Joseph Smith Sphinx, and other fun representations of the faith

[bobcat]

Where can you find sculptures of strewn body parts, half-human half-beast monstrosities, and strange masonic-looking creations? Why, at Salt Lake City's Gilgal Gardens, of course. This collection of sculptures and other masonry gives a telling look at how members of MoInc saw the world over a half-century ago. For example:

http://www.doxster.com/gallery/gilgal/HPIM0371.jpg

Not surprisingly, this uncomfortable part of Mormon history isn't owned by MoInc. When the family of the creator tried to donate it to the church several years ago, they didn't want it. So, it is owned and maintained by the City government. Also not surprising is that most TBMs in Utah have never been there, and many don't even know it exists. It's carefully hidden in a residential part of Downtown, out of sight and out of mind.

Last summer, I went to visit and photograph the place. I just HAD to see the Joseph Smith Sphinx live and in person. I posted the photos on my website last August, but I wasn't a part of Postmormon.org at the time, so I don't know if any of you have seen them. So here's the link, enjoy: Gilgal Gardens (http://www.doxster.com/gallery/gilgal/)

[flotsam]

I had no idea this stuff existed. And it's totally RAD! This guy is like a Mormon William Blake. I'll have to stop off sometime. Thanks for posting these.

[helemon]

Riddle of the sphinx:
"What goes on two legs at noon, three at dusk, and four legs at dawn,?"

Joseph Smith,
Two legs while seducing young lady's, three legs while in their bed
and four legs in the morning as he tries to crawl back into his house unnoticed. :D

[firefly]

Also not surprising is that most TBMs in Utah have never been there, and many don't even know it exists. It's carefully hidden in a residential part of Downtown, out of sight and out of mind.



Why is it surprising that most Mos don't know it exists when most no-Mos don't know it exists either? It was on private property - the backyard of the house just to the East until the late 90's. A friend of mine was heavily involved in Gilgal fundraising and community outreach back then, and it really was largely unknown except to local trespassing teenagers. By the way, the LDS church donated $100,000 toward its purchase and preservation by the non-profit Friends of Gilgal Gardens.

My impression of it (and why I'm fond of it) is that it doesn't represent "how members of MoInc saw the world over a half-century ago." Rather, it is a very specific individual's view of the world - true "outsider art." Its primative folk-art quality is the antithesis of 1950's Mormon slick commercial (cough cough) "art."

[bobcat]

Why is it surprising that most Mos don't know it exists when most no-Mos don't know it exists either? It was on private property - the backyard of the house just to the East until the late 90's. A friend of mine was heavily involved in Gilgal fundraising and community outreach back then, and it really was largely unknown except to local trespassing teenagers. By the way, the LDS church donated $100,000 toward its purchase and preservation by the non-profit Friends of Gilgal Gardens.



Did they donate to it? I wasn't aware of that fact. Thanks for bringing that up. I also didn't know that it was kept hidden from the public for so long. Back in about 1994 or 1995, my priesthood quorum took a "field trip" out to see it one sunday. I didn't go, but since it has been "public" for as long as I've known it, I thought it had been "public" forever. Ah, the perspective of someone in their early 20s :D

And while I agree that most no-mos don't know it exists, I say that it's interesting that most Mos don't know it's there because your average Corridor Mormon knows all the mormon-related sites for miles and miles around.


My impression of it (and why I'm fond of it) is that it doesn't represent "how members of MoInc saw the world over a half-century ago." Rather, it is a very specific individual's view of the world - true "outsider art." Its primative folk-art quality is the antithesis of 1950's Mormon slick commercial (cough cough) "art."

I dunno if I agree with you on that point. Again, I'm speaking from things I've gleaned from others, since I'm way too young to know anything but the slick MoInc of the 80s and 90s. But several Mos that left the church in the 50s and 60s tell me that back then it was VERY different than the current church: much more cultish, more Smith-worship, and less Jesus in everyday sermons. To me, Gilgal fits that viewpoint.

But,thanks for bringing up those points. Ya learn something new everyday :D

[firefly]

It's funny that you brought it up when you did, because I was over there just the day before taking pictures for an online Utah photo scavenger hunt thing I participate in.

I posted half of JoSphinx's face.

Someone Identified it within an hour. :cool:

[dogzilla]

It's funny that you brought it up when you did, because I was over there just the day before taking pictures for an online Utah photo scavenger hunt thing I participate in.

I posted half of JoSphinx's face.

Someone Identified it within an hour. :cool:

Aw, man, that sounds like fun. I think I'm going to drive around this weekend and capture digital pix of funny church marquee slogans. Like the church down the street... They have this painted in huge letters across the back of their church bus:

"A going church... for a coming Christ."

:D

Makes me giggle every time I see it. I think I'm going to begin a quest to find more of these: church slogans that sound dirty, but aren't supposed to be.

Who's with me?

[helemon]

Who's with me?

http://www.jnweb.com/funny/church-notices.html
5. The rosebud on the alter this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

7. Tuesday at 4:00 pm there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

8. Wednesday the ladies liturgy will meet. Mrs. Johnson will sing "Put me in my little bed accompanied by the pastor."

9. Thursday at 5:00 pm there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study.

12. Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the new carpet will come forward and do so.

13. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

63. This evening at 7 P.M. there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

64. The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir

[firefly]

Aw, man, that sounds like fun. I think I'm going to drive around this weekend and capture digital pix of funny church marquee slogans. Like the church down the street... They have this painted in huge letters across the back of their church bus:

"A going church... for a coming Christ."

:D

Makes me giggle every time I see it. I think I'm going to begin a quest to find more of these: church slogans that sound dirty, but aren't supposed to be.

Who's with me?

Now that would be fun. It's a pity though that Mo churches don't have marquees!