On Saturday, 28 September 2002, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Council of the Twelve, and member of the Foundation Board, dedicated a monument in the Salt Lake City Cemetery to Elijah Abel, Black pioneer and missionary. Elijah was a skilled carpenter, and worked on the Kirtland, Nauvoo, and Salt Lake Temples. The History of the Church lists Elijah as being among those who attempted to recue Joseph Smith from his enemies in the Nauvoo persecutions. Elijah attests to the fact that he was at Father Smith’s death bed, and prepared the body for burial. Elijah had a great love for the Smith family. Father Smith gave him a Patriarchal Blessing in which Elijah was told that he would be “made equal to [his] brethren.â€
The new monument replaced the deteriorating gravestones, and added the names of their children, along with a listing of Elijah’s accomplishments. Elder Ballard expressed appreciation for the faithful service of this good man, and to the Genesis Group and the Missouri Frontier Foundation who sponsored the Monument and dedication.