Before and after photos of William Jasper Harris and Martha Ann Smith Harris’ grave in the Provo Cemetery.
Last year, the outside sandstone base began flaking off and a horizontal crack developed running through the base and along a sandstone layer. To eliminate the possibility of the top pieces of the headstone from toppling and being damaged, a new granite base was installed.
The original sandstone base was placed 114 years ago following William’s passing. William’s passing was caused by being hit by a buggy that was racing down Center Street in Provo. Over the years, time and weather have been eroding the beautiful sandstone base.
The Smith Family appreciates this work that was spearheaded by a William Jasper Harris and Martha Ann Smith Harris family member. Thanks to all who contributed to help purchase this beautiful new base. Many more also wished to contribute but the needed amount had already been donated. Please know that your desire to donate was also very much appreciated.
As we give honor to the life and legacy of President M. Russell Ballard, our thoughts turn to his love of family, ancestors, and the younger generations of Smiths. In addition to focusing on beautifying the Family Cemetery, he was the driving force behind gathering our family. He was especially intent on seeing that the Family Association focuses on having the younger generations get to know their ancestors and their sacrifices to establish the latter-day dispensation. This is evident in efforts such as student scholarships, reunion activities and online programs. We propose that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association.
Mail: c/o Frances Orton 381 W 3700 N Provo UT 84604
From an article in the Smith Family Newsletter May 1996 we have a little background on the resting place for Solomon Mack:
“Solomon Mack’s headstone is broken beyond repair!” This was the message transmitted to our family last year. The Centennial Cemetery in Gilsum, New Hampshire, is the final resting place of Solomon Mack, Lucy Mack Smith’s father. Many other Mack family headstones stand there in a row. Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on Solomon’s headstone. Years ago, it was cracked in half. Someone repaired it by bolting iron supports together which have over the years expanded and intensified the damage. Two years ago a visitor to the cemetery unintentionally leaned against the headstone and provided further breakage.”
“The headstone of Betsy A. Mack, sister-in-law to Lucy Mack Smith was also broken and not repairable. Through a miraculous set of events, a monument maker and friend of the Smith family, Monte Hendrickson, happened to hear about the damage and volunteered to take additional time on a trip to Vermont to assess what needed to be done. Monte and his wife, Betty, found the cemetery and concluded that no further repair was possible. They removed the portion of Solomon’s headstone with the old engraving on it. They have inset the old engraving into a new headstone which will be erected on Solomon’s grave in June. They have also made a new headstone for Betsy Mack. Monte and Betty have generously contributed labor, materials and significant time to honor Solomon and Betsy. Thank you Monte and Betty for your love of the Smith family and for your selfless service!”
“My friends when you read this journal remember your unfortunate friend Solomon Mack, who worried and toiled until an old age, to try to lay up treasures in this world, but the Lord would not suffer me to have it, but now I trust I have treasures laid up that no man can take away, but by the goodness of God through the blood of a bleeding Saviour.”
“Although I am a poor cripple unable to walk much, or even to mount or dismount my horse I hope to serve my God by his assistance to [divine] acceptance, that I may at last leap for joy [to] see his face and hold him fast in my embrace.”
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith Jr. – September 21-22, 2023
Smith Family gathered in Palmyra, New York on Thursday, September 14 to produce a video to share as a family, celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Moroni appearing to young Joseph Smith.
The Smith Family is the core family of the restoration. The Prophet Joseph’s work could never have been done by him alone. It became a family responsibility. They not only shared in its glorious events, but they suffered persecution, abuse, imprisonment and even death. All these things seemed to strengthen their testimonies. Each family member believed Joseph’s work was of God. Following is a short, but representative compilation of Book of Mormon testimonies, borne by Smith family members. On the 200th anniversary of Moroni’s first visit to the Prophet Joseph, it is appropriate that we pause and be reminded that each family member knew and testified that it was true. Their testimonies reflect our ancestor’s deep faith and devotion. There are many more that could have been published. There are many, many more that were unspoken. Hopefully, you will become acquainted with their testimonies. Hopefully your children, grandchildren and generations to come will become acquainted with their testimonies. As you learn, teach and share, your testimonies will grow. You will gain a greater appreciation for the price that was paid by the whole Smith family at the beginning of this work. We pray that these testimonies will build our faith and cause us to follow in their footsteps.
Announcements were made during the 200th Anniversary Year of Moroni appearing to Joseph and changing the path of the Smith family. You receive check # 1071 in the amount of $1,000 to be used toward furthering your education goals.
The Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family Association is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. This family Association is involved with outreach, locating and preserving family sites, education, commemorating historical events, and continuing the family’s efforts to publish Joseph’s name for good.
Chloe Isom “Cricket” 755 S Main St. Suite 4-337 Cedar City, UT cricketreads@1beckyjsmithgmail-com Brigham Young University
Slam Poem “Related” (video and written copy)
The Smith family are largely known for Jospeh Smith’s role in bringing about the Restoration of the gospel in full. Because of the miraculous and impactful nature of his work and accomplishments, his and his family’s lives are elevated to illustrious and almost mythic proportions. As a consequence, it can sometimes feel like they are more heroes from stories than real people. While reading and contemplating about their family as a whole, I was struck with how many relatable experiences they did have in between and interwoven with what they were called to do; mainly, the trials and struggles they faced that were not only unique to their position, but are still relevant to what we face today. With this understanding, I have felt a closer connection to them and a desire to follow their examples of endurance and integrity through hardship.
David Pinegar Jr 176 Twin Brook Road Chesterfield, New Hampshire davidothesecond@gmail.com Keene High School
A musical arrangement
I have formed a medley arranged for a full orchestra. Complete sheet music and a recording was submitted.
“The selection of this particular work comes from my respect for Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith’s family. They consistently, throughout the raising of their family, taught their children to believe. This principle of teaching faith is one that is so important in our world today, especially given the advances of the adversary in leading youth away from the priorities that matter most. Referring to the Ammonite stripling warriors, in Alma 57:26, it reads, “And we do justly ascribe [their preservation] to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe.” The Smith family’s devoted teaching of faith provided the setting for the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, to be preserved.
This medley of hymns is meant a tribute to the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His Atonement and an homage to Joseph Smith, who “has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3). Like the Smith family, I have always believed in the importance of teaching faith and teaching to believe. As a result, I will be serving a mission this coming July, in the Buenos Aires Argentina South Mission. As I prepare for this, I try to find more and more opportunities to teach others about what I know and believe. Particularly through music, I am able to teach others about my faith in Christ.”
Jeannette Baird 1024 E Golden Ct Spokane Washington gobaird@msn.com Brigham Young University Service Through Music – Inspired by Lucy Mack Smith
She learned how to serve others by studying Lucy Mack Smith’s life. Jeannette used her musical skills to serve in the community nursing homes. She also raised proceeds through service donating to local charities. She learned she can use her skills to bring her community together.