“Never lose sight of those who laid the groundwork and built the paths that have led to light and truth that has now been available to those who would be willing to seek it and find it, embrace it and join it,” President Ballard said when he dedicated the monument in May 2022.
In 2020, the Ensign Peak Foundation* placed a 14,000 pound obelisk granite monument in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield, home to five generations of Smiths: Robert, a 14–year–old indentured servant who immigrated to America; Samuel, Samuel II, Asael, and Joseph Smith Sr.
In 1873 George A. Smith placed a monument honoring the two Samuels. The new monument updates and expands historical information.
Family members joined civic and religious leaders and friends at the dedication and attended the Topsfield Congregational Church.
*A private company dedicated to preserving and hallowing sacred sites.
Topsfield Cemetery Smith Monument during a visit of Joseph F. Smith and family members December 25, 1905 This monument was erected in memory of Robert Smith and also 1st and 2nd Samuel By George A. Smith and other descendants in Utah
A new Smith monument and plaza is underway in Topsfield, Massachusetts. This unique and large endeavor at the Pine Grove Cemetery will include a monument similar to the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Sharon, Vermont.
Congregational Church in Topsfield, Massachusetts – Photos by Michael Nebeker
The monument has been developed by the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation through the Chair, Kim Wilson. This 2020 project celebrates the 200th anniversary year of the First Vision and the 400th anniversary year of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. The Smith Family Monument and plaza is a tribute to the Smith family who immigrated to Topsfield, Massachusetts. Five generations of Smith descents cherished the American dream and raised their families in the Topsfield community. They were actively involved in the Congregational Church and the community.
On the left: Joseph F. Smith visit to Robert Smith Home, 1905. On the right: Joseph F. Smith’s visit to home of Samuel Smith in Topsfield, MA.
President M. Russell Ballard is excited about the project and he is planning to perform the dedication. The dedication will take place on Saturday, June 20th, 2020 at the Topsfield Fairgrounds Arena. It is an exciting time for descendants of Robert Smith, the first Smith to immigrate to this country, to come together and to celebrate and learn an amazing part of the Smith family history. Space at the dedication will be limited.
Partially installed granite sections – Photos by Rick Cochran
The construction of
the site has begun. Like the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial, Vermont granite
is being used. The Topsfield Cemetery Commission approved a large plaza area
encompassed by granite curbing, granite corner posts, the middle granite posts,
four granite benches and decorative chain cordoning-off the plaza area. The new
monument and the existing marker will be inside the curbed area with a long
300-foot handicapped accessible pathway from the parking area directly to the
Smith Family Monument.
The approval of the project included a stipulation that the site work would begin in 2019. The polished granite memorial is expected to be installed by late March of 2020.
This photo was taken at the edge of the parking area looking towards the new Smith plaza and monument – Photo by Rick Cochran Architectural rendering of the Smith Family Memorial
Mormon Historic Sites
Foundation has asked that the family contribute toward the memorial. This is
honoring the Smith family and we feel we should support it by contributing what
you are able by pressing the green donate button and giving what you can.
This is a wonderful gift in honor of the Prophet’s birthday! It is exactly 214 years from his birth – Monday, December 23, 1805.
