SALT LAKE CITY — The LDS Church History Department is sponsoring a Treasures of the Collection open house from Thursday, September 27, to October 11. The exhibit centers around the office of Church Historian and Recorder, showcasing record keeping in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The exhibit will be on display at the Church History Library, 15 East North Temple Street in downtown Salt Lake City. Open house hours are Mondays through Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. “Chronicling record keeping through recorded history, the exhibit features items from an ancient cuneiform tablet to a 1752 King James Bible to a copy of the 1978 Official Declaration—2”, said April Williamsen, public programming supervisor for the Church History Department, “The exhibit brings focus to the purpose of keeping history.” One highlight in the exhibit is a copy of a 1852 French and German Book of Mormon published by John Taylor. This book features French and German translations on facing pages. “It’s the only known copy in existence,” said Williamsen. Other early history items include a manuscript page from The Book of Mormon showing 1 Nephi 3:7; the scriptural mandate given to Joseph Smith to keep a record; the Doctrine and Covenants where Orson Pratt marked verse breaks; and a page of Joseph Smith’s journal written in his own hand. This last item is especially unusual, Williamsen said. “Joseph did not do most of his writing. He dictated to one of his clerks, who would record it. Seeing something in his own hand is really wonderful.” Another item is a document written by Willard Richards and signed by John Taylor informing the Saints that Joseph and Hyrum had been killed. “To me, it’s the most touching item on display,” Williamsen said. “They have just been through this horrible experience. I can’t imagine the anguish they must have been feeling. The document is even dated—June 27th 8:05 p.m. Elder Richards must have been wondering, ‘What is going to happen next? What do I do? How do I face Emma?’ ” Also shown is a case displaying the life of Carl Madsen Bradt.

For more information check out the Sept.20 edition of Davis Clipper.