On Friday, August 22, members of the Malad Stake Presidency were given a tour of the church building known as the Old Stake Building, located across the street from Malad Elementary School, that has been undergoing extensive remodeling for the past eight months.  With the remodeling project almost completed, general contractor Jason Thompson of Garland, provided information about the building’s condition. 

While the project is nearing completion, Thompson noted that a lot of work still needs to be done although he is hoping his crew will complete their part of the job in the next few days.  Then replacement of tables, chairs, pictures, file cabinets, room decorations, and other things currently just stacked in classrooms and offices will start.  Extensive cleaning will also be needed before the building is usable, but Stake President David Jensen is hopeful that meetings will be able to be held in the building beginning the first part of September.  The exact date for Sacrament Meetings to be held again in the Old Stake Building is still to be determined.

Built in 1953, the building served multiple wards and as the Stake Building until the New Stake Building was dedicated in 2001.  When the building was closed for this remodeling project, three wards (3rd, 6th, and 7th) were using the building for meetings.  For the past eight months, 7th Ward has met in the Stake Center, 3rd Ward has met in the 2nd Ward (next to City Park), and 6th Ward combined with the 4th Ward to form the temporary “10th Ward,” also meeting in the 2nd Ward.

Even before the interior remodeling project began in January, roof repairs were made and the parking lot was refinished.

Jason noted that the entire interior of the building has been painted, bringing a fresh look to every room. Some repairs will need to be made to the wooden doorframes that have been damaged since the original light wood finish was replaced with dark varnish in 1985. The carpets have all been replaced, a project that was long overdue; the new carpet smell greets visitors. 

The HVAC system has been overhauled, which will keep the building consistently warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Although a major unseen project, the HVAC project in the basement was one of the most needed. Asbestos was removed from throughout the building, a project that took longer than expected because there was more asbestos than originally thought.

Probably the biggest visible improvement in the building is the remodel of the chapel. The pews in the chapel have been upholstered in maroon and blue brocade-type fabric, which means the pews are more attractive and comfortable than in the past.  The fabric color matches the maroon color of the new choir seats.  The choir seats replace the old seats that were original to the building. Jason just happened to learn that choir seats with the right upholstery were going to be thrown out; he was able to salvage them and mount them in the podium area. While there are only 17 choir seats, adjustments can be made if groups need more space (like for Primary programs).

The podium area in the chapel underwent major remodeling with all new wooden furnishings installed. Pews have replaced chairs for bishopric members and speakers. The sacrament table has been permanently installed on the left side of the podium. Ramps with handrails on either side of the podium area provide accessibility to the podium for those who are not able to climb steps. The new stand, furniture, and arrangement in the podium area enhance the look of the chapel.

The baby grand piano and the refurbished organ will now both be on the podium area, similar to the arrangement in the Stake Center. Facing each other, the piano and organ can much more easily be accessed for congregational singing, special musical numbers, and choirs.  Because of the multiple moves of these sensitive instruments to get them out of the way and then bring them back in, both instruments need work before they are usable. The piano had to be turned on its side to be carried out the doors and into the cultural hall for temporary storage. The organ’s electronic connections have been damaged and will require the services of an organ technician before it can be used.  It is hoped that both instruments will be repaired before meetings commence.

One of the unique changes in the chapel area is a gate in the middle of the wall between the chapel and the cultural hall.  While the dividing curtains still can be hooked together when the gate is closed, the gate will allow much easier access between the two rooms.

The fresh, new look of the Old Stake Building will greet members and visitors when the building is ready to be used. The project has taken slightly longer than anticipated, but the wait will be deemed worth it when the remodeled building is back in use.