the property for a pittance was a travesty. While value of the building measured in dollars and cents was very small, its sentimental value could hardly be measured today. True, the architecture, both inside and out, would not appeal to people charmed with luxuries of an age corrupted with styles, fashions and hilarious living. The old building unmarred by coneshaped, stenciled, colored-glass windows and elaborage interior fixtures and decorations that characterized ancient Gothic architecture of sectarian churches today, was monument of Pioneer culture; an emblem of simplicity and honesty that characterized their way of life and spirit of the age in which it was erected to become a hallowed shrine to the faithful who worshipped there. Being ideally located, with moderate cost, the out dated structure could have been repaired, painted inside and out, equipped with sturdy seats, a desk, and pulpit reminiscent of its time to make it an ideal place for sons and daughters of our Pioneers to meet in an hour of service, reflect and pause to pay homage to noble men and women they honor. The grounds neatly parked with a well-kept lawn beautiful trees and shrubbery, would have been a fitting place to hold ward gatherings on special occasions, such as the Forth and Twenty-fourth of July, or for holding Church socials that could be held out of doors during favorable weather. This dream of "what could have been, " was shattered when property made sacred by toil of honest hands and dedicated to the service of worship years ago, passed from ward ownership. The most worthwhile things, after all, can be brought more impressively to the understanding by a contrast of the history and achievement of our illustrous forebearers with the frivolous, aimless, indefensible attitude that has engulfed this generation. From the time our ward was organized extending down to the present time and even before, while it functioned as a Branch, men of faith have been called to officiate at the head. Few if any, in the Church, have officiated longer in capacity of Bishop than either John A. Allred or James A. Slater, whose combined years of service in that high office, exceeded fourty-four years. Those who held the office in line of duty following James A. Slater are as follows: 1 Apr 1923 to March 4, 1928 25 June 1939 to December 14, 1947 Henry Rich - Bishop Victor J. Wheeler - Bishop Thomas W. Layman - counselor Wm. Floyd Knight - counselor Horace Holley - counselor Louis Edward Holley - counselor 4 Mar 1928 to June 25, 1939 E. Arnold Slater - Bishop Thomas W. Layman - counsel-on Clifford J. Smout - counselor Frederick W. Allred - counselor William Leonard Patterson-counselor 14 Dec 1947 to Man 11, 1954 Harold O. Slater - Bishop Julian Powell - counselor Leonard Meyerhoffer - counselor -98- 11 Mar 1954 to 18 Dec 1960 Coy F. Gardner - Bishop Arthur L. Wheeler - counselor Orvil Holley - counselor John J. Lucas - counselor 18 Dec 1960 to 2 Mar 1969 Orvil Holley - Bishop John J. Lucas - counselor Ursel Allred - counselor Jack Tippetss - counselor 2 Mar 1969 to 24 Aug 1975 Ronald R. Smout - Bishop Julian M. Powell - counselor Arthur L. Wheeler - counselor Stephen Slater - counselor Dean Slater - counselor 24 Aug 1975 to Arnold I. Slater - Bishop Dean Slater - counselor Virgil Howe - counselor E. Donald Cottam- counselor (See Fig. 8-2) The people of the Slaterville community, realizing that the present chapel was becoming inadequate began plans for a new building. In 1956 building fund dinners were held every two or three months and at the end of 1956 the ward building fund had $10,000 in the account. On 26 May 1957 it was proposed and voted unanimously that Slaterville would build a new chapel. During the next several years many events were held to build up the total of the building fund. Finally, on 12 Oct 1965, the presiding Bishop John H. Vandenburg and Elder Thomas S. Monson, of the council of the Twelve Apostles met with Slaterville and Marriott Bishoprics concerning plans for (when & where to build) our new chapel. In March 1966 four acres of ground was purchased for the new chapel at a cost of $2,250.00 an acre. This property is located on 250 N., east of Ursel Allred' home. Acceleration of building fund projects began. The different projects promoted much friendship and brotherly love among the ward members. Ground breaking ceremonies for the new chapel were held on 17 June 1967. Elder Mark E. Peterson of the counsel of twelve presided with Bishop Clarence L. Buck of the Marriott Ward conducting. The dedication prayer was given by Elder Mark E. Peterson. There were approximately 300 people in attendance. (See Fig. 8-3) During the month of August, 1967, the ward members worked on the trusses for the new chapel and made $1150.00 for the building fund. Many men and women turned out to hammer nails. There had to be a certain number of nails in each connection. Many went home with sore arms but happy, content hearts was their medicine. Our first meeting was held in our new chapel on 31 March 1968, in the form of a fast and testimony meeting. This was held jointly with Marriott Ward members. There were 450 people present. -99-