley Chapel came to fruition thanks to the foresight of settlers of the Pine Valley logging and sawmill community. The group wanted a multi-functional building. They wanted a church that could also function as a school and a place for community meetings. Eventually, the adjacent Tithing Office supplemented the building.
Ebenezer Bryce designed the structure itself. Bryce was a shipbuilder by trade. So when he went about designing the Pine Valley Chapel, he drew upon the only experience he knew. The attic is essentially the hull of a ship turned upside down. And while that’s not the most familiar style of design — either now or at that time — it has certainly lasted for the long haul.
The Pine Valley Chapel is built out of local pine and set on a foundation of granite and limestone. The walls were then constructed flat on the ground, then, when it came time to erect the Pine Valley Chapel, the walls were lifted up and tied at the corners with strips of rawhide.
The Pine Valley Chapel was completed in 1868. An interesting side note about the Pine Valley Chapel builder. Ebenezer Bryce later moved to Garfield County and Bryce Canyon National Park is named after him.
Pine Valley Chapel purpose
The pioneers used the Pine Valley Chapel for religious worship, as well as community meetings. And it was used as a school. The lower level was used for school and recreational activities. The second level was the chapel.
Today, the Pine Valley Chapel is open year round for Sunday worship services. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have church meetings each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Depending on the time of year, there is often a large crowd. During the busier summer season, crowds often overflow onto the lawn, enjoying televised services.
Those interested in seeing the Pine Valley Chapel up close can take part in regular tours of the structure. The tours take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except during church services on Sundays.
Other information
* The Pine Valley Chapel was once considered part of the St George Visitor’s Center Mission. However, it is now under local direction.
* Anne Smith Warren is believed to have brought the first organ to Pine Valley. She was the first music teacher in Pine Valley. Thanks to her training, many organists shared their talents with the Pine Valley Ward for years.
* The Pine Valley Chapel is located at an elevation of roughly 6,700 feet. This, along with the picturesque pine tree setting, makes for a cool mountain retreat especially during the blistering St. George summers.
* When dedicating the Pine Valley Chapel, Ebenezer Bryce is purported to have said the following: “If the floods come, it will float. If the winds come, it may roll over. It will never crash.”
* The Pine Valley Ward was organized in July 1867. William Snow was ordained as bishop by President Erastus Snow. John Hawley was first counselor. Second counselor was not chosen at that time.
* There is a smaller-scaled version replica of the Pine Valley Chapel located in This Is The Place Heritage Park.
* Pine Valley was reportedly discovered by Isaac Riddle. Riddle, along with Bill Hamblin (brother of Jacob Hamblin) were in charge of the mission cattle near Santa Clara, according to the St. George Temple Visitor Center information web site. They were moving the cattle north for summer grazing when one of the cattle strayed; Riddle went in search of the cow and came over the hills and down into the “lush green meadows of Pine Valley.”
Homes and cabins are available in and around the area of Pine Valley. Or, having a home in a nearby city allows access to Pine Valley for recreation. Check out great home listings here.