The Life of John Taylor: Third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
History
The Life of John Taylor: Third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saint churches; Taylor, John, 1808-1887
But while the brethren were in council the clouds cleared away, and
before the warm sunshine the snow soon disappeared. There was a nervous
activity in the camp, mysterious movements among the sisters. Trunks
that had been undisturbed on the journey were opened, their contents
investigated and certain articles hurriedly conveyed to a beautiful,
natural lawn enclosed by a dense growth of bushes. Several improvised
tables of uncommon length, covered with snow-white linen, and fast
being burdened with glittering tableware, gave evidence that a surprise
was in store for the weary pioneers. The "fatted calf" was killed;
game and fish were prepared in abundance; fruits, jellies and relishes
reserved for special occasions were brought out until truly it was a
royal feast.
Moreover, though the place selected for the spread was adjacent to
the camp, it was successful as a surprise. The pioneers knew nothing
of what had taken place until they were led by Elder Taylor through a
natural opening in the bushes fringing the enclosure, and the grand
feast burst upon their astonished vision.
One hundred and thirty sat down at the supper; and if for a moment
rising emotions at this manifestation of love choked their utterance
and threatened to blunt the edge of appetite, the danger soon passed
under the genial influence of the sisters who waited upon the tables
and pressed their guests to eat: in the end they paid a full and hearty
compliment to the culinary skill of the sisters.
Supper over and cleared away, preparations were made for dancing;
and soon was added to the sweet confusion of laughter and cheerful
conversation the merry strains of the violin, and the strong, clear
voice of the prompter directing the dancers through the mazes of
quadrilles, Scotch-reels, French-fours and other figures of harmless
dances suitable to the guileless manners and the religious character of
the participants. Dancing was interspersed with songs and recitations.
"We felt mutually edified and blessed," writes Elder Taylor, "we
praised the Lord and blessed one another." So closed a pleasant day,
though the morning with its clouds and snow looked very unpromising.
The morning following they separated, the pioneers going towards the
rising, the others towards the setting sun.
On the 5th of October, Elder Taylor reached Salt Lake Valley.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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