LDS Water Tower Branch building in Ogden reopens after renovations

Ogden, Utah (ABC4) — After renovations and repurposing, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints open the doors to the Water House Tower Branch meetinghouse in Ogden.

Constructed in 1917, this meetinghouse was designed specifically to cater toward members of the church who are deaf. With heightened floors, more lighting, and a design that allows everyone to see service at the front of the room, the meetinghouse was built with belonging in mind.

“In a place where there is little hope, we offer hope.”
Elder Evan A. Schmutz, Emeritus General Authority

Area Seventy Elder Jason C. Jensen explained, “This is the the trunk, if you to call it that. And all the branches today started here basically today we have over 25 deaf branches throughout the world, seven of them are here in the Utah area.”

Since the 90’s the meetinghouse also houses the correctional branches, serving people who have come out of incarceration. It serves as an outreach to people to help turn their lives around and find meaning the in the church’s teachings. The meetinghouse serving two communities that may feel they are in the margins, being shown they belong.

Elder Jensen expressed, “It’s just such a testament to everyone belongs. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, whether you’re deaf or your hearing, blind, or incarcerated or free. You belong.”

General Authority Elder Evan A. Schmutz told ABC4 in all the places of worship he’s experienced, he feels the spirit especially strong in the outreach of correctional branches. He detailed, “It’s rare that I have felt the spirit of love and of welcome in as I have done in the correctional branches, including the Water Tower Branch of this system. And so for that, I’m very grateful.”

Sunday’s open house included a lesson on the building’s history with ALS interpreters as well as a tour.