 |
|
CHAPEL BY THE WAYSIDE: WHY IT STILL STANDS |
|
 |
Pictured: Land Authority board members touring the interior of the Chapel by the Wayside. |
|
As we move forward with construction of new infrastructure and buildings at The Point, we wanted to reflect on the site’s past. What is the last remaining building at the site from its days as the Utah State Prison and why is it there? The reason provides a compelling story of human resilience and grit.
In May 2022 with demolition of the decades-old prison facilities actively underway, the Point of the Mountain State Land Authority (Land Authority) unanimously voted to preserve just one building at The Point: the Wasatch Chapel, also known as the Chapel by the Wayside. The board’s decision was the culmination of a years-long effort to collaborate with the Utah State Historical Society, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Preservation Utah, the Draper Historical Society, and other key stakeholders.
Board members and staff met regularly with these stakeholder groups and toured the chapel to understand its significance. Board members carefully considered how best to preserve the building for future generations as an appropriate aspect of the site’s history that reflected the redemptive opportunities provided to inmates during their stay. |
|
A LEGACY OF REDEMPTION AND RESILIENCE |
|
 |
(University of Utah collection) Utah Gov. George Clyde, at the construction of the Utah State Prison's Chapel by the Wayside, June 18, 1958. |
|
In early February 1957, Utah’s new penitentiary in Draper made national headlines when 511 inmates staged a revolt. The inmates took several hostages, including members of the Granger Second Ward basketball team, to demand better living conditions. Among the prisoners’ 43 grievances sent to Governor George Clyde was an earnest request: “a real chapel.”
In response, Governor Clyde launched a statewide campaign to gather private funds for the chapel's construction, sparking a powerful outpouring of support from Utahns from all walks of life. Residents across the state contributed, with donations flooding in from social clubs, local churches and community events. This truly remarkable feat of a community coming together was a testament to the human spirit and the yearning many of us have to be given a second chance.
Built by inmates with funds raised entirely through community support, the Chapel represented a remarkable feat: a $130,000 project completed for less than a quarter of the cost. Moreover, no state funds were ever used or even requested; construction was completely funded by the outpouring of donations from businesses, religious organizations and the surrounding communities. |
|
A PLACE OF HEALING AND PEACE |
|
 |
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Inmates perform in the chapel at the Utah State Prison in Draper in 2017. The state plans to preserve this worship space when the prison relocates. |
|
For over six decades, the Chapel by the Wayside has served as a place of worship, learning, and community service, symbolizing the inmates’ craftsmanship and Utahns’ generosity. Completed in 1961, the chapel became a multi-faith sanctuary, welcoming clergy and volunteers from Catholic, LDS, Protestant, Episcopal, and Jewish traditions. The building and activities occurring within it came to embody the community’s shared vision as a place for healing and reflection within prison walls. Consequently, hundreds of inmates have recounted over the years that the chapel was a place where they had felt the most at peace during their incarceration.
The Chapel by the Wayside stands as a lasting tribute to Utah's commitment to second chances and transformation, a powerful reminder of what community, faith, and collaboration can achieve. As plans move forward to preserve the Chapel, it will continue to inspire future generations and add value to our collective heritage as Utahns. The Land Authority’s forward-thinking approach has struck the right balance, giving current and future generations of Utahns a way to experience and enjoy an important aspect of the site even as it’s being transformed into Utah’s Innovation Community. |
|
|
|
 |
FOX13’s Dan Evans joined by Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson and Co-Chair Lowry Snow. |
|
|
|
 |
The Point’s Director of Operations Don WIllie at CCIM. |
|
This month our team had an opportunity to present at a number of important events, including the CCIM, Utah Chapter monthly luncheon. The Point Operations Director Don Willie presented The Point’s detailed phase I development plans to a packed room of commercial real estate experts. CCIM members gained valuable insights into The Point as an economic driver for the Wasatch Front region and the state of Utah. |
|
|
|
2024 Utah Transportation Conference November 5-7 The Utah Transportation Conference brings together hundreds of transportation industry professionals for three days of rich learning experiences and an abundance of networking opportunities. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Urban Valley Growth & Prosperity Summit November 7 The Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit is an annual event co-hosted by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and Utah Valley University. This one-of-a-kind event features several panels that address Utah County’s biggest issues and opportunities. Panels include topics such as: business environment, workforce development, transportation & infrastructure, water, housing, healthcare, natural resources, and education.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Utah Life Sciences Summit November 14 Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where industry leaders and professionals come together to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of life sciences in Utah. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, learn from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of life sciences. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silicon Slopes Summit January 13-17 Immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where industry leaders and professionals come together to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the future of life sciences in Utah. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues, learn from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of life sciences. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
