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 DESERT BLOSSOMS #167
by Ted L. Gibbons
After consulting with his Counselors and the Twelve, Brigham Young wrote on
15 April 1871
that the time had come when a temple should be constructed in St. George. The site was dedicated about seven months later by George A. Smith on
9 November 1871
. On
April 6, 1877
, the 47th annual General Conference of the Church convened in St. George. It was at this time that the temple was dedicated by Daniel H. Wells.
Heber Jarvis attended the ceremony when the site was dedicated. He watched President Young remove the first shovel of dirt, and reported hearing Brigham Young prophesy “that there would not be any persons who would lose their lives on any of the works on this
Temple
.” Brother Jarvis wrote, “I lived to see this prediction fulfilled as I saw many persons hurt but none of them died. I was within three or four feet of [Brigham Young] when he made this statement.” (Temples of the Most High, comp. N.B. Lundwall, Bookcraft [1966], p. 81)
Heber Jarvis relates the stories of John Burt and Thomas Crane, both of whom fell from the top of the Temple, about 85 feet, and survived. Will Thayne fell from 35 feet onto a large rock, landing on his side. A huge hammer had been constructed to prepare the foundation. It weighed 1000 pounds. The frame for that hammer which was 35 feet high and weighed hundred of pounds itself, fell on Pete Granger. George Lang lost an ear in an accident with an 8000 pound rock and a team of runaway mules. “Yet none of these men were killed, but continued their labors on the temple.” (Temples of the Most High, comp. N.B. Lundwall, Bookcraft [1966], p. 81)
On
January 1, 187
7, the lower portion of the temple was ready for use and was dedicated in appropriate ceremonies. Brigham Young spoke as follows on that occasion:
“Those who can see the spiritual atmosphere can see that many are still glued to the earth. They are lusting and longing for the things of this world, in which there is no profit. While we ought to look after temporal things, we should devote them all to the
kingdom
of
God
. Where are the hearts of the people; where are their forefathers. What are they doing for their own salvation and for that of their forefathers?
“If we were awake to this great truth this house would be crowded from Monday morning until Saturday night.” (Mathias Cowley: Life of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 494-495)
From time to time we ought to take a look at our feet and shoes to see if they are dipped in glue. What a tragedy it would be to belong to a Church where the heavens are so close, and yet be glued to the earth.
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The cellular phone is a great modern metaphor for the process of revelation. I have three unmarried sons who have served missions and are now home, studying and working and even courting. I have been so grateful for the ability to get in touch with them when it matters. Two have their own cell phones, one often uses his mother’s. When I need to speak with them, I can usually reach them. I am certain that our Heavenly Father longs for just such an arrangement with us. The promise of revelation is much like being handed a cell phone and hearing our Father say, “We have got to keep in touch.”
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