LDS Tabernacle 1946 – 2024
Welcome to this week’s edition of White Pine: Then & Now!
In this edition, we take a look at the old LDS Tabernacle and Ward House. Constructed in 1927, the building was the primary place of worship for LDS members in Ely. It was 19 years old when Burton Frasher of Pomona, California drove through the area and captured this photograph of it for possible publication and sale as a postcard through his business, Frasher’s Fotos. I’m not clear if the image ever actually ended up being used, but I do know that it was at least mocked up on a proof card. From what scant information I could find, this building remained in use by the LDS church until at least 1955 when a new church was constructed on Avenue E in East Ely. Based on comments from past and present residents, it does appear that the old church remained in use at least for most if not all functions for a number of years after the new church was constructed.
In the current photo, not much has changed at all in the 78 years since the original photo was taken. The most notable change is the lack of trees and shrubs around the building. The eagle-eyed observer will note that the stair railings on the front and side have also been changed. One not so obvious change is the bricked-over upper window on what is the main hall of the structure. Trees cover that window in the original photo so one can’t see if it was bricked-over in 1946. While no longer owned by the LDS church, the building is now known as the Centennial Fine Arts Center, is still in use and has recently seen some renovation work done to the exterior. The White Pine Community Choir Association currently owns and operates the structure as something of a community center and a practice facility for the choir.
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