Wilshire Ward

This lovely building is the Wilshire Ward, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Los Angeles. The structure was designed by Harold W. Burton in 1928, and it was finished and dedicated in 1929. At the time the church was built, it was quite the showplace. Special attention was paid to the details: soaring tower, architectural motifs, beautiful woodwork, and stunning stained glass windows. Mormon churches aren't generally known for their stained glass windows- but in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many LDS churches had simple stained glass. Since this building was meant to serve as a meeting house for several congregations, it was larger and more ornate than most. Fortunately, although the neighborhood has fallen into, shall we say kindly, hard times, the church itself is as beautiful and majestic as ever. (Click on the layout for a closer view!)

When Bruce and I were first married, we lived in Hollywood. The Wilshire Ward was where we came for our Stake Conferences (twice yearly multi-congregation conferences), and where we attended workshops and special events. When Bruce sang with the Southern California Mormon Choir, they held their weekly rehearsals there. I've only been back a handful of times in the past 15 years or so, and one of those times was May 7, when my nieces Sarah & Emily invited me to attend a Women's Conference there, where Sarah gave a wonderful presentation on her business. Of course, I had my camera close by, and was able to shoot some nice pictures of one of my favorite churches in the world.