Summit stake was organized on July 9, 1877, with William W. Cluff, George G. Snyder, and Alma E. Eldridge in the presidency. In 1879 ground was broken for a tabernacle designed and built by Thomas L. Allen, with plans approved by church architect Truman O. Angell. Franklin D. Richards laid the cornerstone on August 7, 1879. The building was constructed of native lumber and Oregon red pine, secured with 1/2 inch bolts, and 600,000 bricks made in Coalville. About 1886 a gallery was added, along with three gothic stained glass windows and pictures of church leaders painted on the ceiling by C. M. Olsen. The original cost was $55,000. It was dedicated on May 14, 1899, by Pres. Lorenzo Snow, and a general L.D.S. conference was held there on October 6, 1886.