| Description |
Weber Stake Academy first opened its doors for instruction at the LDS Second Ward Meeting House on the corner of 26th Street and Grant Avenue on January 7, 1889. The academy's two teachers, Louis F. Moench and Edwin Cutler, welcomed nearly one hundred students on the first day, and, by the end of its first term, 195 students in all had registered for the school. This monograph depicts the role the LDS church and its leaders played in founding the school, the background of its first educators and administrators and the financial challenges they confronted in operating the school from 1889 through 1894. Letters of appreciation for Louis F. Moench and a bibliography of primary sources are also provided. |
| OCR Text |
Show 37 Chapter X The members of the Board of Education of the Weber Stake were determined to erect a building of their own and so on May 6, 1890 they resolved to purchase a lot on the east bench west of Lester Park for the Stake Academy. We got 80 1.2 feet front by 20 rods back for $8,500.1 Professor Moench on June 16, 1890. went to see President Shurtliff to present the plans for the new Academy. These had been drawn by Samuel Whitaker at the suggestion of Bro. Flygare. President Shurtliff felt highly pleased with them.2 It was suggested that Professor Moench visit some of the leading citizens of Ogden City, those of high financial standing. This he did but received no encouragement whatever, but rather discouragement. Karl G. Maesar, Superintendent of the L. D. S. Church schools attended, on June 19, 1890, a meeting of the Board of Education. He was well pleased and highly approved the plans as they had been prepared by me. He endorsed the arrangements and conveniences of them and thought they were the best he had ever seen.3 The matter of building the Academy was thoroughly discussed and it was the opinion of all that it should be erected immediately. Mr. Maeser was urged to use his influence that a liberal donation might be secured. He pledged himself to do this. Ways and means of raising the money to build the Academy were discussed. Professor Moench says that On June 24, by request of President Shurtliff I went to Salt Lake City in company with President and Bishop Stevens to visit President Woodruff on business pertaining to the Stake Academy. We had a hearing, showed our plans and received an appropriation of $5,000.4 1. Autobiography of Charles F. Middleton, Vol. III, May 6, 1890. 2. Historical Record Louis F. Moench, p. 247. 3. Idem, p. 248. 4. Idem, p. 249. |
