Swan Valley chapel to be rebuilt

The Ririe Idaho Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the church will work with local leadership to replace the Swan Valley Chapel with a unique design for a new building. Stake Public Affairs Director Sharon D. Parry said church leadership recognized the Swan Valley chapel not only served a local congregation of around 125 people but a larger vacation population of 450 to 550 more. The new chapel will be built to accommodate those visitors and also serve as a community gathering place. Its design will feature fewer classrooms, just one set of ecclesiastical offices, and a large overflow for tourist season visitors. The original 67-year-old church building burned to the ground in a December fire. Demolition of the old building has not yet started. Construction plans aren’t expected to be finalized for another 18 to 24 months. Parry said the congregation was “delighted” with the decision and thrilled to know a new building will again become a community center.