Ivins City (Santa Clara Bench)

History of Ivins City

 

Settlement and Early Development

Between 1922 and 1926, Ivins City was established by settlers who were descendants of Swiss immigrants. These pioneers were sent to what was then known as the "Santa Clara Bench" to begin farming, relying on water transported through a canal from the Santa Clara River. To meet their culinary water needs, they sourced water from a spring originally called the Snow Canyon Spring, which is now referred to as Johnson Arch Spring and located in Snow Canyon State Park. The settlers sustained themselves primarily by cultivating agricultural crops, and some families also grazed cattle on Pine Valley Mountain and in the Pinto areas.

 

Town Survey and Church Involvement

The first survey of the original town site was conducted in the 1920s and became known as the Santa Clara Bench Survey. During the canal construction project, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played a significant role by subscribing to a substantial amount of land and water stock. The Church provided cash, which was vital for acquiring materials such as cement and flume supplies, as well as covering various expenses necessary for the project.

 

Leadership and Naming of the Town

Apostle Anthony W. Ivins was sent from Salt Lake City as an investigative authority by the General Authorities of the Church. His favorable report was well received by Church officials. After the settlement was established and the chapel constructed, the building was dedicated in November 1926 by President Anthony W. Ivins, who was then serving as the second counselor to President Heber J. Grant. The dedication ceremony featured a meeting where President Ivins acted as the principal speaker.

 

Choosing the Name "Ivins"

During the dedication, the settlers discussed the need for a new name for the town, as "Santa Clara Bench" was considered insufficient. Several suggestions were submitted, but Edward H. Snow, President of the St. George Stake, proposed naming the settlement after President Anthony W. Ivins, in recognition of his positive impact through missionary work with the local Native American community. When President Ivins was consulted about the proposed name, he responded, "Not, as long as they spell it Ivins, instead of Ivens."

 

President Ivins' Contributions

President Ivins generously donated one hundred dollars in cash toward the construction of the new chapel and promised to provide a bell for the church. He fulfilled this promise, and the bell remains hanging in the belfry of the old church, which still occupies its original site.

 

 

Original Settlers