From Deseret News archives:
Salt Lake's Secret Garden
Man's passion for LDS religion is one of the pervading themes
The quirky Gilgal Sculpture Garden, located northeast of Trolley Square at 749 E. 500 South, has its fair share of rumors and stories. The creation of former LDS bishop Thomas B. Child Jr., the unique and unusual sculptures can't be seen anywhere else. Scattered body parts of a biblical giant, a sphinx with the face of LDS Prophet Joseph Smith, four 45-ton books and a faceless warrior are some of the 15 sculptural arrangements.
"The story of the garden cannot be told without his testimony," Hortense said from her Salt Lake home. "This is one of my great concerns . . . the message might be lost. And most people will not take the time to get to the heart of it."
"A lot of people would spend their time trying to get into the garden," said Cathy King, a member of the non-profit group, Friends of Gilgal Garden. "It really works on so many different levels spiritual, intellectual, religious. It's open to interpretation."
Creating a sanctuary
At 86 years old, Hortense still remembers her time in Gilgal Garden with her father-in-law Child.
"Those were great days," she said, smiling between memories of "Thomas B." or "Grandpa." After marrying Child's only son, the late Robert Rumel Child, Hortense served as Child's secretary, writing down his thoughts, memories and history.
"He was probably the foremost masonry contractor in the Mountain West," she said, adding that Child's stone work is on This is the Place Monument and LDS temples in Los Angeles and Idaho Falls. Thomas learned the masonry trade from his father, who co-owned the masonry contracting business Thos. B. Child and Son together. "During his time, he probably had brick work in every Salt Lake City block."
Comments
- Jazz missing 4 to injuries 12:55 a.m.
- Pitta doesn't win award 12:47 a.m.
- Jazz manage a magical win 12:43 a.m.
- Speed skating tuneup Friday 12:41 a.m.
- BYU football: NCAA awards 12:30 a.m.
- Magic unable to continue road act 12:26 a.m.
- Fans should worry about lousy teams 12:24 a.m.
- U.S.-born Hispanics see gains 12:23 a.m.
- Editorial: Extremism spike alarming 12:23 a.m.
- No need for more stimulus 12:22 a.m.
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness
- Few details on missing W.V. mom
- Defense witness goes on offensive
- Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
- BCS = power conference monopoly
- Crash landing next to I-15
- Unga might enter NFL draft
- 5 officers lose their certification
- Y.'s Emery bruised, but rarely beaten
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Letters: Global warming a lie
256 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
193 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
165 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
150 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
142 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
124 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
123 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
Love him or hate him, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch knows how to get attention.
I too agree that Booz and the team are NOT just going through the motions....
The springs have a long history of being clothing optional, and they provide...
He "needs more outside shooting to beat LA". He needs to design a real...
NCFAA Contribution to College Football Award: LaVell Edwards, Brigham Young,...
Why did the Jazz play so bad against LA and really well for a 1/2 against...
We Coug fans will be forever grateful for your three or four years of bearing...
When was the last time Utah even got to the dance three times in a row; let...
His speech was quite good, I agree with what Gingrich said. However, for...
I believe that a large part of the deterioration of the rivalry is a result...
Good win Jazz!!! Now give Fesenko some Red Bulls and lets see how well the...



You can be the first to comment on this story.