It's wonderful to be back on this campus. We miss you! So much has happened since Steve and I left just over six short years ago. We salute all of you, the Bednars, the entire campus and an inspired Board of Trustees for the continuing progress and development of BYU-Idaho.
I feel deep gratitude for the unforgettable and priceless experiences we shared with you during the special season in our lives at Ricks College. You are some of the finest people on earth. As much as we love our new setting, new friends and campus, we realize this institution is one of a kind. Many remarkable events occurred in our lives during our time here and still continue at BYU-I. Thank you for the priceless memories. They are never to be forgotten!
Throughout our journey in life we each witness extraordinary circumstances, fortuitous events or personal miracles that affirm our Heavenly Father's presence in our daily lives. Sometimes we think of them merely as coincidences, but when we examine them more closely, they become awe-inspiring testimonials that God is very involved in our lives. At such times we may not even be aware that God is tapping us on the shoulder, so to speak, or carrying us upon His back, but in retrospect we can definitely see His hand, his presence in our everyday affairs. We then know that we are truly God's children and that He is with us on our journey.
"My beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven?" asked Mormon, and then he answers his own question. "Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought;...wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief..."[1]
Moroni proclaimed, "Behold, I will show unto you a god of miracles,...and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are."[2] "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him is no variableness..."[3] I believe God is a God of miracles today.
The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on earth in this dispensation is a magnificent miracle. It began when young Joseph, prompted by a passage in the Epistle of James, went into the woods to pray. A God of miracles answered Joseph's humble prayer. And miracles followed including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
These magnificent miracles are the reason we gather together tonight. However, just as important as these magnificent miracles, are the smaller "personal miracles" that occur in each of our lives. They teach us to have faith and trust in the Lord. They come as we recognize and heed the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost is a revelator, a teacher, comforter, lifts burdens, gives courage, strengthens faith, grants consolation, extends hope and reveals whatever is needed to those having claim on his sacred companionship through baptism.[4]
We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants the "[Spirit] shall enlighten your mind, and fill your soul with joy."[5]
"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."[6]
"I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name."[7]
"And in nothing doth man offend God, . . . save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments."[8]
In Alma "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and He will direct thee for good" (Alma 37:37) and in times of trouble He will "speak peace to our souls."[9]
The Lord said to Moroni, ". . . signs shall follow them who believe in my name."[10]
These are promises of miracles granted by a gracious God who loves us and seeks to bless us from day to day.
Each week we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament and renew our covenants. We are promised the Lord's Spirit will always be with us as we keep those covenants.[11] A natural consequence of the companionship of the Spirit is a continuing series of small miracles--whisperings of protection and guidance, strengthened and renewed testimonies, comfort and peace, gifts of love and joy.
I believe each of us has experienced extraordinary circumstances or small personal miracles that let us know the Lord is near. At times various events, seeming insignificant, sometimes line up in fortuitous fashion, to bring about a wonderful result. I believe as we try to live as we know we should, we will find that we truly are God's children and His Spirit is always with us.
In thinking about tonight's topic, I've decided to share some personal experiences. I do so humbly and not in a spirit of boasting or arrogance. Perhaps what I share will prompt you to closely examine your past with new eyes and recognize the personal miracles that have taken place in your life.
It was the spring of 1978. The preceding nine years had been extremely busy for our family. Steve held a full time job and had just launched into a PhD program when he was called to be the bishop of our ward in Madison, Wisconsin. Needless to say, the call was a surprise at age 29, but there was not a moment's hesitation as to whether he would accept the Lord's call. Thus, the advanced degree was placed on hold. Three more children blessed our home making a total of four sons and one daughter. The last two children were eighteen months apart, and we were a very busy family.
After five years Steve was released as bishop and once again he pursued his desired PhD. Indescribable emotion and joy filled my soul during graduation as I observed the light blue hood being placed on his shoulders. We had juggled and worked so hard during those very busy years.
It had been a long, long time since Steve and I had been away alone together on an overnight retreat. One day while visiting the Madison Art Gallery I noted an advertisement of an amateur art sale being held in Milwaukee the following Saturday. I called Steve, asked him to check his schedule and then suggested we have some R and R—just the two of us. We found a competent sitter for the children and left late Friday afternoon. What a treat to be with Steve alone for twenty-four hours!
That evening we had dinner at a favorite German restaurant. We walked and talked and enjoyed our precious time alone together. It was spring. The trees were budding, the crocuses blooming. This time of year represented renewal, renewal of life. We, too, felt renewed and invigorated. I remember I had a difficult time going to sleep that night, wondering about things at home and hoping our precious children would be well cared for.
The following morning as we prepared to leave our hotel the phone rang. It was our oldest son, Donnie. He cried, “You must come home. I think Brian is dead!” The nightmarish trip from Milwaukee to Madison seemed much longer than 85 miles.
Our three-year-old Brian had been taken home to our Heavenly Father. I can't even begin to express the anguish we felt. He died in his sleep and showed no prior signs of being ill. Brian had been chasing ducks in the park only hours before. And to think it was the only night Steve and I had been away from our children for years. The grief, sorrow and loneliness we felt were unreal. Only time has healed the intensity of our pain, although, it never completely goes away.
Following Brian's death we felt a tremendous outpouring of the Lord's spirit and of His love. We literally felt encircled in His arms. The Savior was carrying us and giving us strength. The great love and concern from friends and family combined with the power of prayer and faith in the Gospel’s eternal plan gave us great sustenance. We were, indeed, blessed to have Brian as long as we did.
A month and a half following Brian's death I, along with several friends, attended a Women's Conference in Nauvoo, Illinois. I was so hoping to find added perspective and peace. Our Prophet Spencer W. Kimball and other great leaders spoke but I failed to find the comfort I was desperately seeking. On our final day in Nauvoo I met the wife of our former Church president, Harold B. Lee. During the course of our conversation she repeated the following quote made by her husband: "Where the Lord puts a period, never put a question mark!" This she said without even knowing we had recently lost a child. I realized this was what I came to Nauvoo for. The Lord had placed a period—Brian's mission in this life had been completed- of this we had had a witness. There was purpose and reason for what had happened--the purpose we would not totally understand until the next life. I felt Sister Lee's comment, "Where the Lord puts a period, never put a question mark," was the answer to my prayers, a personal miracle.
A beloved friend, Dr. Robert Andrew, wrote a beautiful letter following Brian’s death. He said,
"There can be no room for doubt that Brian was summoned home. He died of ‘natural causes,’ yes; this is how the Lord does things. But taking him in this way, a way painless to him, may have required that his mother be away, for she was given more than the usual alertness and motherly awareness. Along with these strong instincts, the resourcefulness of his devoted parents probably would have interfered with his peaceful passing. His ever spiritually alert father, bearing the Holy Priesthood, would have been a serious challenge to that which was ordained. Would the angels who attended this sunny child have been able to resist the entreaties of Brian’s parents? It is a serious and sober question."
Steve and I can honestly say we are grateful for our "Celestial Link" to Brian. We are, without a doubt, grateful to have had our son on earth for "but one brief shining moment," but more grateful to know that the celestial life is the important life and there we will have him forever, if we do our part. There comes a time when grief and longing are replaced by the excitement of anticipating a reunion with him.
In spite of our loss there were many personal miracles and extraordinary circumstances that occurred during this period of time that let us know without a shadow of doubt that our Savior was with us and aware of what we were experiencing. Most of all, we learned Gospel principles and precepts we needed to learn. We realized the Spirit has power to communicate in ways we do not understand. Today, I am most grateful to my Father in Heaven to have had this profound, life changing experience. The interruption of our joyous association with our son has deep meaning. Truly, it has strengthened our sense of gratitude for, dependence on, and love for our Heavenly Father. We have greater understanding of the sacrifice of our Savior and of his atonement.
A little under seven years ago Steve and I and our family were living in Rexburg, serving at Ricks College. We loved our time here. Our memories are sweet and will remain with us forever. We truly felt God's hand in our coming to Rexburg--to us a personal miracle.
We had been here eight years when Steve was nominated and approached to apply for the presidency of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. We responded with, "We are honored, but no thank you." Over the next few weeks we received two additional phone calls inviting us to reconsider the opportunity. After further reflection we felt we would not be at Ricks much longer. We realized, regardless of our own wishes our time here was nearing the end, and we had stayed longer than our three predecessors. Steve visited with Elder Henry B. Eyring, who had also been contacted about Steve's candidacy. After much prayer we decided to push forward with both faith and trepidation, wanting to do the Lord's will. President Hinckley told Steve, "You go with our blessing or you stay at Ricks with our blessing."
As we began to investigate Southern Utah University, we were reminded that Steve's own grandfather, Milton Bennion, had been appointed the very first president, the first principal exactly 100 years before. It was almost unbelievable. At that time it was called the Branch Normal School. The more we explored the more at peace we became. Steve was selected as president by the Utah State Board of Regents. I think it was significant, in the university's centennial year, to have the grandson of the first founding president become the president ushering in the second century. So, we left for Cedar City in June of 1997. Was this an extraordinary coincidence? Yes. Was this an answer to prayer? Yes. Was it a personal miracle in our lives? Yes.
Another experience: One day while rearranging my genealogy cupboard, I glanced at a family group sheet and noted that my great grandfather had been born in Cedar City in 1855. I had no idea my ancestors had settled and lived in that part of the state. I wondered what brought my great-great grandparents, Charles and Mary Ann Hopkins, to this area. When did they come? Why did they come? How long did they live here? Then I pushed the genealogy sheet back into the cupboard and didn't think much more about it.
Months later, while reading a local history, I learned that Charles Hopkins had been a member of Parley P. Pratt's Exploring Expedition to Southern Utah in 1849. In 1853, he moved his family to Cedar City to become an Iron Work's missionary. He served as one of the twelve High Counselors in the new Cedar Stake of Zion. In her book on the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Juanita Brooks mentions Charles Hopkins. All this information stimulated my interest and I decided I was in the right place at the right time to research a story that needed to be told, one I learned had never been told. Once I began to search for information it seemed to fall into my lap. As I started to write I could hardly lay it down. Was all this a mere coincidence? I don't think so. The "Spirit of Elijah" is real and family history is an exciting adventure. Could the Lord possibly have wanted my grandfather's story to be told? I know Family History miracles are an everyday occurrence in the Church. My heart has certainly been turned to my great-great grandparents and I have truly been guided in my search to write their history. I bear witness, as I'm sure many of you can, to the truthfulness of the gospel charge to search out our ancestors.
I'd like to share another experience when fortuitous events lined up to bring about a wonderful result: Sandra Griffin Hardy and I met at a board meeting of the Guild of the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, Utah soon after our arrival. She was our well-organized, enthusiastic president. “Can you and your husband help me?” she asked following one of our meetings. Then she began to share a very personal and timely story--personal because it involved her ancestor, William Weeks; timely because President Gordon B. Hinckley had just announced in April Conference of 1999, that the Church would soon begin reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple.
"I am a great-great granddaughter of William Weeks, architect of the old Nauvoo Temple,’ Sandra said. ‘The original temple drawings had been in my family for about 100 years when my grandparents, Leslie and Zetta Griffin, gave them to the Church in 1948. I am not certain we were acknowledged as the family who donated in returned the plans. Of even more importance to us is that the drawings were the name of my deceased uncle, Ralph Henry Griffin who died in a mining accident at age 20. He, too, was an artist. Could you help us learn what happened?"
To understand the difficulty of the Griffin's situation let me take you back to April of 1843, when the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I gave a certificate to William Weeks to carry out my designs and the architecture of the Temple in Nauvoo.”[12] Brother Weeks had been handpicked to create the design the Prophet had seen in vision. The temple was to be built on a bluff in a central and elevated position where it could be seen from the majestic Mississippi River and from every part of town. In February of 1844, the Prophet and Brother Weeks met to discuss the temple plans. “I wish you to carry out my designs. I have seen in vision the splendid appearance of that building illuminated, and will have it built according to the pattern shown me.”[13] Thus, Brother Weeks began to create what the prophet had seen in vision as the Nauvoo Temple. Immediately the construction began.
In February of 1846, Brigham Young asked William and Caroline Allen Weeks and their family to begin the long, arduous journey to the Great Salt Lake Valley. President Young wanted William in one of the initial groups of Saints so that the architect could commence plans for another temple as soon as they reached the valley.[14]
After spending the winter of 1846-47 in Winter Quarters, the Weeks family made their way west, arriving in Salt Lake that fall. Unfortunately, the architect became openly discontent with the Church during his first weeks in the valley. Causes of his alienation are not known. He evidentially left the Church and the Salt Lake Valley to settle in southern California. With him he took the original plans of the Nauvoo Temple. His daughter, Caroline, wrote in her father's obituary, “Despite his separation from Mormonism, William remained a great admirer of Joseph Smith. He regarded the Nauvoo edifice as his masterpiece; taking pride in exhibiting his Temple drawings to friends and visitors in later years until his death on March 8, 1900."[15] Caroline preserved the plans and later gave them to her son, Leslie M. Griffin.
The story of how the plans returned to the Church is a most fascinating one. In 1948, a young missionary from Heber City, Utah, Elder Vern Thacker, was transferred to the little town of Boron, CA in the Mojave Desert. While there he and his companion knocked on the door of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie M. Griffin, who graciously greeted them. Mr. Griffin was not a member of the Church but told the missionaries he was a grandson of William Weeks, the architect of the “old Mormon temple in Nauvoo, Illinois.”[16] The elders developed a good relationship with the Griffin family and held several gospel discussions. Elder Thacker related:
"On our last visit to Mr. Griffin he excused himself for a few minutes and went into the rear part of his house. He returned with a large roll of papers about four feet long, ten inches in diameter, secured with a rubber band. He explained, ‘These are the original architect’s drawings for the Nauvoo Temple. They have been in my family for 100 years, handed down from my grandfather, William Weeks.’ He then unrolled the plans and explained them to us. There were exterior drawings, some interior, an angel with a weather vane, pencil sketches for circular stairways, circular windows, archways, etc. Even the measurements for various details of the temple were included in William’s handwriting. They were yellowed with age but in amazingly good condition. Mr. Griffin knew I was returning home in a few days. He asked me if I would do him a favor of carrying these plans to the headquarters of the Church in Salt Lake City. I assured him that it would be a great honor for me to do so. He said he felt that, after 100 years, these should be given to the Church. I subsequently left Boron with the plans tucked into the turtle back trunk of my Ford."[17]
One week after returning from his mission, Thacker made an appointment with A. William Lund, Assistant LDS Church Historian, and turned the drawings over to him. A short time later, Mr. Griffin received a letter of thanks from Lund, dated September 28, 1948. The letter states, “We appreciate your action far more than words can express.”[18]
In 1949, 19 year-old Leslie Marion Griffin, Jr., Sandra's father, was baptized a member of the Church, the first descendant of the William Weeks family to join. Eventually, his wife, Jo Lee, their daughter, Sandra, and her husband, James Hardy, became members.
Sometime during the mid 1980’s the family read in a Church publication that someone other than their family had donated the original Nauvoo Temple plans to the Church. This surprised and confused the Griffins and Hardys. At that time Sandra wrote the Church Historical Department for clarification. She received a letter, dated August 12, 1985, stating, “The original drawings of the Nauvoo Temple may have been donated by your grandparents.”[19] This further disheartened the family.
Steve and I made two inquiries concerning Sandra’s request back in 1999. Then as a result of a startling coincidence the story of the return of Weeks’ architectural plans by Elder Vern Thacker was shared in a Sacrament Meeting talk by someone who knew nothing of the Griffin's connection. This led to other coincidences and many telephone calls. Sandra, at last, had located Brother Vern Thacker.
The momentum of the drama began to build on March 23, 2001, during breakfast with Elder David E. Sorensen (who offered the dedicatory prayer for a new building on Southern Utah University's campus in Cedar City). Elder Sorensen serves in the Presidency of the Seventy and was and is over the Church Temple Department. He shared with those of us at his table the latest developments in the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. This topic of conversation was of particular importance to two people, seated at our table, who were the primary donors to the temple reconstruction whose names I will not say. Elder Sorensen related the story of the return of William Weeks’ architectural drawings, noting that the current architects were using these original plans. Then he stated, he knew of no Weeks’ descendants who are now Church members. Excitedly, I said, “Elder Sorensen, you won’t believe this! I heard this story from William Weeks’ great-great granddaughter herself. She is a member of the Church. Sandra Hardy and her parents live right here in Cedar City.”
“I would love to meet these people,” exclaimed Elder Sorensen and the excitement began to mount. Les Griffin, his wife, Jo Lee, and their daughter, Sandra, met with Elder Sorensen that afternoon, bringing with them letters and photocopies of the original drawings. Elder Sorensen invited the family to visit him in his office in Salt Lake City.
In late spring of 2001, the Griffins, their daughter Sandra, along with Brother Vern Thacker, his wife, Suzanne, Steve and I, went to Salt Lake City. Elder Sorensen warmly welcomed us. He took us to meet with Brother Scott Christensen of the Church Archives.
Brother Christensen brought out a large rectangular box containing the architectural drawings of their great grandfather. Wearing white protective gloves, Les Griffin once again viewed the drawings he had seen many times as a child. On one of the pages he found a watercolor drawing of a boat he had drawn in the early 1940’s when he could find no other paper on which to paint. Near his watercolor his older brother, Ralph, had sketched a ship with mast and sails. Tears welled up in Les's eyes, and he said, “My brother was killed in a mine accident when he was 20. These temple plans were to have been donated in his name.” Brother Christensen then handed him a copy from the Church Archives’ records stating that, yes, William Weeks’ architectural designs had been contributed in the name of Ralph Henry Griffin. All present were now weeping and overcome with emotion. Les smiled through his tears, gave a sigh of relief, and peace and pleasure filled his face. Sandra turned to me and we hugged, cried, and hugged some more. What an exhilarating, joyous occasion!
The Griffins brought with them the Weeks’ Family Bible and gave it to the Church. William’s own handwriting gave the dates of family births, marriages, and deaths. Brother Christensen said, “This Bible is a treasure because of Weeks’ unique role in Church history.” The family also donated, that April day, a picture Ralph had copied from William’s drawing of the temple’s front entrance, dated March 1, 1941. Ralph had used a piece of the same paper on which William had completed his temple drawings. Archivist Scott Christensen gratefully received Ralph's drawing and the Bible because they confirmed the relationship between the Griffin Family and William Weeks.
William Weeks might find belated consolation in knowing that the rediscovery of his plans through a series of minor miracles helped make it possible for the Church to rebuild and more authentically replicate the reconstructed Nauvoo Temple. It is by chance that the drawings survived all of William's moves and finally ended up in LDS Archives as a result of Elder Thacker's contact with the Griffin family.
One day when leaving the Church Archives after doing some research on William Weeks, I ran into Elder Bruce C. Hafen. "Marj, what are you doing here?" he asked. I told him, and quickly shared a little of the Weeks story. He said, "Just yesterday I was in a meeting with the Brethern. Bishop Keith B. McMullin, gave us a progress report on the Nauvoo Temple. He said Weeks' plans were crucial in the reconstruction. Why don't you call Bishop McMullin's office and ask for a quote from him?"
So I did.
Bishop McMullin, a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, shared the following comments with me:
"In constructing the Nauvoo Temple, we gained a deep appreciation for the work of Brother Weeks. In rebuilding the Temple, efforts have been made to reflect as closely as practical the original exterior designs and interior appointments. Brother Weeks' drawings were an essential part of this study and research. The manner in which the Nauvoo Temple has been reconstructed would not have been possible without these original plans."[20]
A multitude of small miracles occurred as the family of architect William Weeks was rediscovered: Sandra’s prompting to ask for help, finding and reconnecting with Brother Vern Thacker, and the unusual timing of the chance meeting with Elder David E. Sorensen whose responsibility was temples. The Church had acknowledged and recorded the Griffin's gift in the name of a beloved brother. They learned the whereabouts of Weeks’ descendants, and that some are Latter-day Saints. These small miracles declared testimony and confirmation of God’s presence in the lives of this dear family. All the events brought profound meaning to those who played a part in rediscovering the Weeks’ family on the eve of the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple.
Isn't this a wonderful story? I am so grateful to have played a minor part in its development. The Griffins and Sandra Hardy along with Steve and I attended the Nauvoo Temple open house. It was a glorious experience for them and for us.
Ours is a Gospel of miracles, of everyday spiritual experiences and blessings in the lives of the Lord's people. God manifests his power by giving us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a reminder that He is near and He loves us. Many personal miracles or spiritual experiences are too sacred to share. They are to be kept and pondered in one's heart or perhaps told privately as prompted by the Spirit. Yes, our Heavenly Father is a God of miracles today. True faith and obedience brings the fruits of the Spirit, the greatest of which is love. As is often the case in our daily lives, events and circumstances that seem so ordinary at the time of their happening in retrospect take on deeper meaning. As we look back over our lives we can definitely see the Lord's hand, his presence in our everyday affairs. We then know that we are truly God's children and that He is with us on our journey.
Thank you for inviting us back tonight. I want you to know that I have a strong testimony of the Lord's presence in our lives. I know He lives and loves us. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer and that He came to teach us and to atone for our sins. I am so grateful for the years our family lived in Rexburg, for the rare privilege to serve with you on this campus and for marvelous memories.
Notes
[1] Moroni 7:27,37
[2] Mormon 9:11
[3] Mormon 9:9
[4] Moses 6:61
[5] Doctrine and Covenants 11:13
[6] Doctrine and Covenants 112:10
[7] Doctrine and Covenants 35:8
[8] Doctrine and Covenants 59:21, emphasis added
[9] Alma 58:11
[10] Ether 4:18
[11] Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79
[12] Smith, Joseph, HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, Period 1, Vol. 5: 353, Deseret Book, 1962.
[13] Smith, Joseph, HISTORY OF THE CHURCH, Period 1, vol. 6: 197, Deseret Book, 1962.
[14] Arrington, J. Earl, “William Weeks Architect of the Nauvoo Temple,” BYU Studies, Vol. 19, Number 3, Spring 1979, p. 354. (Arrington’s personal conversation with Caroline F. Weeks Griffin on July 3, 1931.)
[15] Ibid., p. 358-359.
[16] Thacker, Vern C., “Nauvoo Temple Architect’s Drawings Lost and Found,” January 20, 2000, p. 1 and supplement of September 10, 2000, p. 3.
[17] Ibid., p.2.
[18] Lund, A. William, Assistant Church Historian, Letter written to Mr. Leslie M. Griffin, September 28, 1948.
[19] Anderson, Grant Allen, manager Public Services of Church Historical Department, August 12, 1985.
[20] Keith B. McMullin, letter to Marjorie Bennion, March 7, 2002.