HYRUM, Utah — Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve, during dedication ceremonies for a new library and museum here, spoke of legacy and the importance of the museum in preserving the history of the sacrifices of the early pioneers.
He dedicated the newly constructed facilities in this pioneer community about eight miles south of Logan on Saturday, May 26. The city's Web site said it was settled by Mormon Pioneers in 1860 and was named for Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet Joseph, and great-great-grandfather to Elder Ballard.
During his remarks, Elder Ballard also emphasized the value of books, reading and furthering education. He said current trends show that youth seek information in the media for entertainment purposes rather than from books for personal growth and learning.
Following the dedicatory prayer, Elder Ballard joined Hyrum librarian Ginny Tremayne and museum director Linda Christiansen in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and presentation of sculpted busts of major financial contributors Junior and Norma Miller were unveiled.
"Where there is no vision, the people perish," former mayor Gordon Olson quoted from Proverbs 29:18 during his remarks. He said the facility was the result of the vision of co-chairmen Bruce Leishman and Dean Harrison and their library and museum committee.
Also participating in the ceremonies were the Mountain Crest High School marching band and Mayor Dean Howard who made remarks. The library and museum are the result of seven years of planning, fund-raising and construction.