The Indianapolis journal., 1903-06-21
MORMON RITES.
Device for Sending Unbaptised Dead
10 Heaven.

to Heaven.
Salt Lake Letter in Philadelphia Ledger
Unique celebrations were recently held
here when the family OF Brigham Young
was gathered for the observance Of his
birthday. as well as TO hear reports Of the
work done by an association that has been
formed by the descendants OF the Nor
mon prophet and his brothers. This cele-
bration has become to be one Of the events
of the year in Utah.
1t is estimated that at the party given
here on June / more than 300 of the de-
scendants Of the second Mormon prophet
were gathered. His sons and daughters
who numbered ifty-six-have generally
reared large families. and many of these
were gathered from far and near TO meet
and take up the work that the family is
to do according TO the Mormon creed.
Some came from the Mormon settlements
I'm Canada, others from Mexico, and still
others from the region between. Several
of the widows OF the prophet were also
present, although most OF these survivors
are becoming feeble with age.
The interesting feature OF the annual
meeting, however. lies In the purpose OF
the family organization, which is 10 DO
DdptASfHdi Wofk IOf tnc hnCeStOTS OF brlR-
ham Young 1t is cardinal doctrine OF
the Mormon Church that no person can
reach the highest OF the kingdoms in the
after life unless he or she is baptized by
one Of the priests of the church. In order
to provide for the time existing between
the withdrawal of the true gospel from
the earth-accordinsy to the Mormon theoi-
ogy, in about 400 A. D.-and IT'S return
through Joseph Smith I'm the early part OF
the last century, IL was revealed" 10 Smith
that descendant OF any person who was
dead could be baptized In his or her name
and make the record complete.
1t is the Mormon belief that the spirits
Of unbaptized persons are held In the ''ce-
Kingdoms in the other world-awaiting the
action Of their descendants 10 permit them
| TO ascend into the celestial" kingdom.
quently the leaders of the Young family
several years ago undertook TO trace back
their ancestry as far as they could go and
provide for all whose relationship could be
shown an entry into the highest Of the
other worlds
They have gone to the early part OF the
eighteenth century already, learning that
came to America. was a resident of the
| Providence Plantations, being one OF the
earlier settlers. Other ancestors served
in the Indian wars. and one fought with
| distinction in the war Of the Revolution.
| Efforts are now being made 10 trace the
the family records as far as possible into
England, the plan being to go back TO
| 400 A D., IL any records can be found,
which, Of course, is out OF the question,
| In view OF the state OF England about
that time.
Whenever a new ancestor is found. one
| of the members OF the family. who is en-
gagged in what Is known as the temple
work.. goes to the big temple In this city
| and passes through various peculiar cere-
monies akin 10 those OF the endowment"
| so called. by which a novice Is initiated
into the mysteries of the Church. This
| worker takes the name OF the person for
whom the rite is 10 be performed. Ia
anointed with oil and baptized. and then
| goes through various secret ceremonies.
The worker I'm the final degrees ascends
| into room representing the ''terrestrial.'
| kingdom. This is painted fantastically 10
| represent a condition OF disorder IN the
| world, with birds and beasts fighting,
| storms blowing. and disaster on. every
/ hand. Another room represents the .celes-
| tial'' kingdom. where peace reigns. but
1 still one is bound 10 earthly things. The
| celestial" room Is a handsomely fitted
| up place, hung with costly fabrics and
| ablaze with light. with the ceiling covered
| with clusters OF fruits and vines arranged
| to give the idea that here gamers all
1 the rewards OF the world.
| The work OF the Young family Is being
| duplicated by various other families IN
| Mormondom. and the baptismal rites at
the various temples tax their capacity.