Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-12-28
Pro bIem Of Erection.


But even when landed on the site anxiety
was not over. The crisis came with the
problem OF hosting to a height OF thirteen
feet the tapering spire, then OF lifting it
to perpendicular position there. With
special machinery brought from Western
Pennsylvania, w. f. Howlsnd, an expert
in this line, succeeded. Friday, Dec. Sth,
the spire was placed and the gigantic task
completed, within the time set, without so
much as scratch on the polished surface,
with no serious mishap or accident.
Within hollow prepared for it in the
lower base was placed a copper casket con-
tanning documents, records, photographs,
ETC., relating to Joseph Smith, the Nor
mon church, history and other matters,
| which had been sealed with little cere-
mony at the South Royalton House.
The monument is located few rods dis
tant from the site of the Smith home. On
the site itself has been erected a neat cot
tage, the lower part OF which will be occu-
! pied by the caretaker and the upper part
as hall for such religious services as may
be held there. The hearthstone OF the cot
tage occupies the same spot as it did in
the Smith home, and the hearthstone
itself is the original one, found in the
ruins. A handsome mantel has been built
over it. The doorstep, too, is the one that
stood beneath the Smith door.
II may be asked, What is the attitude OF
the people OF RoyaIton and Sharon toward
this monument and the things II implies
The answer is, general complaisauce.
There are some who resent the intrusion
and deplore the coming OF Mormonism in
even this form, but most Of the natives
| look ON with interest, and tolerate, II they
do not approve of it. There have been
only slight indications of hostility or re-
sentiment. 1t is agreed that the Mormon
church has a legal right to do what it is
doing, and that it is natural thing for
any sect to do-to mark the birthplace of
its founder. The expenditure of many
thousands OF dollars in the enterprise, the
employment of help and the pecuniary
benefits derived have doubtless had their
influence in paving the way for the good
feeling that exists.
1t is understood that the Smith memo
rial is only what it pretends to be and has
no deeper significance. The Mormon
church has no intention OF invading YER
mont or of proselyting. Doubtless there
will be occasional pilgrims holding the
faith who will visit this shrine, but no
settlement or organized branch is con-
templated on account of the memorial. II
is simply mark OF reverence placed by
the Mormon church on the birthplace OF
its founder.
Story Of Joseph Smith.
Though the first Mormon had his birth
place in Vermont, Mormonism did not
The "truth'' was not revealed" to Joseph
Smith until some years after he had left
Vermont, child of ten years.
The grandfather Of Joseph Smith, whose
name was Asael Smith, came from Ips-
wlch, Mass, and settled in Tunbridge,
VT, in 1871. Here be became moderator
Of the town, was church pewholder and
later one OF the organizers Of the First
Universalist church of Tunbridge. His
children located on farms in Tunbridge
Royalton and Sharon.
Joseph Smith, father Of the prophet
prospered as q farmer after his marriage to
the daughter Of solomon Mack Of sharon,
settling first in Tunbridge, where his
first three children were born. He was
unsuccessful in a mercantile venture in
Randolph with a man named Pierce, and
! Led a anrne y hat nnmadic existence as 4