Blackfoot Tabernacle - Hawker Funeral Home

This magnificent building that houses Hawker Funeral Home was constructed in 1919 as a tabernacle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After fifty-seven years as a place of worship, it was sold to Bingham County as an annex to the courthouse. The lower floor was used for various offices, while the large upper sanctuary was converted to a civic center. With the addition of a stage, the space was perfect for plays, pageants, and graduations. The county used the site until 2002., when the cost of it is repairs became prohibitive. With plans to build a new auditorium elsewhere, the county offered the building and large adjoining parking lot for sale to the highest bidder. Unfortunately, due to the structure's asbestos content, and its subsequent removal, no one was willing to meet the minimum bid of $150,000.00. Officials then offered the property at auction again, this time with no minimum.
Enter Perry Hawker, owner of the neighboring Hawker Funeral Home. Perry had enjoyed the generosity of both the church and county for the use of their parking lot, since the funeral home did not have one of its own. He stated, "I was very concerned about who might purchase the building and what would become of the parking lot we so freely used. I was told if I wanted a parking lot, I would have to take the building with it." He decided that buying the property and reselling the tabernacle would be the best solution.

Knowing he would be out of town at the time of the auction, Perry sent his younger brother, Tracy, to bid on his behalf, with the instructions: Do not bid over $100,000.00. The price climbed as the bidding went back and forth, but when it reached $97,000.00, Tracy just wanted to get it over with and shouted" $100,000.00!" A hush came over the room, the gavel dropped, and the building was suddenly sold to everyones surprise...including Tracy's!

Perry recalled, "When I returned home to Blackfoot ten days after the sale, I couldn't believe how many people stopped me and thanked me for saving the landmark." Perry had been baptized at the tabernacle and graduated from high school at the civic center, but never realized how important it had become to the other members of the community, too. Much more than a historic building, it is an indelible part of their lives with profound spiritual meaning and reselling it was now out of the question.

The design and intricate brickwork were restored to their original states, but the interior was entirely gutted and revamped. The basement was deepened; the main floor was lowered by more than seven feet; and an upper floor was added.

Despite people's comments, Perry had underestimated the building's significance. That is, until March 2004, when more that 4000 people attended the firm's open house. "I just couldn't believe how important this building was to so many people", he said. In addition, nearly every day, visitors arrive at 132 South Shilling Avenue, wanting to tour the building. Perry concluded, "I have felt very honored to have our business in such a unique and beautiful building. It is rewarding to know this old building"that has been a part of the community" will continue to be used as a gathering place to honor the lives of the families we serve."