A visit to the Wasatch Front of Utah should always include an excursion to Temple Square. For me it wasn’t just to see the magnificent temple or other buildings or walk through the lovely gardens but to experience the new permanent exhibit at the Church Museum of History and Art. Also, I wanted to watch the new short films added to the Meet the Mormons documentary.
Museum of Church History and Art
When I last visited this museum, it was the same exhibit that was there more than a decade before when I first visited the museum. It contained many artifacts and told the story of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its founding to its arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. It painted a very rosy outlook on everything, which has become increasingly unpopular in the internet age.
A year’s renovations updated the central exhibit. It still includes many of the original, rare artifacts in addition to many never before displayed items and images. The new exhibit addresses many of the before taboo topics. It does this in an open and honest manner.
One of these elements is an immersive video experience combining elements of all of Joseph Smith’s First Vision accounts into a beautiful and powerful story.
The exhibits on the second floor have remained the same. There is one that chronicles the presidents of the church. There is a very fun and interactive children’s area. And, the large art gallery space. At the time of my visit, the latest selections from the International Art Competition were on display. The art ranged from abstract sculpture to figurative oil paintings. It was a beautiful collection of art telling the stories of Jesus created by amateur and professional artists and church members from around the globe. The art represents a multi-cultural dimension not thought of by most people when thinking of the Utah-based faith.
Meet the Mormons
A couple of years ago, the LDS Church released a documentary in theaters across America called Meet the Mormons. It told the story of six Latter-day Saints (Mormons) around the world and how they live their lives influenced by their faith.
A couple of months before my trip to the states, the church announced it would release an additional three stories to add to the collection. They would only be available for viewing in LDS visitor center around the world. All nine of the stories would play at intervals for visitors.
I saw the original documentary in Arizona. It was very uplifting. I really wanted to see some of the new stories when in Salt Lake City. We had the opportunity to watch two of them. Both are extremely compelling stories. My favorite is about four siblings who perform together in a Japanese pop music group called Bless 4. Their main message is the power in knowing we are all children of God. I’ll admit I cried during this, both times we watched it.
If you find yourself near an LDS visitor center in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., or anywhere else around the world, drop in for one or two or more of these stories. Whether you are LDS or not, they will help you find faith in humanity and grow your own connection to a higher power I know as our Father in Heaven.
I had been wavering on whether to go to Japan or not for Chinese National Day holiday in October. Watching the Meet the Mormons segment helped me decide to go after all. I’m glad I made it to Tokyo. More about those adventures soon!
Other Utah Adventures
We also found a little bit of time to make it to This is the Place Heritage Park. It is like a home to me since I have spent so much time there over the years. There were two reasons I really wanted to go. First, I wanted to see the new Native American Village. I watched this section of the park start growing with development in 2015 when I worked across the path at the Treasure House. I was originally skeptical of the giant tipi being built. My fears were for naught. The tipi is great.
It acts as a performance space where Native American park employees and volunteers share their culture and educate park visitors. We made it just in time for their last demonstration of the day. They highlighted a handful of dances and explained their meanings. They address common misconceptions and stereotypes of Native Americans. And, they engaged their audience very well. Beyond the tipi, there is some lovely new landscaping and revamped other areas in this section of the living history park.
I also got to see my friend Cherie Call as she warmed-up for her CD release concert that night. I couldn’t stay for the concert, but I really enjoyed the few songs I heard them rehearse. Her new album, The Buddy System, is lots of fun.
Another day found us taking a short hike up part of Maple Canyon near Springville, Utah. I always enjoy getting into the mountains of Utah. It is invigorating and rejuvenating.
