This magnificent stone building was completed April 1889 and dedicated on May 5, 1889. In preparation for the dedication ceremony, which attracted approximately 1.300 people, an article in the Wasatch Wave published on May 4, 1889 admonished readers that, "Conference visitors are expected to clean their feet before entering the building and leave their knives and pencils and tobacco at home."
The building cost was $30,000.00 and was constructed completely with voulunteer service, donations and labor by the people who would worship there - the members of the LDS Church - known as "Mormons." The Wasatch Stake Tabernacle could seat 1,500 and served as a place for the Saints to gather for spiritual and temporal purposes. The tabernacle is built with red sandstone that was quarried from the Lake Creek area east of Heber. Originally, the tabernacle was heated by four potbelly stoves, one in each corner. Additions were made in 1928 and 1954.
In the early 1960's, local church leaders made the decision to tear down the tabernacle and to build a new stake center in its place. The decision was made public in July of 1964. This brought about a load outcry state-wide from those who favored perservation of historic buildings, as well as Wasatch County residents. The issue divided the entire commuinty, particularly when the destuction became imminent. Because of a groundswell of public sentiment and lobbying on behalf of historic preservation, the Tabernacle was saved.
Today, the building is known as the Heber City Tabernacle and houses the Heber City administative offices. The City Council meets on the top floor. A collection of artifacts belonging to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers are on display on the main floor. THe building is approximantely 95 feet and one inch in hieght and 48 feet and 11 inches in length. The bell tower rises still higher and the bell is still functional.
This information was taken from the Historic Heber City Our Heritage; Our History Pamphlet distributed by www.gohebervalley.com