Granger 2nd Ward
Granger 2nd Ward: A Year-by-Year History
1884
The original Granger Ward was organized on February 24, 1884, with 143 members. It was formed from portions of the Taylorsville and Brighton Wards in the North Jordan region.
1943
Due to population growth, Granger Ward was divided. On April 25, 1943, during a ward conference presided over by Elder Charles A. Callis, the Granger 2nd Ward was officially created with 783 members.
Merril L. Petersen was called as bishop (having served previously in the original ward), with Wendell A. Newman and Richard G. Bawden as counselors.
Ove L. Christensen was sustained as ward clerk, with his wife Beulah Christensen as assistant.
Both wards shared the same meetinghouse, with Granger 2nd holding meetings in the downstairs chapel.
Plans were initiated for constructing a new building, and a finance committee was formed to launch fundraising efforts through monthly assessments and community events like bazaars and carnivals.
1946
Bishop Petersen was released after moving to Plain City.
On December 1, 1946, Richard G. Bawden was sustained as bishop, with Wendell A. Newman and James H. Coats as counselors.
On February 24, 1946, the Christensens moved to Idaho. Asahel Eldredge and Floyd Bendixsen were sustained as ward clerk and assistant clerk, respectively.
1947
On January 12, 1947, the North Jordan Stake (the 162nd stake in the Church) was created during a stake conference held in the Hunter Ward. Granger 2nd Ward was now part of this newly formed stake.
Chapel plans were expanded to support both ward and stake activities.
Fundraising accelerated with renewed excitement.
On August 5, 1947, at 6:00 p.m., a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the new chapel site.
102 shade trees had already been planted on the property in 1944 under Church architect guidance.
President John D. Hill of North Jordan Stake spoke, along with Bishop Bawden and Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve, who emphasized Church infrastructure.
1947–1948
As construction progressed, the Granger community experienced a boom.
New grocery stores, recreation centers, and an outdoor theater opened.
A new junior high school—one of the most modern in the nation—was built just 1.5 miles from the chapel at a cost of $500,000.
Numerous new homes were constructed, signaling Granger’s growth as a commercial and cultural center.
1947
On November 16, 1947, Walter Rico was sustained as assistant clerk after Brother Bendixsen was called to the Stake High Council.
1949
On March 27, 1949, the first services in the new building were held, including Sunday School and Fast & Testimony meeting in the auditorium.
On April 10, 1949, regular services began in the new chapel.
Tile floors, plush carpets, pews, and draperies were gradually added to beautify the space.
On April 30, 1949, the first baptismal service in the new North Jordan Stake building took place at 6:00 p.m.
Joseph S. Bennion, stake patriarch, conducted.
Bishop Bawden led the meeting, with Richard Robison singing "Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning".
President John D. Hill gave remarks on the sacredness of baptism.
37 children from the stake were baptized in the new font.
Closing Reflection
The history of Granger 2nd Ward/North Jordan Stake (renamed to the Jordan North Stake House) is one of faith, unity, and growth. From humble beginnings and shared meeting spaces to the construction of a new chapel and community expansion, its members showed remarkable vision and devotion. The chapel they built became a beacon of gospel light—a symbol of the enduring strength of Latter-day Saints in the west side of the Salt Lake Valley.
Construction of the Granger 2nd and North Jordan Stake
Granger 2nd Ward & the North Jordan Stake