Phillips Smith Conwell

Meetinghouse for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Forest Glen

Builder

Kane

Completed

2015

Location

Forest Glen

Photographer

Kate Mathieson

Phillips Smith Conwell Architects were commissioned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (‘Mormon’ church) to provide design services to support the delivery of new meetinghouse facilities across SE QLD. Meetinghouses for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are dignified buildings which represent a beacon for the community. These facilities feature a chapel congregational space for 200-300 seated participates and also include classrooms, offices, a font for baptisms, a kitchen and a cultural hall with an indoor basketball court. The Cultural hall has a stage area for dramatic and musical productions. And the basketball court doubles for a dance floor or dining area, among other uses.

The aesthetic of these buildings display the classic themes associated with religious worship; including extensive glazing, the use of brick & natural stone and a prominent steeple. The physical design of Latter-day Saint chapels reflects Mormons’ depth of religiosity that goes beyond pulpit and pew. To be a member of a Mormon ward (or congregation) is to be part of a faith community that intersects weekly as a group and in smaller gatherings several other times throughout each week.

For Latter-day Saints, the church meetinghouse is a hub of religious and social life.