Gethsamane: An Angel Comforting Christ

In my personal scripture reading yesterday, I came to one of my favorite accounts of Christ in Gethsemane in Luke 22:43: “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” This is the only account in the four gospels mentioning the comforting angel. 

Here are two of my favorite artistic portrayals of that scripture. I saw the one from the BYU Studies cover during some of the darkest days when I was alone and in my own despair. This BYU Studies cover from 2000 (Volume 39, Issue 3) is James C. Christensen’s “Gethsemane.” I cannot adequately retell what feelings of comfort and joy I felt in the many times I have viewed that picture over the years.

https://byustudies.byu.edu/images/thumbnailBig/39.3cover.jpg

Angel Comforting Christ Statue

Inspired by the famous painting of Carl Heinrich Bloch this 7 inches tall and 6.25 inches wide statue is a moving depiction of the scene in garden of Gethsemane.

http://www.inhisname.com/product.php?product=46009#.VBxmDol0yM8

Joseph Pollard's life story in poetry (My great-grandfather)

Life story in poetry of Joseph Pollard (author unknown)

Contributed By YatesDavidLoran1 · 2013-04-15 17:43:14 GMT+0000 (UTC) · 1 Comments

JOSEPH POLLARD An honest man is God’s noblest work These words we often hear Experience proves beyond a doubt This adage true and dear. We sometimes say that so and so Is good and genuine To know them proves the opposite Eight cases out of nine. We never miss the water Until the well is dry Oft’ when the loved one leaves us In silence then we sigh And wish we could recall them To speak one word or two To tell them how we loved them Because they were so true. In a little town of Corfe Castle Old England, Dorsetshire Lived James and Elizabeth Pollard For many and many a year Six noble sons were born to them Three daughters too were given To decorate their little cot And make their home a Heaven Their family large it took some means To keep the children fed For this the parents planned at night While they were asleep in bed Among the family of boys Was born plain “Joseph Pollard” In the year eighteen-nineteen On November twenty-third. Of him our hearts doth fondly turn The one we loved so dear From early life to ripe old age He’s still to us so near. To sketch a line of that long life Given pleasure over-flowing Because of the reverence for his name That in our hearts still growing. The first few years of childhood’s hours Were spent with home and mother Around her heart his love entwined She all his sobs would smother Because of circumstances poor His schooling was but little A busy life to battle with In unseen toils to struggle. Oft’ times his father took the lad To see the British Channel Twas only just a little way From their little home so humble His young heart leaped to see the waves With full rigged ships upon How eagerly he watched them pass And for a ride did long. Then when at night in soft repose Asleep upon his pillow In fancied dreams he’d sail along Upon the foaming billow. A constant wish was in his heart A sailor brave to be The tempest high to ride upon From home and land to flee. He begged his father to let him go And lead a sailor’s life “Courageous son” the father said You know not of the strife. That seamen have to undergo Far from their kin and home In heavy rains and gushing winds That make the waters foam. The thought to have you on the sea Would almost break my heart To leave your peaceful happy home With all your dear ones part Think of the ships tossed to and fro On water mountains high And you in one terrific storm With all the crew would die. The loving parents reasoned thus That strong desire to break But still for sailing vessels And foaming seas he’d ache. They failed to quench that longing To suit him, well they tried To make a noble man of him They no good thing denied. Tis now the year of thirty-four And Joseph past fourteen The lad was from the country He looked a trifle green To leave the home and dear ones And paddle his own canoe Get strange board and lodgings And look for work to do. So in the short month of that year James Pollard took his son To visit some fine ship yards And hunt for work for him Successful was his visit Apprentice boys were wanted To serve a term of seven years This was just what he wanted. Returning home with happy heart What pleasant news for mother Telling of what he soon would be A sailing vessel builder. Fortune surely smiled on him In that his wish was granted Allowing such a precious chance To get just what he wanted. One serious thing slipped from his mind T’was to leave his mother Just in the period of one month This fact he did discover. The time went on, the bargain made The lad shall be a builder Serving his master seven years A true efficient worker. The foreman said he’d take the lad One month or so on trial To ascertain if he was made Of genuine good metal. He worked just long enough to prove Himself an honest laborer Before the papers all were signed To make the boy a builder. The first few weeks passed slowly by He missed his mother’s meeting And as the sun sank in the West He longed for father’s greeting But something new to learn each day Kept mind and body busy Time rolled along with rapid pace The work seemed to get easy. The foreman liked the boy so much That while he learned the trade He let the lad live with his folks So there his home he made Three years or more passed quickly by Till June of Thirty seven When sorrow came to their old home The family was heart broken. Their father ailed for many weeks Then slowly sank in death And all was gloom for many years Around the family hearth. A day or two before he died He sent for Joe to come A word with him before he went Unto his Heavenly home. Said he “Dear boy I had a dream While on my bed with fever; I saw you in a lovely place Close by a crystal river. The valley was so beautiful T’was such a Heavenly sight You looked just like an Angel Dressed in pure linen white.” He faithfully served the seven years Of his apprenticeship Then as a first class carpenter He sailed the mighty deep. Some visits to the West Indies And North America Then to the shore of Kent; and worked For Queen Victoria. Ship building at the Government docks In the year of Forty four He lived in that locality For ten long years or more. September twenty second, forty five He married Mary Ann Bailey True to each other they have lived For half a century nearly. In the year of Forty eight He heard the Mormons preach And from that very moment For truth did always search. On April tenth of forty nine He first obeyed the Gospel John Griffiths then baptized him His joy no tongue could tell. He soon received the Priesthood Became a faithful Deacon And to positions he was called Proved true to every one. He next became an Elder On Sunday missions was sent Scattered tracts of Gospel truth To Bedford branch he went. In the year of 1852 Over Bedford Branch presided Was faithful to that calling While he there resided In the year of 1854 With wife and three small children He left the country of his birth To go and dwell in Zion. They sailed across the Atlantic On the ship called “Clara Wheeler” The date I think it was The 27th of November Their voyage was a sad one For many a good soul died With sickness, sorrow and distress That company was tried. In January of Fifty Five They arrived at big St. Louis Remaining there a couple of years And then their journey finished Securing there a steady job Some needed money made Working on the steamboats And vessels at his trade. Continuing as a faithful saint While there far in the East He met Apostle Erastus Snow Who ordained him a High Priest Progressing ever onward To duties always faithful There he was set apart to act As one of the High Council. His home was always welcome To the weary Elder’s feet A good soft bed to rest upon And something nice to eat. Among the many Elders Who at his table ate Was Parley Pratt, the martyr Just before he met his fate. In June of 1857 They journeyed toward Zion At Florence joined a company With them they traveled on Across the dreary barren plains With Jacob Hoffin’s party Enduring many hardships Before they reached the Valley. One circumstance we’ll here relate It happened on the journey A narrow escape it surely was To some of that brave company. Their cattle took a wild stampede Through creeks, o’er hills and hollow That awful plight made many think A horrid sight would follow. Men and women and children too Were thrown from out the wagons Picked up unconscious by their friends Some perhaps were dying. At that sad moment came the Lord Their faith in Him ne’er failing His blessing showered on every soul That through the fall was ailing. With courage fresh they traveled on With tired limbs and bleeding Encouraged in the happy thought That soon they would be meeting The relatives and friends of youre To join dear father, mother Unite again around the hearth With sister and with brother. On September twenty-second, fifty seven They entered Salt Lake Valley We find him faithful to the cause A laborer in the Ministry. Securing work from Brigham Young Employment as a carpenter Stayed with the job for twelve long years An earnest steady joiner. He settled in the Fifteenth Ward There built himself a home Continued safe in Zions walls Nor from that spot to roam. Was called to act as Teacher And visit among the Saints To settle all the trouble When there were complaints. This task performed with diligence Till Eighteen Sixty one When chosen to act as Counsellor To Bishop Cunningham. Six years went by, and then there came A change in Ward affairs Bishop Cunningham resigned Which left a vacant chair. Robert T. Burton was chosen next As Bishop of the ward Joseph Pollard as his First Counsellor Progressing ever forward. Many trials happened then Which caused our Bishop trouble In consequence of this fact The counsellor’s work was double. The ward extending larger Its members still increasing Gave work for those presiding Their labors never ceasing In 1868 the railway went to Ogden Joseph Pollard received the job Of bridge and station building. Worked on through rain and snowstorms In mud and stormy weather Until the train reached Salt Lake In the middle of the winter. For 18 years he labored at The Utah Central Railway As a conscientious carpenter He toiled from day to day. Rheumatism gave him trouble Through all his later years At times his suffering was intense It shortened his career. June 27, 1877 They reorganized the Ward Brother Burton had some other calls So they ordained Joseph Pollard. As Bishop of the 15th Ward In that position faithful Throughout the balance of his life Devoted, honest, truthful. William L. Binder and N. V. Jones Served as his counsellors Both faithful in that calling For a term of 13 years. Many incidents we could relate That happened in this granary Of happy times and happy hearts Still stationed in our memory. In time the building got too small To accommodate the people Then build a larger meeting house Our Bishop thought us able. The rock was hauled, the trenches dug Men worked with strength and might Unceasingly our Bishop toiled From morn until late at night The work progressed quite rapidly Stone upon stone was builded Until entirely finished Then it was dedicated. Just $17,000 is what the building cost T’was built by free donation The donors, what a host. Around the blocks our Bishop went To gather money hard And pay for raw materials To build this House of God. A monument it stands today Of him now past and gone For no one worked so hard as he To have the job well done. It was his theme through all the day Wherever he was stationed. A smile would come upon his face When’ere of it you mentioned. When all was paid and settled for Our Bishop’s joy ran over Words could not picture how he felt Toward every liberal giver It was the climax of his life For many heard him say That after its construction He’d be content to die. From ‘77 to year of ‘90 In ward affairs kept busy So many things to bother him He could not take it easy Attending to all meetings That he was summoned to In rain or hail, with ache or pain To all he’d surely go. When filled with rheumatism And ought to rest in bed Instead he’d trudge to see the poor And seek to have them fed. His mind continually on the flock He watched the lambs so weak Denied himself the pleasures That they alone might take. Although at times the spirit strong The flesh proved to be weak In dragging round his aching limbs No pleasure he could take. His heart was beating in the cause Of truth and its progression For this he’d make a sacrifice Of all of his possessions. Somewhat peculiar in his way Was blunt a little bit When preaching to the wicked ones Generally the nail he’d hit. And sometimes drive it out of sight In less than half a minute Then tender as a little child Would say “Forgive me for it.” The spirit of discernment Was a gift which he possessed When called to judge a matter When someone had transgressed This gift would then be manifest He’d eye the evil doer Pointing out the wicked deed, Or unrighteous maneuver. Hard work was in his very soul He taught this to his children Up early every morning To weed and clean the garden Hard workers, honest day by day His seven girls proved to be Prosperous as their parents were With each a family. Of labors that he well performed They sure would make a book full From early morn till late at night Endeavoring to be useful We cannot fully estimate His good true sterling worth But records are kept in Heaven Of what is done on Earth. The work for his dear kindred dead Was done in Logan Temple He did for them all that he could As far as he was able. He did not fear to meet his kin In brighter realms up yonder For them performed his duty well To them could be no kinder. He lived past three score years and ten Industrious, truthful, sober The world was bettered by his life No one had motives nobler. Death came to him as sweet repose So sweet it had no terrors An honest, true devoted life He made very few errors. In life he sailed upon the ship Embarked for peaceful Zion Now safe into that glorious port He has reached that blessed Heaven The dream his father had of him Has truly came to pass In blooming flowers and meadows green His soul has reached at last.

• What a beautiful poem! This is such a special way to capture the essence of Joseph's life. I wish I knew who the author was. Thank you to whoever found and posted this!
  JAYNEANNOSBORNE
  2014-07-24

Joseph Pollard: His Conversion and Journey West (grandfather of my father, LeGrand Pollard Backman)

Joseph Pollard: His Conversion and Journey West

"Joseph Pollard son of James Pollard and Elizabeth Threshire, born at Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck Dorsetshire, Old England. November 23 - 1819.

From the Latter-Day Saints Biographical Encyclopaedia, we learn that after his apprenticeship, he "went to sea as a ship carpenter and made several voyages to America and the West Indies. [ I wish we knew more about these!!]

 In 1844, he entered the Queen's government service and worked at shipbuilding at the government docks at Deptford, Country of Kent." He married Mary Ann Bailey from Lifton, Devon in 1845.

Posted by  Sheri Rhodes, April 20, 2014, Rhodes History, blogspot.com:

    

Joseph Pollard: His Conversion and Journey West

"Joseph Pollard son of James Pollard and Elizabeth Threshire,

born at Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck Dorsetshire, Old England. November 23 - 1819.

The Village of Corfe Castle with the ancient Saxon castle behind the village on the hill, about 7 miles from Poole.

We have the history of Joseph Pollard from the account Joseph wrote about his own life history in a book that is now held by Lisa Paul, a great great granddaughter to Joseph. (I shared Joseph’s historical account before and my son, Joe Backman has posted that history on Family Search/Family Tree.

Here's part two of a biographical sketch of Joseph Pollard's life.

 Lisa Paul found this account of his conversion and emigration to the United States in another history written by one of his daughters. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 "In the year of 1848 he (Joseph) heard the Mormon Elders preach.   He was inspired by their sermons and recognized the truth.   April 10, 1849 he first obeyed the gospel.   He was baptized by John Griffith and felt unspeakable joy at this experience.   He was very enthusiastic about his church work, and was soon promoted (they used to say that in the 'olden days') from a deacon to elder.   He went out tracting through the Bedford branch, and later was made President of this branch."

 “November 17, 1854: Joseph Pollard of the town of Deptford, London River in the County of Kent, Old England on the 17th day of November 1854 left his employment as ship wright in the employment of Mr. Thompson ship and boat builder, London River, with the intention of emigrating with his wife and three children to the land of America.

    “Names as follows: Mary Ann, his wife, Mary Ann his eldest daughter, Louisa and Lydia.   Saturday 18th conveyed his luggage to the Usdin Railway station.   Sunday morning left the town of Deptford and spent remainder of Sabbath with his wife’s sister at White Chappel, London.

His account:

    “Monday left London for Liverpool; arrived at 3 o’clock p.m.   Met at station by Mr. John Follett and conveyed to his home where we spent the next day.

  

  “Wednesday morning, went on board the Clara ---- 100 ton burden lying in the Wellington dock with his wife and children to join four hundred souls of all countries, most of whom belong to the Church of Latter Day Saints.   Elder Henry E, Phelps being appointed president with John Parsons and James Crosby as councelors [sic].   Company organized Thursday, dividing into four wards, with a president and two councelors [sic] for each ward, then each ward divided into two with a president over each.

    “Saturday, left the dock and anchored in the River; Sunday was spent in preaching and prayer, taking of the Lords supper; Monday the 27th in the afternoon was towed by a tug boat “Constitution” out of the river, made sail that night blowing right fresh ahead.   Tuesday breeze continues to fresh in ship under double reef.   Topsails toward evening, blowing a heavy gale and still increasing during the night.   The ship laboring much and much sickness among the passengers.   At daylight the ship driving on the shore it was thought best by the captain and pilot to base up and run the ship back to Liverpool.

    “We arrived safely at Liverpool and cast anchor about 2 o’clock.   Gale still continued day by day with two anchors to hold the ship.   Passengers fast recovering.   Saturday December 2nd visited by President Franklin D. Richards. 

Monday and Tuesday gale continues.   The President and council met and appointed that the following day be set apart for fasting and prayer that the wind may be more favorable, that we may again commence our voyage.

    “Wednesday the 6th prayers continued on all parts of the ship with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.   Thursday more moderate.   The ship was again towed out of the river by the tug “P----“.   Wind was blowing fresh and right ahead and a nasty sea.   Passengers again became sick no stopping among them my wife and children.   Wind continued Friday and Saturday.   One birth Saturday.  

    “Rounded Holy head about 3 p.m.   Pilot left about noon Monday.

    “Wednesday about 3 p.m. we were much alarmed by being almost run into by a large ship.   We all felt thankful for our narrow escape.  

    “Sickness continued and several deaths among the children from measles and inflammation.

    “Christmas day was most beautiful, passengers came on deck except those sick.   Our youngest child Lydia had measles.   My wife and Brothers Parsons and Crosby had the worst cases of sea sickness.  

    “The captain seems a very nice man and deserves praise for his kindness to the passengers and the cleanliness of the ship in general.

    “December 30th sited land.   Flying fish appeared.   Several small islands in sight and now and then a coasting schooner.

  “January 9th reached entrance of the Great Mississippi and shortly were taken in tow by steam tug “Ocean” crossing the bar up to New Orleans where we arrived Thursday 11th at 12 noon.

    “Were met by Brother Meyaw our agent who advised us proceed to St. Louis.  

    “At Orleans my wife was so sick we were obliged to carry her from the ship to the boat.

    “Up the Mississippi calling at many towns on the banks, going on shore for firewood.   Weather warm as our summers in England until up the river we came into frost and snow.   Landed at St. Louis January 22nd met by Brother William Moorison and taken to his home, remained with him about 12 days after which Brother John Follett rented apartment together in Broadway.

St. Louis, Missouri (1854)

  “Weather very cold.   River remained frozen over for two months.   Most of the passengers were taken to the meeting house where many died, others were scattered.   Many went to the coal fields.  

    “I and Brother Follett remained together that winter.

    “I will say we both with our families were treated well by many not in the church, particularly by one John Mageo, an Irish Catholic who kept a store.

    “In the spring we got work on the steamboat at our business as ship carpenters in the employ of Captain James Eadis and Nelson, known as The Submarine Diving Company.   There were four of our ship writes emmigrated [sic] together and all apprentices together in the same port and all now were employed by the same company.  

 

    “Brother Follett was taken sick in the fall and died the next spring.   I was also taken sick in the summer but God spared my life.

    “We were member of the St. Louis stake of Zion.   I made the acquaintance of President Erastus Snow, Mily Andrus, James Hart, Eldredge, George A. Smith, Parley P. Pratt and hundreds of other good saints.   Samuel Gray and William Algood left for Florence.  

    “On October 7th 1856 I was ordained a High Priest under the hands of George A. Smith and Erastus Snow and made a member of the High Council.

________________________________________________________________

 More of the story is available on the FamilySearch website in an extract from the Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia:

His house was always open to the missionaries, and among the many “Valley” Elders who shared in his hospitality was Apostle Parley P. Pratt, who stayed at his home about a month immediately before going to Arkansas, where he was murdered.

In June, 1857, Elder Pollard continued his journey Zion-ward, joined the emigration at Florence, Nebraska, and crossed the plains in Capt. Jacob Hoffines' company. Several stampedes occurred on the plains; in one of these 46 head of cattle were lost. On one occasion the cattle stampeded when hitched to the wagons. During the affair Elder Pollard and wife, together with a number of others, were severely hurt, being run over by several wagons. Through administrations and prayer Elder Pollard was healed in a most miraculous manner, and the following day was able to get around again. The company arrived in the Valley Sept. 22, 1857, having camped several times in close proximity to the baggage trains belonging to Johnston's army.

Elder Pollard located in the fifteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, where he resided till the time of his death. He found employment as a carpenter for Pres. Brigham Young, continuing in his employ until 1869, when he commenced work for the Utah Central railway company. Shortly after his arrival in the Valley, he was chosen as a Ward teacher, and in 1861 was appointed to act as second counselor to Bishop Andrew Cunningham. He subsequently served as a second counselor to Bishop Robert T. Burton, whom he finally succeeded as Bishop of the Ward June 27, 1877. In 1862 he yielded obedience to the principle of plural marriage by marrying Ruth Allen, who died about twenty years afterwards. Bishop Pollard died in Salt Lake City, Feb. 21, 1890. He was the father of seven children, and was universally known as a humble, upright man and a faithful Latter-day Saint.

Balance in our lives and an emphasis on enjoying our children

As many of you know, I have been compiling reunion yearbooks for our BYU Law School graduates. Last year, I completed 600 profiles from the 35th, 30th, 25th and 20th classes (1978, 1983, 1988 and 1993). This year, I have done the same for the same four class reunions (1979, 1984, 1989 and 1994). I am often very impressed with their careers, family and service noted in their profiles. I also make a list of their notable achievements in the community and in the LDS Church. Their personal statements are often inspiring like this one I am including in today's blog post. Here is a wonderful personal statement that I hope each of us is aspiring to accomplish in our lives. It is from an attorney in Florida from the BYU Law School class of 1989:

"With great relief after completing what I believed to be the most stressful years of my life in my efforts trying to juggle my law school studies with my responsibilities to my wife and two young daughters, I learned that I must have balance in all things. During the past 25 years as an attorney I have applied what I learned and made sure that I put family first. As a husband and father I have never missed any of my children's school activities, family outings, dinners with family, helping with household chores, assisting with children’s homework, dating my wife every Friday night, spending Saturdays with my wife and children, and serving in the Church. I have spent most of my days during the past 25 years creating memories with my family. My career has been only the means to this end. I have interviewed many young job applicants where I have asked them the hypothetical whether they would remain late at work to finish a project rather than attend their child’s school activity. Of those I hired I always told them that they would never be fired if they attended their child’s school activities, but they would be fired if they didn’t. To me, nothing has been more important than family. As a grandfather what I have learned most is that in the past I spent too much time trying to raise perfect children. I should have spent much more time just enjoying them. This is what I now do with my grandchildren – just enjoy them."

My Retirement Begins; Start of Daily Sharing from Dad/Opa

Lynn and I are enjoying a beautiful, Labor Day weekend at Zermatt, the first stay we have had here since June. Before that, we had our wonderful month with family in July and our retirement cruise on the Baltic and our visit with Jonny, Natalie, Deanne, Michael and Isaac discovering their beautiful new Moscow home and school during August. 

Take a look at a couple of fun pictures I posted on Facebook today from the Cummings parkway (a rough, dirt road reached by driving all the way up Snake Creek Canyon alongside the Mountain course of the Wasatch Mountain State Park) and following it all the way over the top and coming out on the Deer Creek reservoir side by Cascade Springs. I highly recommend the drive.

As you know, I write in my journal almost every day. At the end of each entry, I include a scripture that I have marked that has been meaningful to me. I want to share them with you. I understand that some will speak to you too; some will not.

2 Nephi 31:

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

 10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?