The History of the Hunter LDS Church by Year

1848–1876: Early Settlement

1848–1849: Pioneers moved west of the Jordan River for grazing; some families lived in dugouts.
1876: Permanent settlement began after overcoming water scarcity.
1878: Joseph N. Morris dug the first irrigation ditch, enabling sustainable agriculture.

1880: Hunter voting precinct established, named after Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the LDS Church.
1881: Irrigation water arrived, bringing relief and stability to settlers.
1882: A Sunday School was organized in the area.
1883: Mutual Improvement Association (MIA) created for youth development.
1885: The first adobe church meetinghouse was planned and constructed.
1886: Hunter became a branch of the Church; John T. Evans was the first presiding priest.
1888 (Aug 26): Hunter became an official ward, with William Miller as bishop.
1888: Relief Society organized to serve the sick and needy.
1889: John Thomas Evans called as the first missionary from the ward.

1890: The Eldorado Branch was formed but dissolved by 1895.
1892: The ward acquired additional property to support its growing population.
1894: Joseph N. Morris replaced Alfred A. Jones as second counselor.
1899: Bishop William Miller was succeeded by Christopher E. Layton, who initiated a new ward house construction.

1912: The old adobe meetinghouse was demolished; a new building with classrooms was completed.
1920: Bishop Lorenzo Day was released after 18½ years of service, having led significant expansion.
1921: Freshwater lines were installed to the ward house and nearby school.
1923: The Oquirrh Stake was created, reflecting regional church growth.

1937: A metal water pipeline was installed with community support.
1938: Ernest E. Nielson became bishop; plans began for a new meetinghouse.
1939–1941: Meetinghouse construction began but faced WWII-related delays; services were held in the local schoolhouse.

1941: Recreation hall completed and temporarily used as a chapel.
1944: Bishop Nielson was released; construction efforts continued.
1947: Chapel completed and dedicated by Apostle Spencer W. Kimball. The building also served as the North Jordan Stake center.
1948: Former Bishop Nielson passed away; his funeral was the first held in the new chapel.
1949: A severe snowstorm halted meetings for a week, but the ward’s resilience was evident. Bishop E. Verne Breeze led both financial and spiritual growth, strengthening unity and facilities.

1950–1953: Following World War II, Hunter experienced a significant housing boom as returning veterans and young families sought new opportunities. Improvements in local infrastructure accelerated, and by 1950, the population had grown to 354 residents.
This number soon doubled and then tripled, transforming the once-rural area into a thriving suburban community. New homes sprang up throughout the ward, bringing an influx of families and renewed energy to church life.
1955–1960: As the infostructure blossomed, more families settled in Hunter.