Sherry and I had a wonderful invitation to join the VIP group consisting of, local Western Shoshone Indians, descendents of George Washington Hill and the creators and artists who created the painting of the Native Americans being confirmed that hangs on the West wall of the baptismal room in the Brigham City LDS Temple.

The picture shows George Washington Hill and his companion, laying their hands upon the head of a recently baptized Shoshone Indian to confirm him a member of the LDS church while a small band of additional Shoshone stand by watching and witnessing the event.

A beautiful rendition of what was done in the 1860’s as over 1,000 members of the Western Shoshone tribe became baptized into the LDS church.

The tour was a wonderful event to be a part of and to get to travel through with members of the local tribe who are also part of the painting made it even more special to us.  Later we were very pleased to be able to sit at the same table with them and have lunch.  Patty Madson, her sister, daughter and grandchildren were gracious enough to allow us to sit with them.  What wonderful people they are.  Thank you.

And so for all of you who have tickets to go through this beautiful building but may not be of the LDS faith, or haven’t been following the preaching of the religion so faithfully, let me re-assure you that I put myself on the line for you.  I entered into the building as a test to the architectural integrity of that construction and I walked completely through it without it even so much as shaking or creaking.  It is safe and I give it my 5 star rating as a sound and strong building that nothing except God Himself could bring down.

Bears Butt

August 17, 2012