A MESSAGE FROM HONORARY PRESIDENT

May 14, 1982

Dear Family Members,

As the last Living member of my father's family, I send you all greetings and best wishes. My Father, Ezra T. Clark, was a great man who lived by his convictions. He knew the prophet, Joseph Smith, and heard his testimony. He was converted  to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and offered the prophet everything he had. The prophet, Joseph Smith blessed him, that he would never want and that he would always have the necessities of life and that his children would be of the nobility of the earth.

After Joseph Smith's death at the hands of an angry mob, he witnessed that marvelous moment when Brigham Young spoke to the people of the Church and the "mantle of the prophet" came over him. He testified of this to all of his children, and I remember well his telling this to me when I was a young girl.

Because of this, he came with Brigham Young to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. He was appointed as one to settle the area which became known as Farmington, and later, Brigham Young also appointed him with the help of his older sons to settle Georgetown, Montpelier and Bear Lake Idaho; Morgan, Utah as well as other places.

LAURA BIANCHE CIARK COOK

(age-102)

He taught his two families true principles; to be honest, work hard, be obedent to the commandments of God, pay a full tithing to the Church, keep the Word of Wisdom, pray daily, and abstain from profanity. He taught us the importance of being a family. He was concerned about all of his children. I never had a date without first taking the fellow to meet father for his approval. And he usually instructed the fellow to take good care of me "because I was a Jewel."

I would also like to remind all of you of father's instructions and testimony that he gave us in 1901 (July 24th) before he died in October 1901 which he left for all of his descendants. He counsels all of us to follow the leaders of the Church, that they will lead us and reveal God's hand in all things. I pray that we may all be true and obedient to God's teachings.

I leave my testimony with all of you, that I know that God lives and we are all His children and He loves us. That Jesus is the Christ and Redeemer and that He has restored His true Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," to help us return to His presence. I know Joseph Smith is true Prophet and I am grateful for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for the Lord's blessings to be with you. I love you all,

Aunt Laura Clark Cook

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