President Holland Dedicates His G-G Grandfather’s Historic Home in Pine Valley
President Jeffrey R. Holland recently shared a deeply personal and meaningful moment in Pine Valley, Utah, a picturesque mountain town about 22 miles north of St. George.
There, together with two of his sons and their spouses, he dedicated a carefully preserved and restored pioneer home.
This modest but beautiful home was built by great-great-grandfather, Robert Gardner Jr., a man whose history is filled with sacrifice and service.
Gardner, who was enjoying a comfortable life with a thriving mill in the Salt Lake Valley and an idyllic farm in the new town of St. George, received a life-changing calling: to leave everything to move to Pine Valley and harvest pine lumber to build the Salt Lake Tabernacle organ.
President Holland said that Robert and Leanora’s determination and sacrifices continue to be an inspiration to him and his family.
According to family tradition, upon hearing this call, Robert took off his hat, thought for a moment, and decided that since it was a job for the Lord, he would accept the assignment and make the journey south, no matter the difficulties.
His dedication was extraordinary. Not only did he fulfill this mission, but he served as bishop in Pine Valley for 40 years, caring for three other congregations in remote areas.
This modest but beautiful home was built by his great-great-grandfather, Robert Gardner Jr., a man whose story is filled with sacrifice and service.
He also served as mayor of St. George and played a key role in the construction of the St. George Temple. His wife, Leanora Cannon Gardner, also shared that spirit of sacrifice and dedication.
President Holland said that Robert and Leanora’s determination and sacrifices continue to be an inspiration to him and his family.
“We hope, in our time, to be as willing to ‘go and do’ as these dear ancestors were,” he said.
This experience is a powerful reminder of how our ancestors’ stories of faith and sacrifice can strengthen our own willingness to serve the Lord and others, even when the tasks seem challenging.
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