A Paper

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.