… And All Things Mormon

In the sunshine of
early spring, some statues and
sculptures depict life

~ carliewired

Salt Lake City, Utah, is the home of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). The city was founded in 1847 by Mormon followers. The Metro area is now over a million in population with 35% being Mormon.

Sugar House Park, the 110 acre jewel of the city, began its life as the site of the Utah State Prison. In 1951 the prison was relocated elsewhere and the battle to gain a city park began. Today we watched people feed the birds (mostly seagulls) in the pond. The park was busy with family groups and team events. (top left photo)

This Is The Place Heritage Park is the site where, in 1847, Brigham Young first saw the Salt Lake Valley and declared it to be the place of settlement for the Mormon Pioneers he was leading. In the years to follow, thousands of Mormon Pioneers were added. In the near distance is the Wasatch Range. The Park that now exists marks the historic location with a tall memorial statue. (top right photo)

The Gilgal Sculpture Garden, the creation of Thomas Child, a masonry contractor and Mormon Bishop, is now a city park and is under-going more repairs. It contains 12 original sculptures and more than 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poetry and hymns. After Mr. Child's death in 1963 the garden fell into disuse and suffered vandalism and great neglect. It has gradually recovered recently with the care of dedicated volunteers and is now in the hands of the city of Salt Lake. The most notable statue is the Sphinx with the head of Joseph Smith.(founder of the Mormons) (Bottom photos)