History of Rigby First and Fourth Wards

I found a program for the dedication of the Rigby First and Fourth Ward chapel, which included a history of the wards. 
History of Rigby First and Fourth Wards
As the Snake River continued to meander across the sage-brush plains cutting channels through former Indian territory, our pioneers emigrated from northern Utah, settling in the areas now known as Menan, Annis, LaBelle, Lewisville, Milo, Willow Creek and in 1885, Rigby. 
A branch of the Lewisville Ward of the L.D.S. Church was established in this area August, 1883, by Wm F. Rigby of Driggs.  Dan Robins was sustained as Presiding Elder.
By the spring of 1886 many Saints were in the area and they began the construction of a log church house about a mile northwest of the present city.  It was never completed there, however, because early in 1886 the town site became available and the building was hauled to the church plot and finished.  It became the church house, community hall and school. 
Elder John W. Taylor of the Bannock Stake Presidency organized the Rigby Ward, May 22, 1886.  The name was selected to honor Wm F. Rigby, who had been instrumental in the organization of the former Branch.  George A. Cordon was ordained Bishop and served for the next 31 years.  He was followed by his son, Omer, in this calling, December 2, 1917.
The white limestone ward house was completed in 1898 and has served the community since.  It has been expanded twice.  In 1909, the north wing was erected and in 1931 the additions to its present size were begun. 
Growth of the community warranted division of the Rigby Ward January 18, 1919.  No change of the Bishop took place in the First Ward, but John Omer Call was chosen as Bishop of the new Second Ward.
Having served nearly 24 years as Bishop, Omer S. Cordon was released May 10, 1936, and John R. Sayer was sustained.  He served as the third Bishop until September 5, 1937, when Oluf Jensen became the leader.
The Rigby First Ward was again divided May 10, 1942, and the Rigby Fourth Ward was organized.  The First Ward supported Alden Poulsen as Bishop until August 11, 1946, when Henry W. Pieper was chosen to serve.
The Fourth Ward was presided over by Cecil A. Call until September 22, 1946 when Edwin H. Lee was sustained.  He served faithfully until February 8, 1953.  At this time J. garth Zundel was ordained.
Such rapid growth and development had taken place in the community that on January 8, 1956, the Rigby First and Fourth Wards were reorganized to form the Rigby First, Fourth and Fifth Wards with Bishops Bruce a Eckersell, Lyle R. Peterson and Floyd Wood being sustained.
Bishop Peterson of the Fourth Ward pushed for the construction of a new and badly needed church and the First Ward supported Bishop Eckersell in joining in this movement.
Construction began November 1, 1958 with ground breaking ceremonies and has steadily progressed.  However, Bishop Peterson was sustained in the Stake Presidency March 26, 1962, and on April 29, 1962 Joseph C. George was approved as Bishop of the Fourth Ward. 
Now under the able leadership of Bishops Eckersell and George, with great honor due President Peterson and many others, we humbly present this building for dedication unto the Lord, September 16, 1962.
Compiled by Charles Henry.

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