History of the Logan Tabernacle
A legacy built by pioneer hands, strengthened by faith, and preserved through generations. Dedicated August 25, 2024, still standing as a place of gathering, music, and community.
A House of Worship, Community, and Legacy
The Logan Tabernacle is more than a building it is the story of Cache Valley’s people, their faith, determination, and the generations who gathered here long before the valley became what it is today.
From Frontier Wilderness to Settled Valley
Cache Valley’s recorded history begins in 1824 when Jim Bridger first visited. One year later, fur trappers and explorers Peter Skeen Ogden and James Beckworth reported seeing two large herds of buffalo.
In 1855, a group led by Bryant Stringham entered the valley with approximately 2,000 cattle. They encountered the Shoshone, who used the valley only during summer. As winter came early and deep snow set in, Stringham’s group drove their cattle through Wellsville Canyon toward Brigham City. By the time they arrived, only 420 of the original herd survived, and William Garr lost both of his feet to frostbite.
Despite this experience, settlement continued. In 1856, Brigham Young sent Peter Maughan to establish permanent residency in the valley. The pioneers entered on September 15, 1856, building Maughan’s Fort in what is now Wellsville. By 1859, Providence, Mendon, Logan, Smithfield, and Richmond were established—only Logan was not a walled fort.
The Call To Build
Plans, Foundations, and a Growing Vision
In December of 1864, Apostle Ezra T. Benson called a special meeting to discuss the construction of a tabernacle. The next summer, ground was broken and a cobblestone foundation measuring 60’ x 106’ was laid. Progress slowed when the superintendent, Bishop Preston, was called to serve a mission in England.
Brigham Young visited the valley in 1873 and encouraged construction of a larger 65’ x 130’ tabernacle.
The cobblestone foundation was removed, limestone was brought from Green Canyon and above Hyde Park, sandstone for window ledges hauled from Franklin, lumber from Logan Canyon, and lime was produced locally.
In 1874, the Church purchased the 8.1-acre block at Center and Main—where the tabernacle still stands today—for $40.50, or $5.00 an acre. By 1876, the basement, exterior walls, and main roof were complete.
Interrupted for the Temple, Then Finished with Purpose
In May 1877, Brigham Young designated the site for the Logan Temple. Skilled workers from the tabernacle were reassigned to the temple project. A well-known photo taken in 1880 shows the unfinished tabernacle with a temporary pitched roof and the temple behind it under construction.
One of the memorable features the balcony was completed in 1881.
Many remember sitting near the open windows, enjoying fresh air, watching for birds or squirrels, and doing their best not to get into trouble during long sermons.
After the temple dedication in May 1884, construction resumed on the tabernacle. In November 1891 twenty-six years after the first foundation was dug the Logan Tabernacle was completed and dedicated by Church President Wilford Woodruff.
Education, Music, and Community Life
Cache Valley’s recorded history begins in 1824 when Jim Bridger first visited. One year later, fur trappers and explorers Peter Skeen Ogden and James Beckworth reported seeing two large herds of buffalo.
In 1855, a group led by Bryant Stringham entered the valley with approximately 2,000 cattle. They encountered the Shoshone, who used the valley only during summer. As winter came early and deep snow set in, Stringham’s group drove their cattle through Wellsville Canyon toward Brigham City. By the time they arrived, only 420 of the original herd survived, and William Garr lost both of his feet to frostbite.
Despite this experience, settlement continued. In 1856, Brigham Young sent Peter Maughan to establish permanent residency in the valley. The pioneers entered on September 15, 1856, building Maughan’s Fort in what is now Wellsville. By 1859, Providence, Mendon, Logan, Smithfield, and Richmond were established—only Logan was not a walled fort.
A Legacy Preserved for Future Generations
Today, the Logan Tabernacle continues to welcome all who enter standing as a testament to the sacrifice, craftsmanship, and faith of those who built it.