Volunteers needed for weekend cleanup of Salt Lake Church Historic Site

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A historic Salt Lake City church, the Fifth Ward Meetinghouse, is being restored after an illegal demolition left it partially destroyed earlier this year.

New owner Skyler Baird is leading the effort with the help of the community. Baird plans to transform the space to support people recovering from addiction and is inviting the public to help with a cleanup event this weekend.

Baird, the owner of the former Fifth Ward Meetinghouse, is leading efforts to restore the church, which was left in ruins after an illegal demolition in April.

She is inviting volunteers to help sort through debris, including the building’s old brick, on Oct. 12. He sees the cleanup as not only a way to clean up the place, but also an opportunity for community healing.

“We have a lot of debris to sort through,” Baird said, adding that despite the damage, “the bones are good” and restoration is possible.

The project has already garnered support, with people offering to help and donate supplies.

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Baird’s nonprofit, Salt of the Earth, is behind the restoration. His two-part vision for the building includes creating a community space and housing for people recovering from addiction.

He hopes to change perceptions about addiction, noting, “Some of the best people I’ve ever known have had these addictions. I think changing the narrative about what an addicted person is can help.”

The cleaning event will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves and buckets to help sort salvageable bricks from the rubble. Water will be provided.

Olivia Lombard, who works nearby, shared her thoughts on Baird’s plans for the old church.

“I think if they’re residents trying to improve their lives and just need that little extra step, it’s a great place for them,” he said. “Everybody needs a little help.”

The restoration project is just getting started, but with community support, Baird hopes to complete the transformation within the next year.

For those interested in helping out for the community cleanup day, the location address in Salt Lake City is 740 South 300 West.

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