A member of my ward emailed me this quote from Elder Holland’s April 2000 Conference address. I thought it was a very good story of dedication, hard work, and faith:
One other account from those early, faithful builders of modern Zion. John R. Moyle lived in Alpine, Utah, about 22 miles as the crow flies to the Salt Lake Temple, where he was the chief superintendent of masonry during its construction. To make certain he was always at work by 8 o’clock, Brother Moyle would start walking about 2 a.m. on Monday mornings. He would finish his work week at 5 p.m. on Friday and then start the walk home, arriving there shortly before midnight. Each week he would repeat that schedule for the entire time he served on the construction of the temple.
Once when he was home on the weekend, one of his cows bolted during milking and kicked Brother Moyle in the leg, shattering the bone just below the knee. With no better medical help than they had in such rural circumstances, his family and friends took a door off the hinges and strapped him onto that makeshift operating table. They then took the bucksaw they had been using to cut branches from a nearby tree and amputated his leg just a few inches below the knee. When against all medical likelihood the leg finally started to heal, Brother Moyle took a piece of wood and carved an artificial leg. First he walked in the house. Then he walked around the yard. Finally he ventured out about his property. When he felt he could stand the pain, he strapped on his leg, walked the 22 miles to the Salt Lake Temple, climbed the scaffolding, and with a chisel in his hand hammered out the declaration “Holiness to the Lord.” ((Jeffrey R. Holland, “As Doves to Our Windows,” Ensign, May 2000, 75))
It kinda puts the stupid little things we complain of these days into perspective, doesn’t it?
Great post, Bryce. Stories like these never cease to amaze me as it relates to the faith and dedication of the early saints.
Trying to measure up to the early saints is difficult imo. The 9:00 block seems hard to us. This kind of sacrifice is also difficult to teach in these days of comfort and technology.
Holiness is an attribute or a prominent parameter which a christian must posses because the Lord says be ye holy and separate yourself from sin and i will deliver you.so,i really appreciate the effort of the writer and i pray more grease to your elbow in Jesus’ name.thank and remain bless
I’ m a direct desendant of John Moyle! =D