This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The roof on West Jordan's Rock Church wasn't built until six years after construction started in 1861.
And, it took a formal dance to raise the $10,000 needed to cover the building.
"When they built it, they didn't have enough money to put on the roof," said Patti Ayers, a captain with the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, which still uses the building today.
Another new roof, plus a handful of other much-needed repairs, will be coming to the historical site found on West Jordan's northeast border.
"We've addressed a couple of things over the years, but it needed a big shot in the arm," said Tom Steele, an assistant city manager.
That proverbial shot: $350,000 in repairs.
The Rock Church - it's also called Pioneer Hall - is sandwiched between a cemetery and a plumbing and heating company on 1140 W. and 7800 South.
Exterior walls are built of red sandstone, with granite blocks forming rectangles for doorways and windows.
No one wants to say goodbye to the building.
"The history that is in that building is just incredible," Ayers said.
Such as? It's the first area church built on the west side of the Jordan River, Ayers said.
Of note: the Daughters of Utah Pioneers - specifically the Archibald-Gardner Camp - has been involved with the building since 1937. That was the year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a 100-year lease to the organization.
That lease remains intact even though the building was deeded to West Jordan in the 1960s and the DUP still meets weekly at the site.
Funding for repairs came from three sources. The city obtained a $250,000 grant from the federal government, the Eccles Foundation added another $50,000 grant and the city pitched in $50,000.
The DUP is trying to raise another $100,000 for additional repairs. It has already passed the $10,000 mark.
Among the repairs, the city wants to see: a regrouted exterior and new windows.
Interior restoration will include replacing some of the plaster walls that have been damaged by a leaky roof. Ayers says a central-air system, sound system and new roof could be part of the deal as well.
If Ayers and others can raise more money, they plan to pay for a new sign, flagpoles and other extras.
"It kinda went into disrepair," Ayers said. "It just needs to be brought back to what it looked like."