1906-02-08—Millennial Star—Dedication of the Joseph Smith Memorial

Dedication of the Joseph Smith Memorial

Millennial Star, February 8, 1906, pp. 82-87.

DESCRIPTION OK THE MONUMENT. DEDICATORY T'RAYER AND SEKVUEH.

A ttundred years having elapsed since the date when Joseph Smith, the Seer of the Nineteenth century, drew his first breath in the atmosphere of this planet, it was a fitting time to commemorate that event, fraught with so much import to this generation. It had been determined that a monument to his memory should be erected at his birthplace, and that it should be completed and dedicated on his centennial anniversary, December 23, 1905. This has been accomplished, though attended with much difficulty.

The party to attend the dedication services left Salt Lake City on December 18, numbering twenty-nine adults, and with one baby, totalling thirty souls. A special car was placed at their disposal, and although they were very closely domiciled, they traveled in comfort and safety over the Oregon Short Line, Union Pacific, Chicago and Northwestern, Nickle Plate, and Boston and Maine railways, to South Royalton, Vermont, where they arrived on Friday morning, December 22, and were met by Elder Junius F. Wells, who had made all necessary arrangements for their reception and accommodation. At Woodard's hotel, where they stayed, a fine public hall was decorated specially for their entertainment, tendered by a number of the most prominent citizens of the town, in a very cordial letter over their signatures. In the afternoon of that day most of the company went in sleighs (for sufficient snow had fallen to make that mode of travel pleasant) to Tunbridge, where Hyrum Smith the Patriarch was born, and where President Joseph F. Smith, the Patriarch John Smith, and other members of the Smith family found some interesting records of their kindred, notes of which were taken before the party returned to Royalton. In the evening a reception and concert were given by the company, which had been enlarged by the coming of twenty friends from New York, Boston, and other places, including President John G. McQuarrie of the Eastern States mission, Robert C. and Mrs. Easton, Miss Emma Lucy Gates, and her brother Cecil, Miss Ellen Thomas, M. O. Gudmonsen, several Elders laboring in the East, and others. Many of the citizens of South Royalton were present, and the splendid music rendered by the noted artists named was duly appreciated, several of the residents of that place never having heard anything equal to it. Brief addresses were made by President Smith, Elder John Henry Smith, and others, and the evening was spent most delightfully.

On Saturday, December 23rd, a thaw having set in and a gentle snowstorm accompanying it, carriages were provided for the party instead of sleighs, and they were conveyed up hill and down dale about three miles and a half to the site of the monument. The nature of the country over which they passed gave them some idea of the apparently insurmountable obstacles to the hauling of the massive granite blocks to the spot for its erection. The first view of the beautiful shaft on the summit of a hill close by the cottage erected over and around the hearthstone of the old Smith farm, originally owned by the Macks, caused ejaculations of astonishment and admiration from every onlooker. The company gathered in the cottage and talked with Brother Wells over his great achievement, and learned particulars from him concerning it, which were highly entertaining. Elder John W. Young arrived on the spot from New York City, and joined in the congratulations that the work had been accomplished so successfully. People from the farms scattered over the hillsides commenced to arrive in throngs, some in sleighs, others in carriages or on horseback, until the spacious "living room" and every apartment was crowded to the utmost.

The services were opened by the singing of "America," and were conducted by President Joseph F. Smith. President Anthon H. Lund offered the opening prayer. "We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" was sung with a vim, and then Elder Junius F. Wells told in graphic style the story of the quarrying of the blocks and shaft for the monument, and of its remarkable manner of conveyance to the place of its erection, involving efforts of an extraordinary character, and putting to naught the predictions of many people that it could not be accomplished. His remarks were received with applause from the people residing in the neighborhood, who knew of his labors and appeared to be delighted with his success. Brother Robert C. Easton sang "The Guiding Star." President Francis M. Lyman made a forcible speech, in which he recognized the hand of Providence and also the aid rendered by the good people of Vermont in the erection of the monument. He was followed by Dr. Edgar J. Fish, who briefly extended to the visitors the cordial greeting of that neighborhood and offered his congratulations at the accomplishment of the object in view. While not uniting with the religious faith which prompted the building of the memento, he recognized the good spirit and purpose of the work that had been done. Elder John Henry Smith then delivered an eloquent and patriotic speech, which was well received, and Sister Emma Lucy Gates and Brother Robert C. Easton sang in duet "An Angel from on High." Then Elder Hyrum M. Smith bore testimony to the truth of the Gospel brought by the angel to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and urged the protection of the monument from all attacks and defacement. He was followed by Elder Jesse M. Smith, representing the family of Vermont, from whom he had descended, and particularly the branch of his ancestors of whom his grandfather, Asahel, was a prominent member. Elder C. W. Penrose next bore a strong testimony to the divine mission of the man for whom the monument had been erected, spoke of his influence in the world and of his name being had for good or evil everywhere. He also touched upon the material benefits that would come to the people of that place from the building of the monument, which would form an attraction to visitors. He advised that every resident there should personally use diligence to prevent relic hunters from doing the deeds of vandalism common to such persons.

President Joseph F. Smith then offered the following dedicatory prayer : "Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy most holy name. We, Thy servants and handmaidens, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have gathered here to dedicate this monument to the memory of Thy servant, Joseph Smith, the great Prophet and Seer of the nineteenth century, who was born into the world near this spot on the 23rd day of December, 1805— one hundred years ago.

"It was from him that we received the everlasting Gospel, revealed to him by the Eternal Father, through Jesus Christ, the Son.

"With hearts of gratitude to Thee for the light and truth of Thy Gospel, the authority of the Holy Priesthood, and the ordinances of salvation for the living and for the dead through Thy servant Joseph Smith ; in loving remembrance of him, and grateful for the privilege of being present on this occasion, we dedicate to Thee the ground on which stands this monument that it may be sacred and most holy. We dedicate the foundation, typical of the foundation Thou hast laid, of Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus Christ, Thy Son, as the chief corner stone. We dedicate the base, as typifying the rock of revelation on which Thy Church is built. We dedicate the die, with its inscriptions, as appropriate to the whole design. We dedicate the capstone as a sign of the glorious crown that Thy servant Joseph has secured unto himself through his integrity to Thy cause, and of that similar reward which shall grace the head of each of his faithful followers. We dedicate the spire, as a token of the inspired man of God whom Thou didst make indeed a polished shaft in Thine hand, reflecting the light of heaven, even Thy glorious light, unto the children of men.

"We dedicate the whole monument, as signifying the finished work of human redemption. And we now earnestly invoke upon it Thy blessing, 0 Lord, and ask Thy divine approval, acceptance, and protection, that it may stand as a lasting testimony to the world of the love and devotion of Thy people, of the opening of the last dispensation, and the coming of the Son of Man. May it be preserved from the ravages of time, the disintegrating action of the elements, from upheaval's of the earth's surface, and from the violence of human malice or caprice. May it be surrounded by the influence of the spirit of peace, and remain a joy to Thy people who may behold it, and a silent witness to Thee to all who may look upon it.

"And may the light of the Gospel restored to the earth through Thy servant, the Prophet Joseph Smith, shine forth to every land and nation, until all people shall come to the knowledge of Thy truth, and the name of Thy chosen minister be known for good, and not for evil, unto the uttermost parts of the earth.

"Bless those who have contributed of their means for the erection of this monument. And remember in loving kindness all Thy people. Deal out blessings, prosperity, and continued happiness upon our glorious country and all her people. Bless and preserve our nation, and guide those who direct her affairs in all their exalted stations. Give the judicial, lawmaking, and executive branches of our government adequate wisdom, that her integrity may be preserved, and that her glorious institutions, the just liberties of her people and the rights of all her citizens may be preserved and perpetuated.

"And, O God, we ask Thee, in the name of Thy Son Jesus Christ, that thou wilt bless and sanctify all the land surrounding this spot, sacred to the memory of all Thy people, it being the birthplace of Thy servant Joseph. May it be hallowed by Thy people. May Thy blessing abide upon it, that it may be a blessed place, where Thy people may visit from time to time and rejoice in contemplating Thy goodness in that Thou hast restored to the earth the fulness of the Gospel of Thy Son, with all the power and authority necessary to administer it and all its ordinances unto the inhabitants of the earth, for their salvation and for the redemption of their dead.

"And inasmuch as this little cottage has been erected and provision made by which all the expenses thereof may be defrayed, we offer unto Thee this building, and ask that Thou will sanctify it ; for we dedicate it unto Thee, and consecrate it to the needs of those who shall come to visit here to contemplate, and to receive instruction, light, and understanding concerning Thy great latter-day work. May no harm come to this little dwelling. May those who dwell here possess the spirit of light and truth in their hearts. May their souls burn with love for the salvation of the human family, and may they take great pains in administering unto those that shall come, for their comfort and enlightenment, that they may be assisted in their search for that which will exalt them and bring them back into Thy presence.

"We ask Thee also, Heavenly Father, that Thou wilt remember in Thy mercy and in Thy continued love, Thy servant, Junius F. Wells, who has borne this great labor and responsibility. May Thy blessing and peace abide in him. We thank Thee for him, and his integrity, for his persistent and intelligent labor in the accomplishment of this work. We pray for Thy blessings to be upon him from this time henceforth and forever. Bless him with those things that are needful for life, and with Thy Spirit, that he may continue to live in the light of Thy countenance.

"Wilt Thou bless abundantly also those who have taken part in this labor— the laborers, those who have directed the work, and those who have furnished the material and the skill with which this labor has been accomplished. We ask Thy blessing upon them, Holy Father, one and all. May they prosper in the land. May they be blessed of the Lord in their basket and in their store, in their outgoing and incoming, when they shall lie down and when they shall rise up. O God, put Thy Spirit into their hearts; lead them in the path of righteousness, and prosper them in the labor of their hands.

"We ask Thee to bless the people of South Eoyalton, of Tunbridge, and Sharon, and of the surrounding country. And this land being the birthplace and the nursingplace of many of Thy most faithful and renowned servants, who have made their mark in the world for the uplifting and benefiting of mankind, O God, wilt Thou let Thy blessing and peace be upon this land. May it be prospered. May those who dwell here multiply and increase and replenish the earth. May all barrenness be removed from the soil, that it may be fruitful and prosperous from this time forward ; that good men may gather here, and those born here find place and be happy and enjoy themselves in the midst of these everlasting hills. " We ask all these blessings, heavenly Father, and we dedicate unto Thee ourselves, our labors, and all that we have, and this gathering, and those who have come here to assist us in the services. Thy servants and handmaidens who have come here to sing for us, we pray for Thy blessing to be upon them, and upon each and every one. Bless all that seek to do good, to build up ; and sustain the righteous, the upright, the honest, and the pure in heart in all the land.

"These mercies, Holy Father, we humbly ask, and we rejoice in Thy mercy and kindness unto us. We give honor, and glory, and praise and obedience unto Thy most holy name, and ask Thee to accept of this monument and of this little cottage, these services, and all our efforts.

"We rejoice in Thy goodness. We praise and adore Thee this day. We commend ourselves, with this monument, unto Thee. Glory, and honor, and majesty, and power, and dominion, be ascribed unto God and the Lamb, now and forever. Amen."

The closing hymn was, "Praise to the Man who Communed with Jfhnvab." The accompaniments to the choice vocal music was rendered by Brother Cecil Gates. A rousing vote of thanks was given to Brother Junius F. Wells, and benediction was pronounced by Patriarch John Smith.

During the services in the cottage a vast throng of people who were unable to enter or even find room on the large porches around it, repaired to the monument, where Elders John G. McQuarrie, F. F. Hintze, and Benjamin F. Goddard addressed them on the principles of the Gospel revealed anew in this dispensation by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and were listened to with deep attention, in spite of the snowflakes that fell upon the congregation. Both of the audiences then gathered around the monument, the lower part of which was draped with the United States flag.

The monument is entirely of dark Barre granite, and all of its surface, from lower base to pinnacle, is highly polished, giving it a dazzling appearance. It consists of five pieces — two bases, die, cap, and spire, the whole rising to a height of fifty feet and ten inches, and weighing one hundred tons. The lower base is twelve feet square, the second base is nine feet square, the die is six feet square, and six feet two inches high, the cap is seven feet four inches square and the spire tapers from four feet square at the bottom to three feet at the top where it begins to taper sharply to the point. The total length of the spire is thirty-eight feet, six inches, representing in its length the age of the Prophet, who was thirty-eight years and six months of age when he died. The spire is the largest piece of polished granite in America, probably in the world. The whole monument is plain except the cap, which is elaborately carved as a moulding. The die is inscribed on two sides only.

At a given signal, after a song of praise, Miss Edith Smith, daughter of the late judge Elias Smith, pulled the cord which unveiled the monument, and all present had the opportunity of reading the inscriptions upon the die that intervenes between the upper base and the capstone of the monument, which were these:

Sacred

to the memory of JOSEPH SMITH the Prophet. Born here 23rd December, 1805, Martyred Carthage, Illinois,

27th June, 1844.

On the opposite side of the die:

TESTIMONY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

In the spring of the year of our Lord, 1820, the Father and the Son appeared to him in a glorious vision, called him by name and instructed him.

Thereafter heavenly angels visited him and revealed the piinciples of the Gospel, restored the authority of the Holy Priesthood, and the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ in its fulness and perfection.

The engraved plates of the Book of Mormon were given him by the Angel Moroni. These he translated by the gift and power of God.

He organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the Gthday of April, 1830, with six members.

He devoted his life to the establishment of that Church, and sealed his testimony with his blood.

In his ministry he was constantly supported by his brother Hyrum Smith, who suffered martyrdom with him.

Over a million converts to this testimony have been made throughout the world, and this monument has been erected in his honor, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of his birth, by members of the Church which he organized.

They love and revere him as a prophet of God, and call his name blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Around the capstone above the die:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. — James 1: 5.

A splendid lunch had been provided in the basement of the cottage, to which everybody present was invited. While the people were enjoying this repast, the party from Utah, with many of the visitors from New York, reassembled in the room where the services were held, and President Joseph F. Smith, standing on the hearthstone which was the remaining relic of the old house in which the Prophet Joseph was born, was approached by President Anthon H. Lund, who in a most appropriate speech, tendered to him on behalf of his traveling companions a memento of the occasion — a gold watchguard and charm of fine workmanship, which was received by our beloved President with deep emotion, and he responded in a speech, brief but forcible and heartfelt, conveyiug to his friends appreciation of their love and confidence, and expressing his kindly feelings to them all. The spirit which prevailed melted every heart into union, love, and charity to all mankind. President Smith also obtained a silver button found in excavating the ground, and a copper penny dated 1803 taken from under the old hearthstone.

In the evening a general meeting was held in Woodard's hall, at which a large congregation assembled, including many prominent people of South lioyalton. The services were conducted by Elder John G. McQuarrie, Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund and Elder Charles W. Penrose addressed the congregation on doctrinal subjects, bearing strong testimonies to the great work performed by the Prophet Joseph Smith in opening the dispensation of the fulness of times and organizing the Church of Christ on the earth in the last days and for the last time. Elder Junius F. Wells made the closing speech, and added his testimony to those which had been borne, reminding the people of that vicinity that during his stay among them he had not tried to proselyte, but simply to perform the work entrusted to him by the Church authorities. Beautiful solos were rendered during the meeting by the singers. A portion of the party returned to New York late at night, and the rest, having returned to their car, were pulled out early in the morning for Boston.