CLINTON, UTAH
Larry Stokes, a resident of Kanesville, Utah, likes to collect vintage items but rarely does his personal family history become intertwined with his collectibles. Brother Stokes is the proprietor of the old meetinghouse in Clinton, Utah, located about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City and was dedicated as an LDS meetinghouse in 1910. In February of this year, he celebrated the building's 100-year history, a part of which they both share.
Sold by the Church to the city of Clinton in 1974, the old Clinton meetinghouse changed hands a few times over its lifetime. Over the years, it served not only as a ward building but also as a community center, dance studio, craft business and wedding reception center. In 1992, the Stars dance company put the meetinghouse up for sale. It immediately attracted the attention of Brother Stokes.
"When I first saw the building, I knew I had to have it," he said. So he went to work investigating the history of the property beginning with the Church Architectural Department.
"I approached some Church architects about the building, and they were surprised it was still standing," said Brother Stokes. "They sent a team to take a look at it and declared the meetinghouse 'the finest remaining example of prairie architecture in the western United States.' That's when I decided to buy."
Excited about his purchase, Brother Stokes continued to investigate the property and made some fascinating discoveries. In some historical documents, he came across the name of William E. Stokes, the first missionary for the Church from Clinton. "I didn't realize it at first, but I later found out William E. Stokes was my great-grandfather," said Brother Stokes. It was exciting news and soon other historical information began to surface. A member of the old Clinton Ward brought Brother Stokes a 1912 photograph of a Clinton Ward performing group called, "The Old Timers." In the photo he recognized his grandfather, Archie Stokes. "When I purchased the meetinghouse, I had no idea that the life of this building would somehow be linked to the lives of my family," Brother Stokes said.
Since purchasing the meetinghouse 18 years ago, Brother Stokes has spent his time and money restoring it to its original splendor. He hopes his personal efforts will protect the history of the Clinton meetinghouse and allow future generations to enjoy its rich history.
e-mail: rmorgenegg@desnews.com
