By Lauren Lewis
An exhibit honoring the Prophet Joseph Smith opened Thursday in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections of the Harold B. Lee Libary. Elder Perry himself made a surprise visit to the exhibit?s introductory lecture.
?Thank goodness we have a history that we can ponder, we can study, in a course that will keep us faithful to the truth,? Perry said.
David Whittaker, co-curator of the exhibit, presented the lecture, which highlighted the life and legacy of the prophet. The exhibit, ?Joseph Smith, Jr.: 1805 ? 2005,? will remain open through April 2006.
?No one exhibit can capture the complexity of the Prophet Joseph Smith,? Whittaker said. ?But we?ve put together materials to honor the founding prophet of the church.?
This honor comes as the 200-year anniversary of the prophet?s birth approaches. Whittaker said the exhibit complements the Church History Museum exhibit in Salt Lake City.
Exhibit displays include first editions of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Commandments, the Doctrine and Covenants, and first editions of early newspapers such as ?The Evening and the Morning Star? and ?The Times and Seasons.?
For the past seven months, Special Collections staff has labored to bring the exhibit into fruition. Many student employees were given the opportunity to do graphic design and exhibition work. A replica of the original Book of Mormon printing press greets visitors to the exhibit, and a large mural of the ?sacred grove? graces the entrance to historical records.
?We tried to present an overview of Joseph?s life to illustrate the early history of the church,? Whittaker said.
The exhibit covers three eras in Joseph?s life: New York and New England, Ohio and Missouri, and Illinois. Amber Speakman, Special Collections student secretary, said everyone should embrace the opportunity of visiting it.
?The exhibit is truly amazing,? Speakman said. ?Both the church and BYU have put a lot of time and effort into it, and we should enjoy their efforts by honoring the prophet.?
The Special Collections staff is also working to compile a multi-volume manuscript of Joseph?s writings. The anticipated project will cover 30 or more volumes of journals, papers, history and legal documents.
