Joseph, Jenilyn and Christian are excited to announce the new arrival of
William Frederic
May 18, 2010 3:36pm
6 pounds 11 ounces, 18.5 inches long
William has been named after his great great great grandfather William Pilkington, Jr. and his great grandpa Russ Frederic Fjeldsted. On the Smith side of the family (Christie's maiden name) there are also grandpas named William and Frederic.
Short summary of William Pilkington Jr.
The following is read by William Pilkinton (Jr) before 10,000 people at the grave of Martin Harris-the day after his birthday, May 19th 1934, the church sponsored an Aaronic pilgrimage of all Aaronic Priesthood of the church that could passable attend.
A living and dying testimony given by William Pilkington to Martin Harris, July 9, 1876. My dear brothers and sisters, I am sure pleased to be here on this auspicious occasion. I first became acquainted with Martin Harris on the fall of 1872, when I was 14 years of age. I was hired out to work and live in the Harris family.
On the 9th day of July 1876, while Martin Harris was dying, (he died the following day), I held up his right hand, in the presence of two witnesses, while he bore the following testimony.
I (Martin Harris) did go in the woods with Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, and beheld an angel descend from heaven in dazzling light of glory, and stood about two feet from the ground. I saw the gold plates. I saw him turn the leaves one by one. I saw the engravings. I saw the Urim and Thumminm, the breastplate, and the sword of Labin. After the angel had delivered his message. I saw him ascend up into Heaven and I heard the voice of God in the midst of the dazzling light declare that the Book of Mormon was translated correct, and I was commanded by Gods voice to testify to all the world what I had heard and seen. I cried out in my ecstacy, it is enough, my eyes have beheld the glories of God, Hosanna, Hosanna, to God and the Lambs, jumping up I praise the Lord.
At this point he collapsed, his head fell back on his pillow. He had been stricken with a stroke a day or two before he got so that he did not care to talk to anyone but William.
William is the young boy in the Martin Harris pageant and the movie, that goes to Martin's bed side his first night at the Harris home and is told, be Martin, that he is to visit with him each night. Most nights he was told stories of the past with Martin and Joseph Smith. Martin asked William to tell his story of the truthfulness and authentsy of the Book of Mormon throughout his life.
Our son, William Frederic, was born earlier then expected. He was actually born the same day as Martin Harris, May 18th...
