by megan | Jul 31, 2013 | About Mormons
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon Church. The Choir is based in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, and was established almost as soon as the wagons stopped rolling in the Salt Lake Valley. When the Choir was first started in 1847, it consisted of only a few voices; now, the Choir numbers 360 Latter-day Saint voices.
History of the Choir
Brigham Young, second president of The Church of Jesus Christ, directed a small choir to be formed soon after the Latter-day Saints arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This choir performed for the Church’s first general conference, or church-wide worship meeting, in the Salt Lake Valley. Since then, the Choir has continued to grow and perform for the Church and the world. (more…)
by megan | Jul 30, 2013 | About Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church, has been officially affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America since 1913, just three years after the BSA program was introduced in the United States in 1910. This year, The Church of Jesus Christ celebrates its 100-year long partnership with the BSA by launching two new exhibits in the Church History Museum, located in downtown Salt Lake City. The two exhibits, “American Originals: Norman Rockwell and Scouting” and “A Good Turn Daily: 100 Years of Scouting and the Aaronic Priesthood,” are intended to highlight both the history of the Boy Scout program and the Church’s long-standing relationship with the BSA.
Norman Rockwell Portrayed the Best of Scouting
Norman Rockwell is an iconic American artist and illustrator whose work most famously appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post for over four decades. His work also appeared in the Boy Scouts of America’s official magazine, Boys’ Life. Rockwell began his career with the BSA as a staff artist in 1913, and his first cover was published that same year. Over his long and prolific career, Rockwell created numerous pieces for the BSA, most of which were featured in their annual calendar between 1925 and 1976. Many of Rockwell’s pieces created for the BSA will be featured in the Church History Museum’s exhibit, including 23 original works. (more…)
by megan | Jun 13, 2013 | About Mormons
The notion of special “Mormon underwear” has long been a matter of curiosity for some non-Mormons. It can be difficult to understand, especially for a person who has not
grown up around Mormons or in a Mormon family. However, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently referred to as the “Mormon church,” have spoken about this topic many times.
The Proper Name for “Mormon Underwear”
“Temple garment” is the proper name for “Mormon underwear,” and is very important for endowed members. An endowed member is someone who has been to the temple. Not all Mormons are endowed. In order to enter the temple, Mormons must meet standards of worthiness. Elder Russell M. Nelson, an apostle and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, explains the importance of the temple garment and why Mormons wear it always. He says:
Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001.) (more…)
by megan | May 29, 2013 | About Mormons
For centuries people have been striving to follow Christ, ever since His mortal ministry on earth. Even before He came to earth, prophets testified of Him, and people believed in Him. Since His death and the death of His apostles, people all across the world identify themselves as Christian: someone who believes in Jesus Christ and follows His teachings.
Mormons Are Christians
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes mistakenly called the Mormon Church, I am also a Christian, the same as members of other Christian faiths such as Baptists or Methodists or Lutherans. I believe in Jesus Christ and strive to follow His teachings. Elder Robert D. Hales, an apostle and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, explains what it means to be a Christian:
A Christian has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the literal Son of God, sent by His Father to suffer for our sins in the supreme act of love we know as the Atonement. A Christian believes that through the grace of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, we can repent, forgive others, keep the commandments, and inherit eternal life. The word Christian denotes taking upon us the name of Christ (“Being a More Christian Christian,” Ensign November 2012). (more…)
by megan | May 9, 2013 | About Mormons
BYU animation students have come home with their 12th Student Emmy in 10 years for their 6-minute animated short film, “Estefan.” The film took first place in the 34th College Television Awards, joining other BYU winners such as “Kites” and “The Pajama Gladiator.” It took two years and approximately 40 students to complete the 3D animated film that centers on Estefan, a character with a lot of personality.
Lauren Oppenlander, the story layout and lead, stated that she first imagined Estefan as “a cocky barber who thought he was the best,” she told the Deseret News. However, Estefan is more than just a barber; he is an “artiste.” The film centers on the unique challenge posed to Estefan when a customer comes in with no hair. Estefan rises to the occasion and, as producer Lauren Taylor told the Deseret News, “He is so proudly stubborn. He’s tireless in finding the right solution. And of course, he knows he’s the best because of it.”
Work on the project involved a myriad of students and their talents, combining both the technical and artistic sides of computer animation. Students examined flamenco dancing and bull fighters, and incorporated elements from both into Estefan’s character. Students also worked to create the entire atmosphere and environment of the film, down to the most minute details. “Because we’re not filming live action,” Taylor said, “we need to create a person and an environment and all of the little objects that are in their environment.” Creating this environment is one of the major reasons “Estefan” took so long to produce. [1] (more…)
