Rexburg in Madison County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Rexburg's First School and Meetinghouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2019
1. Rexburg's First School and Meetinghouse Marker
The first settlers arrived in the spring of 1883. These settlers were willing to neglect their own home building long enough to build a community meetinghouse. A log building, thirty by sixth feet, built at a cost of $8500, was erected on this site. A high board fence surrounded the building, with roofed stalls along one side to accommodate traveler's horses. The first meeting was held October 17, 1883.
Education was soon underway with school starting in late December 1883. Thomas E. Bassett and Sarah Ann Barnes were the first teachers in the ungraded school. They were paid in produce. Settlers had brought readers and educational material with them which they donated to the school. Children often stayed home when the weather was good to help their parents with the work.
At a stake conference held April 26, 1884, the meetinghouse was dedicated; and the Rexburg First Ward was organized with Thomas E. Ricks Jr. appointed bishop.
Classes were held in the First Ward Building during the first years of the Bannock Stake Academy which later became Ricks College.
Erected 1990 by Daughters
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 26, 1884.
Location. 43° 49.461′ N, 111° 46.693′ W. Marker is in Rexburg, Idaho, in Madison County. Marker is on South 2nd East near East 1st South, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 71 East 2nd East, Rexburg ID 83440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Tithing Barn Block (approx. ¼ mile away); Ricks College (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Teton Dam Flood Marker (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Honor of the Rexburg Stake Pioneers (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rexburg Tabernacle Centennial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pioneer Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hitching Post (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brigham Young University - Idaho (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rexburg.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2019
2. Rexburg's First School and Meetinghouse Marker
Marker hidden in the shadows.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
