SOUTH JORDAN — President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Friday dedicated the new Jenkins-Soffe South Valley Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center, calling it "a place of comfort and refuge for those who have suffered great loss."
The new facility, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, spans more than 20,000 square feet, said co-owner V. Gregg Soffe. It is located on land homesteaded by the Soffe family when they settled in South Jordan in the mid-1800s and is within sight of the original Soffe home site.
President Faust said he hoped the funeral home would be a place of comfort during difficult times.
"One of the defining moments of our lives is when we lose loved ones. The comfort and care from funeral directors can give us such peace during these times," he said.
"It is truly remarkable how these five generations of families have carried on this business. One thing that has distinguished this family is their service and their integrity, and I commend them."
Monsignor George F. Davich, pastor of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, joined President Faust in paying tribute to the Jenkins and Soffe families, who have served the funeral needs of Utah families for nearly 90 years.
"They don't ask who you are or what you believe," Monsignor Davich said. "You are a part of God's family. Vaughn Soffe (former mortuary owner) and his family have been wonderful friends of mine and my parish. They have comforted those who are so broken by their loss."
The facility offers a cremation center, a 250-seat chapel and overflow rooms. On Friday, the Soffe and Jenkins families also unveiled a life-size bronze statue crafted by Jerry Anderson that will stand in the lobby of the funeral home.
The statue, titled "Come Unto Me," depicts a woman passing from death into the outstretched arms of Jesus Christ. From frailty to the prime of her life, Soffe said, the image is meant to invoke a feeling of faith and hope.
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