Over a Century of Building

Over a Century of Building. . For 165 years, this humble plot of land served the citizens of Henefer well. , , In 1866, for the safety of the early settlers, a fort was built on the south end of this lot. The fort was constructed of logs, with port holes for defense, and covered about an acre of ground. Log homes, facing the center, were built inside the compound where a commons building was used for schooling and church services. , , In 1872 the townspeople disassembled the fort and built an adobe brick meetinghouse in its place. This building was constructed at a cost of $1,900.00 and was used as both a meetinghouse and schoolhouse for almost 30 years. , , In 1908 the town built a new schoolhouse in the center of town, and construction of a new frame church house began on the north end of this lot. This project took three years to complete, and the building was dedicated May 7, 1911. The original building supported a belfry which was struck by lightning in 1931 and had to be removed. , , Forty-four years later in 1955, as a means to accommodate the growing population of Henefer, the south wing of the frame church house was removed and a new two-story addition was added. The entire structure, including the frame chapel, was covered in bricks made from local red clay. This meetinghouse served as a gathering place for all the citizens of Henefer for more than 57 years before it's demolition in 2012. , , With the location of the LDS chapel moved to the north end of town. Henefer City, seeing the historical value, purchased this property and a new DUP museum and this historical park were constructed for all to enjoy.