In 1944 some of the LDS servicemen stationed at Decimomannu and Trunconi, Sardinia began regularly meeting together and holding worship services inside a chaplain’s tent. At these meetings they began making plans to construct a small meeting house that would be more suitable for worship and would accommodate more servicemen.

Upon completion of the chapel, an invitation was extended to LDS chaplain, Eldin Ricks, to travel from mainland Italy to Sardinia and dedicate the chapel. On April 2, 1944, Chaplain Ricks dedicated the chapel. The Acme Press Agency declared the chapel “probably the only Mormon gathering place in this theater of operation.” The chapel received attention within the LDS community as well, when The Instructor featured an article and picture of the chapel in their June 1944 issue.

Model of Sardinia Chapel by Clair Darling

Unfortunately, the chapel was abandoned after only five months of use. During those five months, it is reported that the building was often filled to capacity with approximately 25 servicemen worshipping inside. Changing weather and other circumstances contributed to the building’s abandonment. Today, the chapel’s location is covered by a four-lane road leading to the entrance of a NATO base located in Decimomannu.

In 1944 some of the LDS servicemen stationed at Decimomannu and Trunconi, Sardinia began regularly meeting together and holding worship services inside a chaplain’s tent. At these meetings they began making plans to construct a small meeting house that would be more suitable for worship and would accommodate more servicemen.

Upon completion of the chapel, an invitation was extended to LDS chaplain, Eldin Ricks, to travel from mainland Italy to Sardinia and dedicate the chapel. On April 2, 1944, Chaplain Ricks dedicated the chapel. The Acme Press Agency declared the chapel “probably the only Mormon gathering place in this theater of operation.” The chapel received attention within the LDS community as well, when The Instructor featured an article and picture of the chapel in their June 1944 issue.

Model of Sardinia Chapel by Clair Darling

Unfortunately, the chapel was abandoned after only five months of use. During those five months, it is reported that the building was often filled to capacity with approximately 25 servicemen worshipping inside. Changing weather and other circumstances contributed to the building’s abandonment. Today, the chapel’s location is covered by a four-lane road leading to the entrance of a NATO base located in Decimomannu.