Abstract
Conversion is not simply joining a
church, or a onetime decision or feeling, a conversion takes place over a
lifetime through trials, temptations, suffering, work, joy, happiness and
everyday experiences. This conclusion
has come to represent Mary Field Garner and her conversion to the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Mary Field Garner was born on February 1, 1836 in Stanley Hill,
Herefordshire, England. She was only
four years old when her family was taught the gospel by Wilford Woodruff and
her parents were baptized in 1840. When circumstances allowed, the Field family
started the journey westward to join the saints in America.
This journey from England, to New York, Nauvoo, and finally to the Salt
Lake Valley was a trying experience to say the least. There are many stories related by Mary and
others who also made the journey that describe the hardships that were had on
this journey. Along with the hard times
though are the prevalent faith promoting stories and miracles. The pioneers not only had each other to lean
on and count on for help, but also the Lord.
Mary arrived in the Salt Lake Valley
with her surviving family members tired and worn but with her faith, hope and
testimony still burning strong. She
later married William Garner and they both faithfully and diligently helped the
church to grow and prosper. She died on 20
July 1943 in Roy, Weber, Utah. Despite her
trials, or possibly because of them her conversion to the gospel was evident
and eternal.
For one of my other classes, I was asked to do a research paper on a topic of my choice. I decided to combine my efforts for this class and the other and I wrote about Mary Field Garner. This is the abstract for my paper! I have loved digging even further into knowing this incredible woman and have loved getting to know her through writing about her life.
