Hyrum Smith
"Beloved Father and Patriarch"

In my studies I was impressed to paint Hyrum with the whole family at the time, as that was where he would have chosen to be. The kitchen is where life happened. It was a humble nature. It's a place where one is nourished with love and togetherness. Many people arriving in Kirtland seeking a place to live with their new faith were fed and cared for here.

Hyrum is sitting at the table with the Kirtland Temple drawings laid out for review. Just a note about the layout, or blue prints: paper was expensive and hard to come by. So when drawings were done they would make several renderings on one sheet of paper that usually was small and possibly left over from another project. Hyrum was the Priesthood leader assigned as overseer of the building of the Kirtland Temple. As he is working his oldest son, John, has become intrigued by the box of tools at his feet and has left the ball of string for something better (what all two and a half year olds would do). The box is the same box used to temporarily hide the gold plates while Joseph was translating them. Alvin originally built it but when he passed away it became Hyrum's. Hyrum being a man of great patience and love has gently turned and reached for the tool and has calmly asked John to give back the tool. Everyone else has stopped what they are doing to watch and see if John will be obedient. The moment seems to have frozen as John, with love for his father reluctantly but with respect hands over the tool. Hyrum was a patient man, and was referred to many times as the "peacemaker."

Jerusha is shown holding baby Hyrum and affords a slight smile of approval in her husbands love and patience as well as John's decision to return the tool. Lovina, as the older sibling, waits to see if her mischievous younger brother will be obedient, knowing that she, because of her love and respect, would always obey her father.

Other items of family interest are the books found in the room. The book on the table is a copy of the Book of Mormon. It symbolizes their testimony and driven faith ot the newly reorganized church that became so much a part of their lives. The larger book found on the shelves is their family bible. On top of the bible is Hyrum's New Testament written in Hebrew, which was used in the school of the prophets.

Painting this painting was a real learning experience for me, both spiritually as well as in technical ability. I found that my mood and even the music that I listened to [affected] my ability to paint. It took a year to research and paint the painting. An experience I will always cherish. I hope that it will touch your life as well as bring honor to Hyrum and who he was.

Rebecca Connell