Mountain Meadows relatives mark 150th anniversary

In April 1857, several families gathered at Beller Spring near Harrison, Ark., to make final preparations before starting their wagons for the west. Soon, other Arkansas families joined the westbound wagon train. The emigrants had big herds of cattle and dreams to match, but they never reached their goal of California.

On Sept. 11 that year, about 120 of them were slain at Mountain Meadows, near Cedar City, Utah. Their killers were 50 to 60 Mormon militiamen, aided by American Indian allies. Only 17 children, age 6 and under, were spared the horrific slaughter.

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Museum Announces Eighth International Art Competition

The Museum of Church History and Art has announced the theme for its Eighth International Art Competition, “Remembering the Great Things of God.” The museum invites Church members around the world to participate in the exhibit to be held March 20 to October 11, 2009.

The work in the exhibit will encompass the experiences of Latter-day Saints everywhere. Entries in the competition should represent (1) Latter-day Saint doctrines, beliefs, and teachings, including stories from the scriptures and teachings of the prophets; (2) events, sites, and individuals pertinent to the history of the Church and its people; or (3) the application of religious values in Latter-day Saint life, including Church, family, and individual activities.

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