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Sunday, March 14, 2010

Martin Harris Gravesite

Location: Clarkston, Utah
Address: Clarkston Cemetary
GPS Coords: 41°55'52.08"N ;112° 2'24.74"W


Martin Harris was one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, he rejoined with the LDS saints in Utah from Kirkland, Ohio in 1870. Martin was at the age of 87. He settled in Cache Valley, Utah, where he died just 4 and a half years later on July 10, 1875. Although Martin left the LDS Church for a time, he returned to full fellowship and was re-baptized before passing away in Clarkston, Utah.

Upon his death, Martin was placed in his casket with a copy of the Book of Mormon in his right hand and a copy of the Doctrine & Covenants in the left to represent his role in financing the publication of the first editions of these two books of Latter-day Saint scripture.

His grave was originally marked with a wooden headboard and a raised mound of earth. On July 10, 1925, the 50th anniversary of Martin Harris' death, LDS Church President Heber J. Grant dedicated a large granite monument on the gravesite with an inscription telling of Harris' role as a special witness and his testimony of the Book of Mormon. Also, a copper box containing a Book of Mormon, a Doctrine & Covenants, and testimonies of many of the people who had known Martin and heard his testimony was placed at the base of the monument.

In the 1980s, an amphitheater was built near Martin's grave. It was dedicated on August 3, 1983 by President Ezra Taft Benson, and each year in August a historical musical play titled 'Martin Harris, the Man Who Knew' is performed before thousands of people. In so doing, the people of Clarkston carry on Martin Harris' charge to tell the world his story and testimony of the restored gospel.



If you happen to have the GPS location for this gravesite please send it my way.

6 comments:

Daniel Longmore said...

Wonderful site. I am also interested this work. There is a pretty good start of a google earth kmz file available. You can find it by doing a google search for "lds historic sites kmz". I think you will enjoy it.

Brolfreeman said...

41°55'52.08"N
112° 2'24.74"W

For Martin Harris Grave

Nate said...

Thanks for the GPS coordinates. I appreciate your assistance

Mary said...

Just today my sister ran across a photo that was taken the day
the Martin Harris Monument was dedicated (July 10, 1925 in
Clarkston). President Heber J. Grant is standing in front of the
monument with others nearby. I think it is a wonderful picture.
The site says to feel free to submit pictures.
How do I submit the picture?

Seals said...

I am so glad to see this post.
Historical Marker

Bill Chapman said...

Mary , would it be possible to have you email a copy of the photo you have? My grandfather was one of the brothers who dug to the casket and did the concrete work for the monument. Text me @ 435-669-2854. Thank you