Sixth Crossing's New Visitors' Center

Sixth Crossing's New Visitors' Center
Photo by Elder Rogers

This past week, the new Visitors' Center at Sixth Crossing opened. This was a much anticipated event as the center has been in the planning stages for years. The center is not only a new facility, but it

1856 Pioneer Family Display

comes with new displays and a new film specifically produced for this site.  Both Peggy and I have had an opportunity to take groups of visitors through the center on tours.  It has been a wonderful experience for us as we relate the rescue of the Willie Handcart Company and tell many of the pioneer stories we have come to love.  I tell those who come here that upon arriving at Sixth Crossing I was fortunate to be able to relate some truly inspirational pioneer stories.  As time passed, however, these stories have become personal life experiences as told by those who traveled with the Willie Handcart Company in their journals.  Now, as I have come to know these Mormon pioneers, I take the opportunity to tell visitors about my pioneer friends who traveled in 1856 to Salt Lake sacrificing everything to:

   
  "find a place which God for us prepared,
        Far away in the West,
        Where none shall come to hurt
        or make afraid;
        There the Saints will be blessed.
        We'll make the air with music ring,
        Shout praises to our God and King"
       (by William Clayton 1814-1879)





Many of these early pioneers were driven from their homes in Europe by mobs. In the Salt Lake valley they hope to be sealed to their family for eternity.  Plus, they wanted to be obedient to a latter-day prophet's call to gather out West.

Modern Day Pioneers preparing to go Trekking

Since arriving at Sixth Crossing, Peggy and I have come to know with a certainty that these early Mormon pioneers walked with Jesus Christ as they met, endured and overcame one adversity after another.  Their journals tell of miracles.  I often ask the the descendants of the pioneers who visit here if they feel the sacrifice of their ancestors was worth it.  Inevitably they all answer: "YES!".

We pray you find joy and happiness as you journey through this earthly life.  Remember family and friends, in the end, we all need rescuing, and our rescuer is our Savior Jesus Christ.

                                                         

Painting in the Visitor's Center: The Lost Lamb by Del Parson

Elder and Sister Bowden