La Grande was founded in 1861 on this site. The first chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was erected in 1901 as a frame building measuring 34 by 60 feet and costing $2,100. A brick tabernacle was built in 1907, and the chapel became a recreational hall. Later, the church was moved to Fir Street near Y Avenue, renovated, and again used as a chapel. In 1929 a new recreational hall was built. The first church became the welfare center of Union Stake, a refuge for the hungry and a symbol of thrift for the wise.