JOURNEY OF FAITH ~ ERICK AND CAROLINE GUNDERSON ~ David R. Gunderson

With permission of David R. Gunderson, we include the following book to our blog.   I will do a few increments at a time, as I have done with the Andrew Madsen and James Monsen histories.  I will also paste the pages over to David's own blog page: http://davidrgunderson.blogspot.com/

This book will be of interest to not only the Gunderson Family but also to the Brotherson, Ericksen, Peel,   Madsen, Larsen and more.

JOURNEY OF FAITH

Erick and Caroline Gunderson

The following are events that took place in Mt. Pleasant after the Gundersons arrived in Mt. Pleasant.  Also included are sketches of Salt Lake City as it looked in 1865

more to come .........

Silk Worm Industry,School of the Prophets, Electric Lights and Hogs in the Cemetery ~ as remembered by Arla May Stansfield

Female Relief Society May 28, 1877

Opened with singing
Prayer by Sister Peel

The minutes from the former meeting were read and accepted, and also the yearly account of all what was done in the Society from May 11, 1876 to May 11, 1877.

As there was not but 19 $ and 85 cents for the book, "Women of Mormondom" instead of 25$ it was moved and seconded that we would borrow the 5$ from the Emigration money that was laying in the treasure case and pay it back as soon as are able.  The vote was unanimous.

Then Sister Morrison spoke about the silkworms and begged we take an interest in it, and divide the eggs that we have on hand among them, that none of them be wasted, and by so sharing, we carried out the counsel of our President, Brigham Young, and increase in the small things so that we may be able to come up to greater things.

Sister Morrison remarked also that it was custom that every year the Sisters had the privilege to vote for the President, and so the.... now and reminded the sisters that she would leave Mt. Pleasant in a few months to make her home in Richfield, but promised to be one with us all the time and as often as she came to her home here; she would be sure and attend our meetings and correspond with us as often as we wish to.  She thanked the Sisters for their well ... and faithfulness towards her, and prayed the Lord that He may bless this Society that we may prosper in every good thing, and be on hand to every call that will be made to us.

Sister Peel rose and felt glad for the progress we have made in the society when originated, and said how well she felt when she visited the Sisters, but she never left her home without asking the Lord to be with her, and guide and direct her in all things  .....  would benefit her and the Sisters she was visiting.

Many of the other Sisters bore their testimony, felt glad to ....., that we had ..... a little good this year.  Most all rose to speak and expressed their feeling...  ....should think about becoming the President ....that done so much good and been so faithful to her duty; but were in hopes that she would not leave us entirely, and come and associate with us whenever she had a chance to do so.

A good feeling prevailed and the meeting was closed with singing and prayer by Sister Jensen.

MFC Morrison, President
Louise Hasler, Secretary

Female Relief Society - - - July 12th, 1875

Meeting held July 12, 1875.  Opened by singing "Come all Ye Saints Who Dwell on  Earth."  Prayer by Sister Madsen.   Singing "Redeemer of Israel".  Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.  Sister Madsen thought we had all come here for one purpose and that was to do the will of God.  She was willing that everything should go for the upbuilding of His Kingdom.  Said Sister Morrison had sent money to Salt Lake for Silk Worms.  She spoke in behalf of a sister who is sick and in need of assistance.  Sister Peel felt glad to see so many of the sisters together and thought it showed that the sisters were more united and that the meetings were becoming more interesting and that the sisters would have better feelings toward each other when they came together and heard each other's feelings.  Several of the Danish sisters spoke in their own language, all feeling well.  Sister Morrison addressed the meeting and thanked the sisters for their kindness toward her and said it strengthens her to mingle her testimony with those of her sisters.  Katherine Jessen was admitted as a member of the society.  Clarissa Beckstead was appointed teacher in the third ward.  Singing "Oh My Father Thou That ....etc.  Prayer by Sister Peel,

Silk Worm Experiment

In 1868, silk worm eggs were imported to Salt Lake City from France. President Brigham Young at once became deeply interest­ed and called the Saints to raise mulberry trees, the leaves of which are used to feed the worms, and a large number of trees were planted in Mount Pleasant. As they grew, many women became involved in the silk producing enterprise and after a time, cocoons were delivered by them in Salt Lake City.
History of Mt. Pleasant, HML p. 127

learn more about silkworms and Relief Society here: http://www.reliefsocietypresidents.com/2009/03/19/preaching-up-silk-zina-d-h-youngs-role-in-sericulture/