Construction of the first L.D.S. Church in Salina began in 1864, with rocks hauled from a quarry two miles away and stonecutter Soren Neilson supervising the work. When the structure had been built up to the square, the people used it as a fort. Because of the Black Hawk War, the building was not completed until 1871. Its one large room, 64 x 32 feet, was later divided, and it served the community for church, school, and other gatherings. A bell called the people together on every occasion.