Kamloops 1st Ward

1955: An Latter-day Saint family (the Kenny family) moved from White Rock to Kamloops. With the help of missionaries, a Sunday School was organized. Various missionaries ran it regularly at the Canadian Legion Hall. The local Relief Society was organized.

1958: The Kamloops Sunday School became a “Dependent Branch”, dependent on the Vernon Branch, meaning that Sunday School was held in Kamloops on Sunday mornings and worship services (“sacrament meeting”) were held in Vernon on Sunday evenings.

Between 1955 and 1960: Began meeting at the Masonic Hall.

29 May 1960: The Kamloops Branch was formally organized. The first Branch President was selected. This meant Sunday worship services were now held in Kamloops.

Mar 1965: The current Parkcrest property was purchased for building a church.

1966: Parkcrest building plans were approved. Construction likely did not begin this year.

2 Mar 1969: Started meeting at Brocklehurst Elementary School

Nov 1971: Phase 1 of chapel completed. Paid for by local fundraising. Built by “labour missionaries” and local members.

21 Nov 1971: First meeting held in Phase 1 of the new chapel.

12 Oct 1975: Kamloops Branch becomes the Kamloops Ward, first Bishop was selected.

1976: Phase 2 (large chapel) was added to the building.

1979: 3rd phase of the building was added (gymnasium, Family History Centre, kitchen, offices, more classrooms).

4 Oct 1983: The Kamloops Ward was split into Kamloops 1st Ward and Kamloops 2nd Ward. Kamloops 1st Ward retained congregants south of Thompson River and east of North Thompson River.