M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Celebrating Kirtland
The Prophet's Tour, Part 5

A Photographic Essay
by Scot Facer Proctor
All Photographs Copyright 2003 Scot Facer Proctor
(Use of any photographs herein only by written permission of Meridian Magazine)

The Prophet enters the new water-powered sawmill in Kirtland. In these precious moments with him he asked lots of questions. He wants to know all about everything.

Dixon Hyde, construction foreman, explains to President Hinckley and group the workings of the sawmill. The waterwheel was turning and the saw was cutting a beautiful plank while we all looked on in awe.

President Hinckley delighted in Dixon Hyde’s commentary about the sawmill. This Prophet loves to build (he’s the greatest temple builder in the history of the world) and he wanted to know everything about the processes of the sawmill.

President Hinckley is a hands-on person. He felts the texture of the wood being worked her in the mill. He seems to take in every moment to its fullest.

Dixon Hyde shows the Prophet what happens when the saw gets to the end of a large log. Here is a man who at nearly-93 is constantly curious and constantly learning.

President Hinckley looks out at the stream chase that comes into the waterwheel to drive the saw. He noted how everything worked, and delighted in the same.

President Hinckley made observations everywhere he went in Kirtland. This Prophet has a keen sense of the history of the Church and comprehends the panoramic sweep of it and the most minute details of it.

Elder ‘Beau’ Woodbury, director of the Kirtland Visitors Center, gives President Hinckley and Elder and Sister Maxwell an executive briefing on the newly restored Ashery.

As President Hinckley gazed into the vats in the Ashery there was almost a look in his eyes that said, “I’d like to do some work in this place.” He seemed to thoroughly enjoy every part of Kirtland.

President Hinckley looked around at the newly restored structures of Kirtland and he truly seemed pleased.

Click here to go back to the beginning of this Photo Essay.

Click here to go to Meridian’s home page.

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.