Weber Stake Academy

Weber Stake Academy. , In response to directions from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to provide institutions for both secular and religious learning, the leaders of the Weber Stake, under the direction of President Lewis W. Shurtliff and assisted by Counselor Charles F. Middleton, organized a Stake Board of Education on September 10, 1888. Original members of the board were: Lewis W. Shurtliff, Charles F Middleton, Nels C. Flygare, David McKay, Louis F. Moench, Robert McQuarrie, Joseph Stanford and Thomas J. Stevens. Lewis W. Shurtliff was elected President of the Board with Joseph Stanford as Secretary. , , Louis F. Moench, a German-born educator, was appointed the academy's first principal and following his return from Europe in December of 1888, the academy observed its opening at ceremonies held January 7, 1889 in the L.D.S. Second Ward meeting house on 26th and Grant Avenue; with two teachers and ninety-eight students enrolled. Soon outgrowing the facility, the academy moved to the Ogden Tabernacle for a brief period in 1890 and in 1891 moved into the school's first permanent structure, later known as the Moench Building, on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Ogden. , , The academy's initial offerings in preparatory, intermediate and academic courses were broadened over the years to include high school and normal courses as well as classes in music, domestic arts and sciences, manual training, mechanic arts and commercial courses. A close and continuing relationship was established between the institution and the community with night school and special courses designed to meet the needs of area residents.