From Deseret News archives:
Sunrise Service recalls pioneers' faith
"We gather to celebrate Pioneer Day and all of us express gratitude to those who sacrificed everything to build up this community," said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Rasband told the audience, which filled much of the Tabernacle on Temple Square, about his pioneer ancestors, who were members of the ill-fated Willie Handcart Company that came to Utah in 1856. Elder Rasband's great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Sarah Moulton, and their family joined the group of Mormon immigrants after converting to the LDS Church in England, he said. Because of delays, the company was caught in an early winter and eventually lost 66 members, but none of the 10 members of the Moulton family died, Elder Rasband said.
Elder Rasband marveled at the struggles Utah's early pioneers went through.
"How can we imagine?" he said. "How can we with our plenty understand the weakness and the tiredness that comes with lack of nourishment?"
Pastor Mike Imperiale of the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City spoke about the beliefs Christians share in God, who, he said, "seeks to redeem each one of us, one by one, through faith in Christ.
"What a wonderful and awesome God we have," Pastor Imperiale said.
Pastor Imperiale pointed out that insulating material with the brand name "Ultra Grace" printed on it was used on the roof of the Tabernacle during its renovation. How fitting, he said, that those present were also "sitting under the grace of our awesome God."
A combined choir made up of members of eight choirs from around Utah sang patriotic and religious songs at the service, accompanied by piano and by the Tabernacle's historic organ. The event was presented by the Pioneer Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
E-mail: dfelix@desnews.com
Comments
- Study says basketball refs biased 1:13 p.m.
- Sanford faces 37 ethics charges 1:03 p.m.
- Woman killed in fall identified 1:00 p.m.
- October sales gains lift hopes 12:58 p.m.
- Home and garden news and notes 12:58 p.m.
- Ungrateful teen in your house? 12:54 p.m.
- Every Mon. Matters: Be neighborly 12:52 p.m.
- New offerings from past winners 12:50 p.m.
- Make a pilgrim to celebrate season 12:46 p.m.
- Mauer is American League MVP 12:38 p.m.
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
212 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
206 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
178 - BYU records with win
132 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
129 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A survey by Accountemps says that this year, fewer people plan to shop...
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
If you are going back 8 years then the record is the Utes winning five out of...
It's people like you that give BYU a bad name. Do you realize that BYU is...
I love the very first comment on this article: "They are gonna lose and...
Think about it | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 23, 2009 What tax is considered to be...
I'm amazed that you lefties can say that Palin is unqualified. How about the...
Fitting that these two are players of the week...they'll hook up numerous...
If I were a BYU fan I would be "really" hoping for a win this year...
Boise State, especially Kellen Moore, is so overrated it's ridiculous. Top...
you be MVP if you didn't play the whole season?
A little bird told me the parade will be on Tuesday the 24th (tomorrow) at...



You can be the first to comment on this story.