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President’s Message: by GrantE. Barton
Persistence is a worthy cause in the great hallmark of the 30,000 Mormon pioneers who initially settled the Intermountain West.
Synonyms ofpersistence are "stay the course” “persevere,” and "hold out faithful to the end” We honor the
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pioneers for their tough persever¬ ance. Today Orson Wright and sev¬ eral others display this quality of dogged persistence by leading a chapter for the second and third time. Thats "staying the course” and many lives are the better for it.
Exciting Developments
Its Scholarship Time, andJohn Morgan, national director ofYouth Programs, arranged for 86 scholar¬ ships to be awarded on the night of May 12 at the Sheridan Hotel in Salt Lake City. Many chapters are in the process ofpresentingscholarships to deserving future pioneers who might otherwise not be able to at¬ tend college. We congratulate you for enhancing the education and fu¬ ture ofthese student scholars.
Robert Cundick, afaithful SUP member and former Tabernacle or¬
ganist, has completed a wonderful CD, DVD, and commemorative booklet of the Westward Trek, in song, dance, and poetry, called "The Mormon Pioneer Saga” He, along with a score of professional musicians, and a generous former national board member completely donated all the professional talent and the production costs and are turning over the proceeds from the sale ofthe “Saga” (list price, $25) to the Pioneer endowment fund. We
encourage the chapters to purchase them from the National Office and
make them available to their mem¬
bers and others.
This summer, the Sons of Utah Pioneers is co-sponsoring other artistic Pioneer commemorations.
Harriett Bushman, with a troupe of accomplished artists, is offering a se¬ ries offree concerts commemorating the Willie Handcart Company in the Salt Lake Assembly Hall on Temple Square (May 20, 7 p.m.), in the Provo Tabernacle (May 23, 7:30 p.m.), and the Logan Tabernacle (May 24,7:30 p.m.). We encourage your attendance, where possible.
For the Days of 47 Celebration in Salt Lake on July 24, the Salt Lake Pioneer Chapter will con¬ duct a 7 a.m, Sunrise Service in the Assembly Hall with Elder MerrillJ. Bateman as keynote speaker and featuring two choirs and a soloist.
This issue ofthePioneer magazine is dedicated to the hundreds ofmon¬
uments and plaques erected by chap¬ ters of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.
The Box Elder Chapter and many other chapters are constructing new monuments while other chapters are refurbishing existingmonuments, hi all these worthy efforts, we encour¬ age chapters to coordinate with the National Office.
The Mountain Valley Chapter, who is hosting our National Convention September 14-16, re¬ cently awarded four Modern Pioneer awards. To order, send $20 with the recipients name and chap¬ ter to the National Office.
Our membership is increasing! There have been 250 new members
recruited since October; 76 annua) and 32 life members have been re¬
instated. Most gratifying are 10 new life members. Among the most re¬ cent is Elder Marlin K. Jensen, LDS Church historian.
The 2006 Medallions are quickly sellingout. Aneworder is on its way Lets have a "Medallion in every members pocket” to remind us to tell the stories of sacrifice and unity at Martins Cove.
Please plan to attend the National Convention in Heber City. There will be fun and informative activi¬
ties for all members and wives. A
block of rooms is available to SUP
members at the Zermatt Conven¬
tion Center for a 43% discount!
(Call 877-269-9629 for room reser¬ vations.)
Thank you for your loyalty and sustaining support. Its a grand ad¬ venture serving with you. U —GrantE. Barton
