I wish I knew more about the history of this mural at the back of the chapel. It was painted by Joseph Gibby, who also painted the murals in the Los Angeles Temple Baptistry and a few other temples. Joseph was not in California until 1926, so it was very likely added after the building's dedication.
Pioneers enter the Salt Lake Valley on the left side. You can see Native Americans in the valley below. A pioneer couple on the right side gaze on the Salt Lake Temple (or a vision of it) above them. To the right, you can see normal buildings of the city (including the capitol building).
Joseph Gibby is the original artist. It was touched up and slightly modified at a later time.
ReplyDeleteThis was my great grandpa Joe! So happy to see his work! Didn’t know he did the SM Ward too. I was lucky to have him until I was 14. He was extraordinary and I miss him everyday. Seeing his work is like a piece of him, still being here.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was the bishop of this ward for 13 years! As a child I remember this mural. So glad that it still remains as a reminder of our pioneer heritage!
ReplyDeleteJoseph Gibby is my great uncle. My mom told me he painted a painting of the savior and the prophet at the time said that is what the savior looks like. I've never seen the painting. Any ideas where I could see it? I think it was of the savior's baptism. My mom is LaDean Griffin I'm Scott. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI had a sweet experience with your grandpa telling me of his experience painting the mural which hangs above the baptistry in the Los Angeles LDS Temple! My father was the Temple President at the time and was speaking at a conference I attended to hear him. After the conference ended, I waited in the back of the chapel. Your grandpa came up and inquired if I was from that stake and why I was there. I told him I had been rheee to hear my dad President Walker speak. He asked if I had seen the mural he had painted over the baptistry. I told him yes and how beautiful it was. He then took me to the baptistry in the LA Stake center and there shared with me his experience painting the mural.
DeleteHe had a difficult time painting the Savior’s face and wanted it to be right. He tried several times and wiped it off. He called the temple committee and told them of his struggle. They told him Pres. McKay was coming into town to check on the temple and if he would like to have an appointment with him. He of course agreed. At his meeting with Pres McKay he explained his desire to paint the Savior’s face right and just had not felt right about the outcome. He said President McKay closed his eyes and described the Savior. He went back to his studio and painted the Savior’s face. President McKay did go to view the mural after it was hung above the baptistry and was very pleased with the painting.
Brother Gibby wrote his experience out and it is kept in the files of the temple which my dad gave me a copy.
You can email me if you would like glennarae5@yahoo.com