by Glenn Steenblik
As we here in Utah celebrated the 24th of July holiday, marking the day when the main company of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, I paused to reflect on my own pioneer ancestors. They were not among that first, second or third groups which arrived in the valley, nor were they in the ill-fated handcart companies. My earliest relative to come to Utah came in 1860.
Jens Pedersen Aagaard, 69 years old, was the oldest member of his wagon train. Yes, he experienced hardships, not unlike most, yet nothing out of the ordinary at the time. Jens left Copenhagen on May 2nd 1860, first crossing the Atlantic in a steamship to New York, up the Hudson River, then by rail from Albany to Niagra, Detroit, Chicago, Quincy, and paddle-wheeler to Florence, Nebraska. There he joined the William Budge Wagon Company of 350 people, mostly Scandinavian saints. Their trek across the plains lasted from July 20th to October 5th, a 77-day trip, yet all in all, a five month journey for him. I personally have a hard time even imagining such an ordeal. (I remember driving from Chicago to Salt Lake in less than two days).
Most of my great grandparents were converted a bit later in the late 1880s & 90s, coming then by steamships which crossed the ocean in only 11 days, followed by locomotive to Salt Lake. To me they are all “blessed honored pioneers.”
Whenever they came, however they traveled, I will forever be grateful for these pioneers in my family, who received a witness, spawning the desire to join with the body of saints in Zion. I owe much to them and all those connected in any way with them. This gratitude only increases my personal desire and commitment to seek out and identify others on my tree, so that their temple work might be done.
I am reminded of a quote on our FHC website by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Let us never forget the faith of our fathers and the selfless sacrifice of our mothers, those pioneering saints who set such an inspiring example of obedience. Let us remember them as we strive to be valiant servants in our work to ‘invite all to come unto Christ’ and be perfected in Him.”
I also express my gratitude for the many Temple and Family History Consultants, our volunteers from numerous stakes/wards who faithfully serve in our Granite Family History Center. Each one of them is making a difference, contributing greatly in a variety of ways to the furthering of “the work.” I appreciate the one-on-one help given patrons at the center and in the homes of families in our area. Thank You!
In recent years I’ve been able to experience and witness the dedication of volunteers in small family history centers in Rennes and Orléans, France, and in Brussels, Belgium, faithfully there assisting patrons, those of our faith, and many who were not, in searching out their ancestors. The Spirit of Elijah continues to grow and is felt by all who join in this great work of finding and preparing names of individuals, real people, to take to the temple.