Did You Know?!?!

In Pearl of Great Price yesterday, Ruthie Baby and I learned some really cool stuff about the Joseph Smith statue in the JSB and the First Vision.

The statue was created by Avard T. Fairbanks and unveiled in the JSB in Oct 1997. The sculpture had been playing with small replicas of the finished product for months trying to get the perfect recreation of the First Vision. He would take the models with him when giving firesides and other presentations and mold until he was satisfied with the end result. After being not quite happy with how it was turning out, Fairbanks put two fingers under the chin and tilted it up. PERFECT!

When the statue was unveiled in the courtyard, Elder Eyring (commissioner), Deans, and other VIPs came to the ceremony. Many people were worried that such a prominent statue would give reason for ridicule that Latter-Day Saints worship Joseph Smith and wanted a statue of Jesus Christ the Teacher to be erected. President Eyring was approached and asked for his opinion. In the dedicatory speech he said:

"One of the marks of great art is not what it portrays but what it suggests. There are other figures not sculpted here which I would like you to imagine with an eye of faith. God the Eternal Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ appeared to open this dispensation...though the statue portrays him, this piece of art represents that moment when Joseph Smith learned there was a way for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be unlocked fully. Because of what Joseph saw at this moment, the Savior was able, through this great and valiant servant and through others He sent, to restore power and privilege. That power and privilege allow us, and all who will live, to have the benefit of Jesus Christ's Atonement work in our lives. Joseph Smith is looking up at the figures not shown."

Wow! If you go on the second floor and look down to where Joseph is looking right back at you, you can really see "God's view" of the First Vision. It's such a witness that Heavenly Father loves his children and knows what each and every one of us needs and desires.