https://peertube.leftyhitchens.com/videos/watch/70f3be1f-9f6b-4ce8-b323-29338818f0d1 This is a dramatic reading by the author of an essay which you may read below: The Strange Beauty of Belief, an Outsiders Account of The Salt Lake ValleyIn the heart of Salt Lake City, nestled among the brutal concrete structures of modernity sits a modest single family home in the Victorian style which was prevalent across America in the early part of the 20th century. From the road it is easy to overlook as its worn wooden facade is obscured by two large deciduous trees. Behind this anachronistic structure lies a courtyard that houses several stone sculptures that are the physical manifestation of one man's devotion to his faith. The GilGal Sculpture Garden is the life's work of Thomas B. Child a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a stone mason. Along the east side of the dilapidated Victorian home is a paved path that disappears beyond a wrought iron gate. The path beckons all who happen upon it to follow it wherever it may lead. As visitors walk through the gate they are immediately relieved from the scorching heat by the shade of the large trees which frame the walk. Even as a four story parking garage peeks above the lush foliage that surround the garden one cannot help but feel a sense of relief as the endless noise of modern life fades from awareness. As a visitor strides along the shaded path they come upon an open garden and are greeted by a stone sculpture in the shape of The Great Sphinx of Giza which has been carefully carved and heated to express the likeness of the founding prophet of The LDS faith, Joseph Smith. It is precisely this odd monument which prompted me to visit the garden with my girlfriend and my sister who was visiting from out of town. I was born in Missouri, a few hundred miles from the nexus of The People who are commonly called Mormons, where I was raised in the midwest Protestant tradition that trained me to be suspicious of The LDS faith. When I first heard of this stone effigy I must admit that I was inclined toward derisive mockery of those foolish and gullible Mormons; but, as my companions and I walked along the path, entered the garden, and came upon this hand crafted homage to the wisdom of ancient knowledge my mockery was instantly transformed into shame. As I stood in front of the sculpture I assessed its detail and admired its craftsmanship, I knew that what sat before me in that garden was not a manifestation of foolishness or gullibility but instead a beautiful expression of belief made transcendent through the dedicated workmanship of the garden's creator, Thomas B. Child. Throughout the Gilgal Garden there are many stone sculptures and inscribed tablets that tell the story not just of Mr. Child, but of the faith to which he devoted his life and work. As you walk through the garden along the path there are stone tablets inlayed in the dirt that carry inscriptions which give word and letter to the spiritual presence that the sculptures evoke. These inscriptions tell a story of belief, hope, and love; their poetic prose remind the reader that even in humanity's darkest hours they are not alone. I first came to the Salt Lake Valley about 4 years ago in a modest grey pickup truck and as I drove across The Great American Plains I listened to a historical account of The LDS Church, which began from Joseph Smith's origins in New York, carried on to his follower's forced exodus from The American midwest, and concluded with Brigham Young's triumphant creation of The State of Utah. The historical account was told from a secular point of view and it articulated the history with dispassionate detail. Over three days I listened to the historical account of The Mormon migration out of Missouri, then onto Illinois, and ultimately the years long pilgrimage across the grass covered plains to the land of Zion which is known today, by most, as Salt Lake City, Utah. Most Americans probably don't realize that many of the settlers in modern day Utah came from around the world and dragged handcarts across The American continent in pursuit of a brighter future for themselves and those who would be their progeny. As I heard the historical account of bedraggled Europeans, Scandinavians, and Slavs that made the trek on foot it occurred to me that only a people of sincere belief and unwavering hope would dare to make such a journey. I was uncertain of the cultural milieu which awaited me in Utah, but I was certain that I would find something more than commerce. My time in Utah has not been without challenge and I have at times struggled to connect in full with the social, economic, and cultural reality of the area, but in my short time here I have met and I dare say befriended many kind, interesting, and strange people. I am not now and I am like to never be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, though I have no reservation in calling those who are, brothers and sisters in Christ. Whatever one's thoughts on The LDS Church and their Prophet Joseph Smith, one reality is for certain, Mr. Smith had a vision of a land of prosperity which he called Zion and Brigham Young faithfully worked to make that vision a reality. As me and my companions exited through that metal gate the serenity of the garden gave way to the immediacy of material life and as we made our way to the freeway I was struck by the realization that nestled between the giant mountain ranges is Salt Lake City; and due to the strange vision of Joseph Smith and the steadfast resolve of his faithful followers Zion has been given form, nascent as it may be. Salt Lake City, Utah. Strange? Often. Hopeful? Always. Beautiful? Without question. Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:35:47 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.leftyhitchens.com https://peertube.leftyhitchens.com/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://peertube.leftyhitchens.com/videos/watch/70f3be1f-9f6b-4ce8-b323-29338818f0d1 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.leftyhitchens.com/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.