LDS church marks Pioneer Day

Sisters' Public Works Superintendent, Gary Frazee gives planting instructions to Vickie Thompson (left) and Peggy Lindsay in Sisters Creekside City Park. photo by Jim Anderson Local members of the Sisters' Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints celebrated an important day in church history by beautifying their city.

July 24 is a special day for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS): It is known as Pioneer Day and marks the date when pioneers crossing the Western deserts saw the Salt Lake Valley for the first time.

The LDS pioneers' motivation for going west is considered unique in American history -- it was not for gold, land, or adventure -- but for religious freedom.

Levi Jackman, a member of the original Mormon pioneer group that entered the Salt Lake Valley, wrote in his journal in imperfect spelling: "We ware out of the reach of our ememis and that the countrey was well wathered with gods watter and that god had blessed us on our journey verrey mutch."

Mormon church members nationwide celebrated Pioneer Day this year by volunteering on public works projects of all kinds. Here in Sisters, about 24 members of the Sisters Branch turned out to help Gary Frazee and his public works crew plant trees, place fence posts and remove old fencing at Creekside City Park.

The work crew consisted of church members ranging in age from nine years old to over 75.