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The Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ is photographed from University Avenue in downtown Provo on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.

Courtesy Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ

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A group of Boy Scouts stand inside the Meno Trope Hall auditorium during a 100-years celebration in March, 2024.

Courtesy Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ

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This photo from 2021 shows exterior stucco spalling at Meno Trope Hall in Provo.

Courtesy Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ

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A choir performs during the Meno Trope Hall 100-years celebration in March 2024.

Courtesy Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ

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There’s a lot of history in downtown Provo. And as more residents settle in to call the city their new home, work is underway to preserve some of its most precious landmarks.

Nestled at the corner of University Avenue and 200 North sits the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ. Attached to the A-framed structure of the church is Meno Trope Hall, which this year is celebrating 100 years.

Built in 1923 and dedicated in the spring of 1924, the design was based on the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture style. Church member Meno Trope donated $30,000 to fund construction.

The church and its building have played a significant role in the community by providing space for health screenings, social activities and more, and at one point it housed the first kindergarten in Utah County.

Today, Meno Trope Hall continues to be a cornerstone for fellowship through a wide range of events. But the aging building is in dire need of exterior and interior restorations.

Repair needs include stucco and brick restoration, window and exterior door replacements, waterproofing, foundation repair, and a new heating and air conditioning system. “It has no air conditioning at all. So, you know, come June, July, August, September, it’ll get over 95 degrees in that part of the building,” said David Lewis, church moderator and committee co-chair of Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo.

While much of the original construction and architecture remains, Meno Trope Hall exhibits a few refurbishments. The ground floor of the hall has undergone some modernizing upgrades, and the upstairs auditorium’s maple floor was replaced last year. The stage also was recently revamped to reference its design from the 1920s.

“We’re trying to bring back all the historic architectural elements that were kind of erased over the decades,” Lewis said.

However, it will take much more work to bring the historic hall back to its glory days. To commemorate the 100th anniversary, efforts are underway to gather 100 donors to raise $100,000 by the end of the year that will go toward vital restoration needs. Although, Lewis says with plans for further future upgrades and overall building expansion, costs ultimately could rise.

“The whole goal of the whole campus is to continue to be a worship center but also become a performing arts and art center,” said Kena Mathews, co-chair for Keeping the Faith in Downtown Provo.

More information on the campaign to restore, renovate and expand the building can be found at keepingthefaithprovo.org.

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