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Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith’s Birthday Party and Fundraising, July 14, 2012

Picture taken at the 2007 Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Reunion at Heber Valley Camps

When Joseph Smith was still a young boy, Mother Smith had a remarkable dream: She saw two majestic trees in a meadow by a stream, one with a gold band of light around the trunk. A gentle breeze blew, and the golden tree bent gracefully and exulted with joy as it was filled with the wind. But the other tree would not bend. As she awoke, she saw that her husband and his brother were the trees, and that Joseph Sr. would be willing to listen and accept the gospel, but his brother would be stubborn.

Trees hold a unique symbolism in our family; from Mother Smith’s dream, to clearing virgin farmland, to the Sacred Grove. Like trees, each of the Smiths stood out among men. They were tall, majestic people and lived larger than life. From the earliest days, it was always Joseph, Hyrum, Samuel, etc. who uplifted and sustained everyone.

Family Birthday Celebration
How fitting that our Family is celebrating Father Smith’s birthday this July 14th, at the beautiful Heber Valley Camp. One of the pavilions is dedicated to Lucy Mack Smith, and we have the unique opportunity to replant trees in each of the children’s names. In 2007, as part of the Smith Family reunion, we planted trees but some have been damaged by the elements and predators. The replacement tree will be large, mature trees, which will stand independent above the scrub oak surrounding the pavilion, in beautiful symbolism of our family. The camp missionaries love to show the trees to any visiting the camp.

This birthday celebration is for the entire family. With our children we will add items to be placed in a time capsule. Families will be organized with shoveling and water brigades. We’ll have a short program reminding us of the incredible accomplishments of our Smiths. Best of all, a hearty picnic luncheon will be served.

Fundraising event
We all can do our part to help honor Joseph and Lucy’s legacy. The Pavilion has limited seating of 250, so you’ll need to register as soon as possible. To register, print the pdf registration form below and mail to: Frances Orton, 381 W 3700 N, Provo UT 84604. If you have questions please contact Frances Orton at f.orton@digis.net.

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The Joseph Smith Family

http://deseretbook.com/Joseph-Smith-Family-Ben-Bridgstock/i/4967515

by Ben Bridgstock

Hardcover
SKU 4967515

As a series of biographies — on each member of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s family, this book will give the reader a better overall view of the First Family’ of Mormonism — than any other book! For the first time you can read about each individual — starting with Joseph Smith Sr., then Lucy Mack Smith. Then read about each of Joseph Smith’s brothers — from righteous Alvin, to loyal Hyrum, to rebel William — and the sisters, of which little is known by most. Read also of his wife Emma. Become familiar with children who died in infancy and are little spoken of. A fascinating look at the Smith family!

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Church Receives Award for Joseph Smith Home

http://lds.org/ensign/2001/08/news-of-the-church?lang=eng

p.78

The Preservation League of New York State has given a 2001 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award to the Church for the restoration of the Joseph Smith Sr. frame home in Manchester Township, near Palmyra, New York.

“This statewide award program recognizes those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the preservation of New York State’s irreplaceable architectural heritage,” said Scott P. Heyl, Preservation League president. “The careful restoration of the building has returned this magnificent structure to its original appearance and will certainly add to the interpretation of the site.”

“The frame house was the last-built heritage of the Joseph Smith Sr. family,” said Don Enders, Church curator of historic sites. “It is a wonderful place where sacred aspects of the gospel were carried out, such as bringing the gold plates home and placing them there.” Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Seventy, a counselor in the Presidency of the North America Northeast Area; Brother Enders; and Steve Olson, operations director for the Museum of Church History and Art, represented the Church at the awards ceremony in New York City on 1 May.

The Smith family moved to the Palmyra area in 1816, establishing a farm in Manchester Township and building a log house where Joseph received the visitation from the angel Moroni (JS—H 1:30–47). By 1822 the eldest son, Alvin Smith, had begun work on the larger frame house. He died before it was completed, but in 1825 the Smith family moved into the partially finished farmhouse. It was in this house that Joseph hid the gold plates beneath the fireplace hearth, and once between his younger sisters, who were in bed, during a mob intrusion (see “Cradle of the Restoration,” Ensign, Jan. 2001, 44).

The Smith family moved out of the frame house in 1829, and over the years successive owners altered the building.

In 1997 the Church began work to restore the frame house to its original state. The home is situated somewhat between the Palmyra Temple and the Sacred Grove.

[photos] The Church received an award for its restoration of the Joseph Smith Sr. frame home in Manchester Township, near Palmyra, New York. Right: An interior photo of the home’s kitchen. (Photography by Craig Dimond.)