Signs of the Book of Mormon

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be the \"keystone\" of their religion. As such, it is no wonder that a number of Utah cities — Nephi, Lehi, Bountiful, Manti and others — derive their titles from this sacred book. Some church members over the years have also used Book of Mormon names for their children.

But there are also some Mormon-named streets around too, such as Mormon Avenue in Yucca Valley, Calif., or Mormon Creek Road in Missoula,, Mont.

More recently, some subdivisions have begun using Book of Mormon names, as well.

In South Jordan, Utah, there's King Benjamin's Court, an almost four-dozen-lot subdivision, just north and in sight of the Jordan River Temple at about 9800 South and 1300 West. King Benjamin is a famous Book of Mormon ruler and prophet whose address to his people is detailed in the Book of Mosiah.

Street names in the subdivision include King Benjamin's Court, King Benjamin Drive, Mosiah Court, Mosiah Way, Ammon Way and Enos Way. Two prominent individuals in the Book of Mormon are named Ammon, while Enos is known for having prayed throughout an entire day.

In the Olympus Cove area of the Salt Lake Valley's east side, there are also at least four more Book of Mormon-named streets in one residential area. There's Zarahemla Drive, Abinadi Road, Helaman Circle and Hagoth Circle. Zarahemla is the name of a Book of Mormon city, while Abinadi is a prophet whose teachings and martyrdom are chronicled in the Book of Mosiah. Hagoth is a \"an exceedingly curious man\" mentioned at the end of the Book of Alma who built a large ship, went exploring and \"was never heard of more.\"

These streets are found in the proximity of 4500 South and east of I-215. They are also just below Neff Canyon.

Also in the area is Gilead Way, which is derived from the Bible.

Marilyn Bowers and her husband, Steve, live in King Benjamin's Court. They moved to the subdivision six months ago, not because of the Book of Mormon slant, but because of the proximity to the Jordan River Temple. The street names were a bonus.

\"We love being close to the temple,\" Marilyn Bowers said. \"We love the neighborhood.\"

She said that those in the subdivision who are not members of the LDS Church don't seem to realize the Book of Mormon connection.

\"Actually, only members of the church think it's pretty neat,\" she said.

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com