Unsung piece of heaven alive Providence
Something old turned into something new.
The familiar phrase describes the Providence Inn Bed and Breakfast and Old Rock Church.
Known mainly to northern Utah locals and a few tourists, Providence Inn and the Old Rock Church offers a romantic getaway or the beginning to any romance.
The impressive stone meeting house, nestled in the quiet town of Providence, lays a special place in history.
“When you stay here, you become a part of history,” said Carl Seethaler, the owner for 11 years. “Because it’s a part of history.”
The Old Rock Church is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places in recognition of its “architectural and historical significance and to encourage its preservation.”
A plaque hanging inside the Providence Inn states, “On this site in 1897, nothing happened.”
“We’ve got so much history here, we’ve got to offset it,” Seethaler said.
Its rich history goes back to the early settlement of Cache Valley. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the valley in 1856. Construction of the “Rock Meeting House” began in 1869. It was completed in 1897, 13 years before the Logan Temple was dedicated and 22 years before the dedication of the Salt Lake City temple.
Besides serving as an LDS chapel for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the building was an early focal point for recreation and entertainment, a social hall, theater and community center for all of Cache Valley. Having the finest dance floor in the valley, it was famous for its all-night dances. It also had the valley’s finest stage, proscenium, paintings and curtain. Many boast that some of the best actors from Salt lake City came to perform here.
In 1926, a wing was added to the Old Rock Church. It was constructed in Georgian style. It held an LDS bishop’s office, kitchen, relief society meeting room and sunday school room.
In 1968, the LDS Church sold it. Since then it has changed ownership twice, each owner making contributions toward maintenance and remodeling.
From 1968 through 1979, it was owned and operated by Dennis and Edith Carlsen. They constructed the winding staircase in the chapel.
It couldn’t have been designed better for a wedding, Seethaler said about the remodeled chapel.
He feels the bride should take advantage of walking down the elegant staircase.
“It’s the moment of glory,” he said.
Yet, he notes the bride always acts like she’s going to a track meet.
“It happens so fast, they can’t remember it,” he said.
From 1979 to 1993, Cliff and Elaine Mayfield took ownership of the premises. They continued the reception business and did extensive remodeling to create a residential care facility for the elderly. They converted the massive attic into rooms.
The current owner also has contributed to its renovation and remodeling. Having long been interested in the welfare of the Old Rock Church, Seethaler purchased the property in September of 1993, in large measure to circumvent controversy of what should become of it and to save the building. He has done extensive remodeling to overcome structural problems and for aesthetic appeal.
Elizabeth Rogers, an interior designer from what was then the College of Family Life, was brought in. She specialized in historical restoration. Everything from design to colors had been directed from her. Swatches of paint were spread upon the wall for observation under all conditions: cloudy, sunny, day and night. After several more weeks the exact color – neutral – was found for the chapel.
Moving from the chapel, design was coordinated throughout the building. From the parlor to 17 rooms, themes include: a Bridal and Honeymoon Suite to Victorian or New Orleans (king-sized rooms) or Van Gogh or Monet’s Garden (queen-sized rooms.) Their prices range from $65 to $179.
Each room has a jetted tub, with a top-of-the-line bed and TV and VCR.
“A pretty wife and two remote controls, what more does a man need?” quoted a guest in a pamphlet.
Some rooms even have their own fireplaces.
When asked what her favorite room was, Trina Vanderlow, the assistant manager, said it was the Mediterranean Palms.
Why?
“Probably because I designed it,” she said.
It offers a taste of the Mediterranean with its palm decor.
“One doesn’t have to travel all the way to Italy, when you can just stay here,” Seethaler said.
He tells all his guests they have to come back 17 times to get a feel of all the rooms, he said.
Nina Despain, the general manager, has many favorite things about working at the Providence Inn and Old Rock Church. One are the people who come and go from all over the world, she said.
She also loves “the guests who come back and call it home.”
Seethaler feels the Providence Inn and Old Rock Church are a Cache Valley treasure.
“People are really missing out if they don’t stay here,” he said.
More information can be found on the Web site www.providenceinn.com, or by calling 752-3482 or 1-800-480-4943.
Besides this historical landmark, there are numerous others around the valley, including: Oneida State Academy, in Preston, Idaho, the Wellsville Tabernacle, the Logan Courthouse, 200 North and Main, the Old Train Depot – which is now Cafe Sabor, St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Whittier Community Center at 290 N. 400 East.
-acbailey@cc.usu.edu