George Goddard
Born: 15 December 1815
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1872
Died: 12 January 1899
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1872
Died: 12 January 1899
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 January 1899, Elder George Goddard
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, Old Folks' Day
Instructor, September 1949, George Goddard
Instructor, November 1949, Remarks of Speakers at the Funeral of George Goddard
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 January 1899, Elder George Goddard
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, Old Folks' Day
Instructor, September 1949, George Goddard
Instructor, November 1949, Remarks of Speakers at the Funeral of George Goddard
Jenson, Andrew. "Goddard, George." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 706-707.
GODDARD, George, first assistant general superintendent of Latter-day Saints' Sunday schools, from 1872 to 1899, was born Dec. 5, 1815, in Leicester, England. He was baptized into the Church Jan. 21, 1851, his wife also joining at the same time. Six days later he was confirmed by Elders Jacob Gates and Claudius V. Spencer, and on the 3rd of the following month Jacob Gates ordained him an Elder. He left England with his wife and eight children on the ship "Essex," Oct. 11th of the same year, and on New Year's day, 1S52, arrived at St. Louis, Mo., having lost two children on the way. Another child died in St. Louis, and two more of cholera on the plains, which he crossed in the summer of 1852, reaching Salt Lake City Sept. 15, 1852, Before joining the Church he had been in comfortable circumstances, doing a good business, but by becoming a "Mormon" and preaching the gospel in the market place every Wednesday night, he alienated his customers, and within eight months after his baptism his business passed into the hands of his creditors and he was left In poverty, with a large family on his hands. It was through the unsolicited assistance of one of his brothers, who felt disgrace at his becoming a "Mormon" and was anxious to get rid of him, that he and his family crossed the Atlantic as related. He saw hardships and poverty prior to and after reaching the haven of his hopes —Salt Lake City, Utah, where he first engaged in peddling on a small scale, gradually gathering around him the comforts of life. He was much interested in home industries, and manufactured hats, ink and other articles. In a sketch of his life written by himself he mentions the following items of his experience: "Fourteen months' mission to Canada, by hand-cart to the Missouri river, 1857 and 1858. Three years gathering rags as a mission, in 18G1, 1862 and 1863. Nine years superintendent of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday school, from 1867 to 1876. Twenty-seven years clerk to Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, from 1856 to 1883. Twenty-six years First Assistant General Superintendent of Sunday Schools, from 1872. Ten years clerk of general conference, from 1874 to 1884. Four years clerk of the School of the Prophets. Three years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Stake Assembly Hall, from 1877 to 1880. Twenty years a member of the Tabernacle choir. Twenty- five years a member of the Thirteenth Ward choir. Twenty-three years a member of the Old Folk's Committee, from 1875." The sketch in question was written in October, 1898, and in it he says: "I am now eighty-three years old, lacking only a few weeks, and during the past five years I have traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles by railway and several thousand miles by team, over all kinds of roads, in heat and cold, by night and by day, in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion, who are connected with our Sunday schools. I have visited thirty-eight Stakes of Zion. I use neither tea, coffee, wine, liquor nor beer, and I am blessed of the Lord with good health, which causes my heart to rejoice exceedingly." It was Brother Goddard who instituted the printing of the Articles of Faith in card form,having several thousand of these published for use in Sunday schools on Feb. 18, 1878. He held the office of a Seventy from Dec. 27, 1854, and for many years was one of the presidents of the 27th quorum and afterwards of the 8th quorum. He was ordained a High Priest Feb. 24, 1894, and a Patriarch Oct. 28, 1897. Elder Goddard died at his home in Salt Lake City Jan. 12, 1899, as a victim to la grippe, following a severe cold contracted some time before.
GODDARD, George, first assistant general superintendent of Latter-day Saints' Sunday schools, from 1872 to 1899, was born Dec. 5, 1815, in Leicester, England. He was baptized into the Church Jan. 21, 1851, his wife also joining at the same time. Six days later he was confirmed by Elders Jacob Gates and Claudius V. Spencer, and on the 3rd of the following month Jacob Gates ordained him an Elder. He left England with his wife and eight children on the ship "Essex," Oct. 11th of the same year, and on New Year's day, 1S52, arrived at St. Louis, Mo., having lost two children on the way. Another child died in St. Louis, and two more of cholera on the plains, which he crossed in the summer of 1852, reaching Salt Lake City Sept. 15, 1852, Before joining the Church he had been in comfortable circumstances, doing a good business, but by becoming a "Mormon" and preaching the gospel in the market place every Wednesday night, he alienated his customers, and within eight months after his baptism his business passed into the hands of his creditors and he was left In poverty, with a large family on his hands. It was through the unsolicited assistance of one of his brothers, who felt disgrace at his becoming a "Mormon" and was anxious to get rid of him, that he and his family crossed the Atlantic as related. He saw hardships and poverty prior to and after reaching the haven of his hopes —Salt Lake City, Utah, where he first engaged in peddling on a small scale, gradually gathering around him the comforts of life. He was much interested in home industries, and manufactured hats, ink and other articles. In a sketch of his life written by himself he mentions the following items of his experience: "Fourteen months' mission to Canada, by hand-cart to the Missouri river, 1857 and 1858. Three years gathering rags as a mission, in 18G1, 1862 and 1863. Nine years superintendent of the Thirteenth Ward Sunday school, from 1867 to 1876. Twenty-seven years clerk to Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, from 1856 to 1883. Twenty-six years First Assistant General Superintendent of Sunday Schools, from 1872. Ten years clerk of general conference, from 1874 to 1884. Four years clerk of the School of the Prophets. Three years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Stake Assembly Hall, from 1877 to 1880. Twenty years a member of the Tabernacle choir. Twenty- five years a member of the Thirteenth Ward choir. Twenty-three years a member of the Old Folk's Committee, from 1875." The sketch in question was written in October, 1898, and in it he says: "I am now eighty-three years old, lacking only a few weeks, and during the past five years I have traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles by railway and several thousand miles by team, over all kinds of roads, in heat and cold, by night and by day, in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion, who are connected with our Sunday schools. I have visited thirty-eight Stakes of Zion. I use neither tea, coffee, wine, liquor nor beer, and I am blessed of the Lord with good health, which causes my heart to rejoice exceedingly." It was Brother Goddard who instituted the printing of the Articles of Faith in card form,having several thousand of these published for use in Sunday schools on Feb. 18, 1878. He held the office of a Seventy from Dec. 27, 1854, and for many years was one of the presidents of the 27th quorum and afterwards of the 8th quorum. He was ordained a High Priest Feb. 24, 1894, and a Patriarch Oct. 28, 1897. Elder Goddard died at his home in Salt Lake City Jan. 12, 1899, as a victim to la grippe, following a severe cold contracted some time before.
Jenson, Andrew. "Goddard, George." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 726.
GODDARD, George, one of the original organizers of the Old Folks Central Committee serving from 1875 to 1899, was born Dec. 5, 1815, in Leicester, England, a son of Cornelius and Mary Goddard. He died Jan. 12, 1899, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 706.)
GODDARD, George, one of the original organizers of the Old Folks Central Committee serving from 1875 to 1899, was born Dec. 5, 1815, in Leicester, England, a son of Cornelius and Mary Goddard. He died Jan. 12, 1899, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 706.)
"Elder George Goddard." Juvenile Instructor. 15 January 1899. pg. 49-50.
ELDER GEORGE GODDARD.
The death of Eider Goddard, which occurred on Thursday, January 12th, removes from the midst of the Saints a laborer for righteousness probably as well known to both old and young among the Saints as any man in the Church. Indeed, the lines of hi peculiar activity were along those which sought the welfare of the two extremes of life in Israel— for the Spring and the Winter of human existence, for the opening Bud and for the ripened Fruit, for the Children and for the Old Folks. With the movement that has for its object the providing of annual excursions and pleasure trips for the aged — that beautiful practice which has grown » up among our people—he was actively identified from its beginning, and for many years he was probably the most prominent figure on the committee having the matter in charge.
But it was as a Sunday School worker that the readers of this paper knew him best; and with his departure disappears from the councils and operations of the Deseret Sunday School Union a worker whose energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the cause were untiring. He possessed a remarkable faculty of instructing while amusing the children, and by his songs and anecdotes, and his originality of method, he contrived always to interest ana never to weary even the most youthful of audiences. By the mighty young army that make up the rank and file of the Sunday School organization in Zion—over a hundred thousand strong—he will be missed as a zealous associate and leader, and mourned as a beloved friend. His frail body, worn out in many years of good works, has gone to a well-earned rest. He leaves an honored name, and a fragrant memory that will live in the hearts of the thousands who knew and loved him.
ELDER GEORGE GODDARD.
The death of Eider Goddard, which occurred on Thursday, January 12th, removes from the midst of the Saints a laborer for righteousness probably as well known to both old and young among the Saints as any man in the Church. Indeed, the lines of hi peculiar activity were along those which sought the welfare of the two extremes of life in Israel— for the Spring and the Winter of human existence, for the opening Bud and for the ripened Fruit, for the Children and for the Old Folks. With the movement that has for its object the providing of annual excursions and pleasure trips for the aged — that beautiful practice which has grown » up among our people—he was actively identified from its beginning, and for many years he was probably the most prominent figure on the committee having the matter in charge.
But it was as a Sunday School worker that the readers of this paper knew him best; and with his departure disappears from the councils and operations of the Deseret Sunday School Union a worker whose energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the cause were untiring. He possessed a remarkable faculty of instructing while amusing the children, and by his songs and anecdotes, and his originality of method, he contrived always to interest ana never to weary even the most youthful of audiences. By the mighty young army that make up the rank and file of the Sunday School organization in Zion—over a hundred thousand strong—he will be missed as a zealous associate and leader, and mourned as a beloved friend. His frail body, worn out in many years of good works, has gone to a well-earned rest. He leaves an honored name, and a fragrant memory that will live in the hearts of the thousands who knew and loved him.
Bean, Joshua B. "Old Folks' Day." Young Woman's Journal. February 1917. pg. 69-75.
Old Folks’ Day. By Joshua B. Bean, Secretary of the Old Folks’ Central Committee. “The initial movement to give the aged and kindred deserving people of Salt Lake City an annual season of pleasure and relaxation originated in an excursion of aged people to Clinton’s Hotel on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, May 14, 1875. This fraternal organization is altogether unique and believed to be unparalleled in the annals of mankind. “There has not been the least distinction as to differences in religious faith, race or color; members of all creeds and politics including the lame, halt, and blind have been cordially invited to participate in these excursions from the beginning. The main purpose is and has always been to invite the old people to seasons of enjoyment and gladness as they near the end of the journey of life.” The original members of the Old Folks’ Committee consisted of Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter and Elders Charles R. Savage and George Goddard. Elder Charles R. Savage was the originator of the move. He conceived the idea through what may consistently be termed “inspiration from heaven,” his object being to comfort and cheer the aged people of the community. While the thought was fresh in his mind he visited Bishop Edward Hunter who was then 83 years of age—a big hearted and benevolent veteran, who was mindful of the many trials which he and his people had passed through in bygone years; for they had indeed during their exile from Nauvoo, their journeying across the plains, and their final location in the Rocky Mountains passed through “great tribulations!” Bishop Hunter was won for the movement at once, and so also was George Goddard who at that time was a clerk at the Presiding Bishop’s Office—a man in middle life who was always in close touch with all the kind, loving, and benevolent work of the bishop. Elder Savage explained the idea that had crystalized, in his mind, concerning the poor and aged people of the community and put his suggestion into an interrogation: “How would it be to arrange for a free excursion for our aged people' to some convenient point on the railway, some distance from the city; for instance, to the shores of the Great Salt Lake?” “Capital idea,” answered the bishop, without hesitation, and the movement was heartily endorsed by Brother Goddard. After some further consultation it was decided that Brother Savage should take steps at once looking to the arrangements for the proposed excursion. The Utah Western Railway, a narrow gage road, had just been built from Salt Lake City into Tooele Valley, skirting the shores of the Lake, and was already operating daily trains. One of the stopping places along the road was the Clinton Hotel, just built, on the shores of the Lake and at a point of the so-called West Mountain. The honorable John W. Young was the general manager of this local railway and was always known as a warm friend of anything that tended in the direction of charity or philanthropy. When he was approached by Brother Savage and asked if he would furnish a train and give the aged people of Utah’s capital a free ride to the lake, he answered immediately in the affirmative, and added: “I will do anything in my power to make such a noble undertaking a success.” Consequently the first Old Folks’ Entertainment came off on Friday May 14, 1875. Early in the morning of that day the veterans and their friends assembled at the Utah Western Railway depot, in Salt Lake City, and as the train left, exactly at 8 o’clock, there was considerable waving of hats and handkerchiefs from groups of people along the street on the line of the railroad. The train consisted of a locomotive, a baggage car, seven regular passenger or box cars, and three flats filled to their utmost capacity with this interesting company. On the road to the lake the census of the company was taken, which developed the fact that there were 244 persons on board, and that the average age of 180 of these was 72 years. These were the genuine excursionists; for the remaining 64 were under 60 years of age and were properly regarded in the light of aids and nurses to look after and care for the more aged. The oldest man in the company was Father Merrill of the 19th Ward, who lacked a little less than four and a half years of having reached the century mark, being in the last half of his 96th year. He informed a representative of the “Deseret News” that his posterity numbered over seven hundred souls, and that the fifth generation from him was in existence. The eldest lady in the company was Aunt Rhoda Richards, over 90 years old. On arriving at Clinton’s the excursionists left the train, proceeded to i Clinton’s hotel, where they partook of refreshments, and then adjourned to the large dancing hall and other rooms on the second floor where an excellent and appropriate program was rendered. Among the numbers given were: An address of welcome by Dr. Clinton, proprietor of the hotel; a song “How Sweet is the Communion of Souls,” by Father Lee, 81 years old; a song of the saints about “Jackson County” to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” by Father Turnbull of the 11th Ward, 82 years old; a short speech by Vienna Jaques, 88 years old. Most of the company then adjourned to the steamer City of Corinne and enjoyed a pleasant sail of a couple of hours on the salt sea, a gentle breeze prevailing. The company returned to the hotel where refreshments were again in order, after which music, dancing, and singing finished up the program of the day. At 5 o’clock all were aboard the train, and after a cheer from the residents of the locality, who were gathered near the cars, the home trip was commenced, and all arrived safely in Salt Lake City. Among the excursionists were: Sister Eliza R. Snow, Bishops Alexander Me Rae, Wm. Thorn, and Wm. Hickenlooper, and many other men and women of note. The “Deseret News,” in commenting upon the doings of the day, says: “The Old Folks’ Excursion on the Utah Western Railroad to Clinton’s including a sail on the Great Salt Lake, on the steamer City of Corrine, was one of the most interesting of anything of the kind that was ever got up in the territory. In fact, perhaps it has had but few if any parallels anywhere.” The second excursion was a trip to Provo, Utah Co., through the kindness of the manager of the Utah Southern Railway. It took place on Thursday, June 8, 1876, and we note with pleasure that the movement was growing, for on this occasion the train consisted of a locomotive, eight large passenger coaches and a bumper. Many leading citizens and Churchmen accompanied the old folks and a new element of entertainment was present in the person of Wm. C. Dunbar with his Scottish bagpipes who sang, by special request, “My Dear Old Wife and I”—a melody dear to hearts of the aged. Father Vincent was a special guest, he being the oldest person present. He was 102 years old and his dear old wife, 99 years old, was with him. About 800 people, including aids and other invited guests, enjoyed this memorable outing to Provo. Apostles John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Orson Pratt each spoke words of love and encouragement, blessed the veterans, and promised them peace and comfort in the evening of their lives. The Press report of the outing says, “the visitors all returned home happy and without accident.” For some reason, not exactly known, no excursion of old folks took place in 1877, but the movement was resurrected in 1878 when the third general excursion of Old Folks from Salt Lake City took place. This time the point of destination was Ogden City, 36 miles north of Salt Lake City, and the affair came off on Tuesday, Jupe 11, 1878. A number of new features characterized this excursion, among which may be mentioned the passing of cake and lemonade on the train while en route and music by the 10th Ward brass band. Since that time these annual excursions or entertainments tendered the old folks of Salt Lake City have been continued annually without a break, and it may be proper here to give a complete list of the excursions from the beginning down to the present time: 1. 1875 (May 14th), Clinton’s Hotel, at Lake Point, on the shore of the Great Salt Lake. 2. 1876 (June 8th), Provo (Grave’s Grove). 3. 1878 (June 11th), Ogden. 4. 1879 (June 24th), American Fork, Utah Co. 5. 1880 (July 8th), Black Rock on the shore of Great Salt Lake. 6. 1881 (June 22), Ogden (second time). , 7. 1882 (June 28th and 29th), Salt Lake City. 8. 1883 (July 11th), Provo (second time). 9. 1884 (July 22nd), American Fork (second time). 10. 1885 (June 23rd), Garfield, on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. 11. 1886 (June 26th), American Fork (third time). 12. 1887 (June 22nd), Ogden (third time). 13. 1888 (July 12th), Lehi, Utah Co. 14. 1889 (June 22nd), Ogden (fourth time). 15. 1890 (July 15th), Salt Lake City (second time). 16. 1891 (June 18th), Springville, Utah Co. 17. 1892 (June 29th), Payson, Utah Co. 18. 1893 (July 18th), Ogden fifth time). 19. 1894 (July 10th), Saltair, on the shores of Great Salt Lake. 20. 1895 (July 11th), Pleasant Grove, Utah Co. 21. 1896 (July 16th), Ogden (sixth time). 22. 1897 (June 22nd and 23rd), Salt Lake City (third time). 23. 1898 (July 6th), Lagoon (Farmington, Davis Co.). 24. 1899 (July 7th), Geneva (on the Utah Lake), Utah Co. 25. 1900 (July 6th), Lagoon (Farmington, Davis Co.), (second time). 26. 1901 (July 2nd), Saltair (second time). 27. 1902 (June 26th), Lagoon (Farmington) (third time). 28, 1903 (June 30th), American Fork (fourth time). 29. 1904 (July 15th), Spanish Fork. Utah Co. 30. 1905 (June 22nd), Brigham City. Box Elder Co. 31. 1906 (June 26th), Ogden (seventh time). 32. 1907 (June 25th), Lagoon (Farmington) (fourth time). 33. 1908 (June 30th), Provo (third time). 34. 1909 (June 29th), Salt Lake City (fourth time). 35. 1910 (June 22nd), Tooele, Tooele Co. 36. 1911 (June 23rd), Springville (second time). 37. 1912 (June 26th), Wandamere, near Salt Lake City. 38. 1913 (June 26th), Brigham City (second time). 39. 1914 (June 24th), American Fork (fifth time). 40. 1915 (June 22nd), Wandamere (second time). 41. 1916 (June 27th), Salt Lake City Temple Grounds (fifth time). Among the most gigantic gatherings were those given on the Temple Square in Salt Lake City in 190^ and 1916, when all the old folks residing between Brigham City on the north and Payson on the south were invited to participate in a feast with the old folks of the capital city. On each of these occasions tables were prepared and food was provided for over five thousand veterans, in addition to the hundreds of aids whose duty was to care for the aged visitors. It may be mentioned that most of the excursions so far have been .given in the month of June, which is done in honor of the First chairman of the Old Folks’ Committee, the late Bishop Edward Hunter, who was born June 22, 1793, the aim being to celebrate the birthday anniversary of that aged veteran. Another reason why these excursions have been planned for June is on account of the weather, the month of June being the month of flowers and sunshine, the weather generally being warm and comfortable, and yet not hot like July and August. The custom of using badges to indicate the ages of the veterans was introduced from the beginning. Aged people between 70 and 80 have been instructed to wear red badges, those between 80 and 90 blue badges, and those over 90 white badges or a white rosette. It was a happy thought that the national colors, red, white, and blue, were thus designated as the colors to be worn by the veterans. In 1911 the Old Folks’ gathering was honored by the presence of Wm. H. Taft, president of the United States, and a number of other distinguished guests. The event was celebrated in the large Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 5, 1911, when President Taft made some very appropriate remarks and spoke of the gathering as the most unique and interesting he had ever attended. In addition to the general summer excursions it has been customary a number of years to provide also a winter entertainment for the old folks. Among these perhaps the most enjoyable was held on Tuesday, March 18. 1913, when the old folks of Salt Lake City and adjacent towns were treated to a free performance in the Salt Lake Theatre of the photo-play, “One Hundred Years of Mormonism,” in which the pioneer journey across the plains was reproduced in motion picture in a way that brought the most sacred, recollections to the old veterans, hundreds of whom had participated in the journey in person, in wagons drawn by ox teams or hand carts. The photo-play brought tears to many of the old folks as they were reminded of the hardships they ' endured on that memorable overland journey. In the auditorium on this occasion was Wm. C. A. Smoot of Sugar House Ward, one of the original Utah pioneers who entered Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young in July, 1847. On March 15, 1916, the old folks were the special guests of Manager George D. Pyper and the “Deseret News” to see the celebrated Griffith’s spectacle, “The Birth of a Nation,” one of the greatest photoplays ever staged. More than two thousand people over seventy years of age witnessed this wonderful production, and many outbursts of enthusiasm were heard, from the lips of the happy guests. The last entertainment of this kind was the one tendered the old folks by Mr. W. H. Swanson, manager and owner of the American Theatre, who celebrated his birthday. On this occasion the old folks not only enjoyed a fine photo-play “The Old Folks at Home,” but the proprietor invited them to a similar treat every year on this date as long as he had control, of the theatre. Each guest was presented with a beautiful flower. ' Among other theatres which have extended courtesies to the Old Folks by giving free entertainments may be mentioned the Grand, the Orpheum, the Rex, and others. One of the pleasing features of the old folks’ excursions has been the presence of the celebrated Old Folks’ Choir who have participated in the outings almost from the beginning, and who have not only entertained the old folks by songs en route, but have also given interesting numbers on the grounds where gatherings have been held. The sweet melodies produced on such occasions and sung with hearts full of appreciation and love have done a great deal towards cheering the old folks on these journeys, as the selections made were generally very timely and choice, such songs being selected as would reach the hearts and natures of the old people who listened to them. For many years Wm. H. Foster of the 7th Ward, Salt Lake City, was the leader of the Old Folks’ Choir and after his demise, October 16, 1906, Thomas Butler has been the chief chorister at the Old Folks’ Excursions.' Professor Evan Stephens and the Tabernacle Choir have always been on hand to render all the assistance in their power to gladden the hearts of the veterans by their beautiful singing. From the beginning this musical organization has been loyal to the old folks’ cause. In this connection we must remember Professor J. J. Daynes, Professor John J. McClellan. Professor Tracy Cannon. and Professor Edward P. Kimball for their beautiful and inspiring numbers, played on the grand Tabernacle organ and elsewhere. Also Professor Willard E. Weihe, Professor George Careless, Professor William C. Clive are affectionately remembered for the many beautiful violin solos played by them for the veterans. The federated musicians have also been loyal to the Old Folks’ cause and in this connection we may mention Held’s band, The Fort Douglas Military Band, and our own High School Band, and the children from the State Industrial School of Ogden, which have discoursed sweet and beautiful music on many occasions. We wish, also, in memoriam, to mention Professor Ebenezer Beesley, Professor Anthon Pederson, Professor Mark Croxalf, and many others. The railroads have been among our best friends. The generous managers of the respective roads leading out of Salt Lake City have always been ort hand to furnish trains gratis to take the old folks to whatever place has been designated for the annual gatherings by the Central Committee. The Oregon Short Line, Denver and Rio Grande, Bamberger line, Salt Lake Route, the Saltair Road, and the street car companies in the various cities all deserve special mention, and such men as William H. Bancroft, Simon Bamberger, Colonel I. A. Benton, R. E. Wells, H. C. Nutt, Daniel S. Spencer, Joseph S. Wells, William P. Reed, J. E. Langford, Joseph Nelson, and Le Grand Young and many others who have always been staunch friends of the old folks’ movement, will always be held in the kindest remembrance by the old folks. The original members of the Old Folks’ Central Committee: Bishop Hunter, Elders Goddard and Savage, commenced their labors in 1875 and conducted the excursions of 1875, 1876, and 1878. In 1879 William Eddington, William Naylor, John Kirkman, and William L. Binder were added to the original committee, making seven in all. Andrew Jenson became a member of the Committee in 1883. Bishop Hunter acted as chairman of the committee until his death, which occurred October 16, 1883. after which his successor in office Presiding Bishop William B. Preston took the chairmanship of the Central Committee. In 1885 Nelson A. Empey was added to the committee which now consisted of nine members. ‘After that no change took place for 11 years, until 1896. when Brigham S. Young was added to the Committee. George Goddard, one of the original members of the Committee, died in Salt Lake City, January 12, 1899, and his son Heber S. Goddard was chosen as a member of the Committee in 1901. At this time Brigham S. Young was excused from serving on the Committee. William L. Binder died July 21, 1902, and at a meeting of the Committee held May 11, 1903. Hyrum S. Groesbeck, George B. Hargetts, and William B. Barton were chosen as additional members. At the same meeting Heber S. Goddard was excused from serving, being absent from the state; he died December 15, 1904. Bishop Nelson A. Empey died September 4, 1904. leaving the following members active: William B. Preston, chairman: Charles R. Savage, William Eddington, William Naylor. John Kirkman. Andrew Jensen. Hyrum S. Groesbeck, George B. Margetts. and William B. Barton. In 1905 Brigham F. Grant was chosen a member of the Committee. When Bishop William B. Preston in 1907 ceased to act as presiding Bishop of the Church, he also ceased to be chairman of the Committee, and the following year (1908) Charles W. Nibley, who succeeded Bishop Preston as Presiding Bishop of the Church, was chosen chairman of the Old Folks’ Central Committee. That year also Heber C. Iverson, George T. Bourne, and Joshua B. Bean were added as new members. Charles R. Savage, the actual founder of the Old Folks’ Movement, died in Salt Lake City, February 3, 1909, and his son George L. Savage succeeded' him soon afterwards as a member of the Committee. In 1910 (November 15thA John Kirkman, who had been confined to his bed for a number of years, died in Salt Lake City and William Eddington who had acted as a member since 1879 also died in Salt Lake City March 3, 1913. At a meeting held April 22, 1913. Oscar F. Hunter, son of the late Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, was chosen as a member of the Committee. Hyrum S. Groesbeck, who had acted as vice-chairman of the Committee for two years, died in Salt Lake City March 23, 1915. and at a meeting held at the Bishop’s Office, May 3. 1915. Andrew- Jenson. who had acted as secretary of the Committee almost since he became a member of the organization, in 1883, was released as secretary and appointed vice-chairman of the Committee and Joshua B. Bean was chosen as secretary. At present (December. 1916). the personnel of the Committee is: Charles W. Nibley, (chairman): William Naylor, Andrew Jensen. George B. Margetts, William B. Barton. Brigham F. Grant. Heber C. Iversen. George T. Bourne, Joshua B. Bean. George L. Savage, and Oscar F. Hunter. The wives of the Old Folks’ Central Committee have been members of the Committee from the beginning. |
Bishop Edward Hunter
George Goddard
Charles R. Savage
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Pyper, George D. "George Goddard." Instructor. September 1949. pg. 424-425, 429.
George Goddard
GEORGE D. PYPER[1]
Pouring the seventies the two men who came into conspicuous public notice in Sunday School work, whose labors will never be forgotten by those who survive that day, were George Goddard and William Willes. These two elders were appointed Sunday School missionaries and visited the schools from St. George to Logan, traveling in a one-horse buggy.
It was always a gala day when these two men visited a Sunday School. They were good singers and sang "Who's on the Lord's Side Who?" "The Mormon Boy," and "Take Away the Whisky, the Coffee and the Tea." And they usually asked all who were on the Lord's side and who kept the Word of Wisdom to stand up. These two men, I venture to say, by their songs and stories had a greater influence in indoctrinating the boys and girls in the Word of Wisdom than any other medium. Also they usually quizzed the Sunday School on certain themes. They taught the gospel through the common things of life. One way was to use the five senses as a base—seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling.
Brother Goddard would point to his eye and ask, "What is this?"
"Your eye," the school responded.
"What is it for?" he asked. After varied responses he would tell an interesting story about the proper use and purpose of the eye. He would follow with the same questions about the nose, the ear, the mouth, and the hands and leave the lessons suggested by the three Chinese saying — "Seeing no evil," "hearing no evil," and "speaking no evil.”
These quizzes were very effective, but sometimes brought about replies of a humorous character. These two men each wore long beards as the pictures represented will show; and upon one occasion near Christmas time, Brother Goddard asked, "Who am I?" All hands went up and one little youngster yelled out, "You're Santa Claus." At another time in St. George, to the same question, a youngster replied, "Rip Van Winkle." But these two Sunday School warriors were not disconcerted by these humorous answers; they enjoyed them and that is one reason why the people loved them—they could laugh with them, cry with them, sympathize with them and pray with them. All of which reminds me that a few years ago I attended a Sunday School conference at Lehi and at the close, a very old man came trembling up the aisle and, taking me by the hand said, "How do you do, Brother Goddard?"
"I'm very well, I thank you," I replied, "but I'm not Brother Goddard."
"You can't fool me. I heard you sing and I know you're Brother Goddard."
"Well, now, if you remember Brother Goddard had a long white beard."
"Oh, but they shave 'em now." I was flabbergasted, but tried my last trump. "Now," I said, "if I'm Brother Goddard, I'm 118 years old."
"Well," he said, "you look pretty old, but not quite that old," and he went away still unconvinced as to my identity.
I was appointed secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union Nov. 7, 1897. My experiences under the direction of the General Superintendency, composed of George Q. Cannon, George Goddard and Karl G. Maeser, were of the greatest value to me. Their wise direction of the Union was a great factor in developing the various angles of Sunday School work—Brother Goddard in his unique missionary labors, Brother Maeser in his educational features — Superintendent Cannon in his inspirational leadership.
I have already spoken of the habit of Brother Goddard, in the meetings, of asking those who had observed the Word of Wisdom to stand up. On the morning of one conference, Brother Maeser was quite ill and the good sister who served him breakfast, seeing his condition, induced him to take a cup of coffee to help him get through the day. In the meeting he sat on the stand next to Brother Goddard. Brother Goddard, as usual, asked all who had not tasted tea or coffee for a month to stand up. A large majority of the audience arose, but Brother Maeser sat still. He could easily have stood and that would have been the end of it, but his innate honesty forbade his doing so. He would not lie. Brother Goddard turned to him and said, "Stand up, Brother Maeser."
Brother Maeser, waving bis hand toward the audience, responded, "I don't need to, Brother Goddard, I can count them from here."
A warm, hearty and universal tribute was paid to assistant Superintendent George Goddard in the Tabernacle, April 10, 1898, at the annual conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union. Elder Lars E. Eggertson, Superintendent of Utah Stake, representing the superintendencies of all the stakes of Zion, gave a summary of Brother Goddard's marvelous activities as follows:
Fourteen months mission to Canada, by handcart to Missouri River, in 1857-58; three years gathering rags for paper, 1861-63, as a mission; nine years superintendent Thirteenth Ward Sunday School, 1867-1876; nine years superintendent Salt Lake Stake Sunday Schools, 1873 to 1882; twenty-seven years clerk to Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, 1856-1883; twenty-five years first assistant superintendent of Deseret Sunday School Union, from 1872; ten years clerk of the School of the Prophets ; three years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, 1877 to 1880; twenty years teacher in Thirteenth Ward; twenty years member of Tabernacle Choir; twenty-five years member of Thirteenth Ward choir; twenty-two years member of the Old Folks Committee, from 1875.
He had paid tithing, temple, and fast offerings, over $12,000 or an average of $270 a year for over forty-four years. During the past forty-four years he had missed very few ward meetings, Tabernacle, quorum, and fast meetings. He was present at over eighty of our general conferences in Salt Lake City, attending nearly every meeting at each conference.
He was now between 81 and 82 years old, had never used tea, coffee, tobacco, wine, beer, or liquor, and during the past three years had traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion who are connected with our Sunday Schools.
Brother Goddard did not live to experience the thrill of the Sunday School Jubilee, for he passed away January 12, 1899.
[1] Excerpts from "The Sunday School Parade," The Instructor, vol. 77.
George Goddard
GEORGE D. PYPER[1]
Pouring the seventies the two men who came into conspicuous public notice in Sunday School work, whose labors will never be forgotten by those who survive that day, were George Goddard and William Willes. These two elders were appointed Sunday School missionaries and visited the schools from St. George to Logan, traveling in a one-horse buggy.
It was always a gala day when these two men visited a Sunday School. They were good singers and sang "Who's on the Lord's Side Who?" "The Mormon Boy," and "Take Away the Whisky, the Coffee and the Tea." And they usually asked all who were on the Lord's side and who kept the Word of Wisdom to stand up. These two men, I venture to say, by their songs and stories had a greater influence in indoctrinating the boys and girls in the Word of Wisdom than any other medium. Also they usually quizzed the Sunday School on certain themes. They taught the gospel through the common things of life. One way was to use the five senses as a base—seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling.
Brother Goddard would point to his eye and ask, "What is this?"
"Your eye," the school responded.
"What is it for?" he asked. After varied responses he would tell an interesting story about the proper use and purpose of the eye. He would follow with the same questions about the nose, the ear, the mouth, and the hands and leave the lessons suggested by the three Chinese saying — "Seeing no evil," "hearing no evil," and "speaking no evil.”
These quizzes were very effective, but sometimes brought about replies of a humorous character. These two men each wore long beards as the pictures represented will show; and upon one occasion near Christmas time, Brother Goddard asked, "Who am I?" All hands went up and one little youngster yelled out, "You're Santa Claus." At another time in St. George, to the same question, a youngster replied, "Rip Van Winkle." But these two Sunday School warriors were not disconcerted by these humorous answers; they enjoyed them and that is one reason why the people loved them—they could laugh with them, cry with them, sympathize with them and pray with them. All of which reminds me that a few years ago I attended a Sunday School conference at Lehi and at the close, a very old man came trembling up the aisle and, taking me by the hand said, "How do you do, Brother Goddard?"
"I'm very well, I thank you," I replied, "but I'm not Brother Goddard."
"You can't fool me. I heard you sing and I know you're Brother Goddard."
"Well, now, if you remember Brother Goddard had a long white beard."
"Oh, but they shave 'em now." I was flabbergasted, but tried my last trump. "Now," I said, "if I'm Brother Goddard, I'm 118 years old."
"Well," he said, "you look pretty old, but not quite that old," and he went away still unconvinced as to my identity.
I was appointed secretary of the Deseret Sunday School Union Nov. 7, 1897. My experiences under the direction of the General Superintendency, composed of George Q. Cannon, George Goddard and Karl G. Maeser, were of the greatest value to me. Their wise direction of the Union was a great factor in developing the various angles of Sunday School work—Brother Goddard in his unique missionary labors, Brother Maeser in his educational features — Superintendent Cannon in his inspirational leadership.
I have already spoken of the habit of Brother Goddard, in the meetings, of asking those who had observed the Word of Wisdom to stand up. On the morning of one conference, Brother Maeser was quite ill and the good sister who served him breakfast, seeing his condition, induced him to take a cup of coffee to help him get through the day. In the meeting he sat on the stand next to Brother Goddard. Brother Goddard, as usual, asked all who had not tasted tea or coffee for a month to stand up. A large majority of the audience arose, but Brother Maeser sat still. He could easily have stood and that would have been the end of it, but his innate honesty forbade his doing so. He would not lie. Brother Goddard turned to him and said, "Stand up, Brother Maeser."
Brother Maeser, waving bis hand toward the audience, responded, "I don't need to, Brother Goddard, I can count them from here."
A warm, hearty and universal tribute was paid to assistant Superintendent George Goddard in the Tabernacle, April 10, 1898, at the annual conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union. Elder Lars E. Eggertson, Superintendent of Utah Stake, representing the superintendencies of all the stakes of Zion, gave a summary of Brother Goddard's marvelous activities as follows:
Fourteen months mission to Canada, by handcart to Missouri River, in 1857-58; three years gathering rags for paper, 1861-63, as a mission; nine years superintendent Thirteenth Ward Sunday School, 1867-1876; nine years superintendent Salt Lake Stake Sunday Schools, 1873 to 1882; twenty-seven years clerk to Presiding Bishop Edward Hunter, 1856-1883; twenty-five years first assistant superintendent of Deseret Sunday School Union, from 1872; ten years clerk of the School of the Prophets ; three years clerk and treasurer to the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, 1877 to 1880; twenty years teacher in Thirteenth Ward; twenty years member of Tabernacle Choir; twenty-five years member of Thirteenth Ward choir; twenty-two years member of the Old Folks Committee, from 1875.
He had paid tithing, temple, and fast offerings, over $12,000 or an average of $270 a year for over forty-four years. During the past forty-four years he had missed very few ward meetings, Tabernacle, quorum, and fast meetings. He was present at over eighty of our general conferences in Salt Lake City, attending nearly every meeting at each conference.
He was now between 81 and 82 years old, had never used tea, coffee, tobacco, wine, beer, or liquor, and during the past three years had traveled between twenty and thirty thousand miles in the interest and for the benefit of the youth of Zion who are connected with our Sunday Schools.
Brother Goddard did not live to experience the thrill of the Sunday School Jubilee, for he passed away January 12, 1899.
[1] Excerpts from "The Sunday School Parade," The Instructor, vol. 77.
"Remarks of Speakers at the Funeral of George Goddard." Instructor. November 1949. pg. 559.
Remarks of Speakers at the Funeral of George Goddard
"His life has been one great object lesson; the personification of the principles he advocated. What a record he leaves behind him! His voice in song and word has resounded from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south. His life cannot be compared with that of any other man—so original, so true to himself and to his God. It has not been marked by sudden flights, but by steady progress; and his example, like that of our Savior, always speaks in his actions these words, 'Come and follow me.' "
—Karl G. Maeser
"The man who lies before us has ever been a sort of Solomon to me. I could approach him with any proposition and could always get from him a just judgment in regard to it.
"This was simply because his heart was always right, his head was clear, his judgment unclouded and profound. He was quiet in all his doings, ever slow to correct, mild in his words, and never did I hear him criticize any living soul."
—Charles R. Savage
"Never did I see him do a selfish act."
—Bishop Edward Hunter
"I regard Brother Goddard as a man of rare and peculiar gifts. God made him a power in the Church for the good of the youth of Israel."
—George Reynolds
"Through the gentleness, kindness, and love of this man, I became interested in the Sabbath school work. He was a noble example of a true Latter-day Saint. His life is a testimony to the divinity of the work in which he was engaged."
—Heber J. Grant
"He has done the work of a true man; let us honor and bless his memory."
— Seymour B. Young
“The spirit of the work rested upon him. He was sustained by the love of the children. One thing about him I always admired. He never wearied them. I think this is one of the secrets of his success with them.
"I never detected any trace of senility in him, but he bore his age gracefully as a man of middle years and not as an old man.
"No act of violence has he ever been known to be guilty of; but his life has been one of blessing to his fellow men; . . . parents might and will rise up and call him blessed for the influence his words have exerted upon the lives of their children. It illustrates how powerful is the good influence that may be exerted by one individual; his example ought to live in our memory."
—George Q. Cannon
Remarks of Speakers at the Funeral of George Goddard
"His life has been one great object lesson; the personification of the principles he advocated. What a record he leaves behind him! His voice in song and word has resounded from Canada in the north to Mexico in the south. His life cannot be compared with that of any other man—so original, so true to himself and to his God. It has not been marked by sudden flights, but by steady progress; and his example, like that of our Savior, always speaks in his actions these words, 'Come and follow me.' "
—Karl G. Maeser
"The man who lies before us has ever been a sort of Solomon to me. I could approach him with any proposition and could always get from him a just judgment in regard to it.
"This was simply because his heart was always right, his head was clear, his judgment unclouded and profound. He was quiet in all his doings, ever slow to correct, mild in his words, and never did I hear him criticize any living soul."
—Charles R. Savage
"Never did I see him do a selfish act."
—Bishop Edward Hunter
"I regard Brother Goddard as a man of rare and peculiar gifts. God made him a power in the Church for the good of the youth of Israel."
—George Reynolds
"Through the gentleness, kindness, and love of this man, I became interested in the Sabbath school work. He was a noble example of a true Latter-day Saint. His life is a testimony to the divinity of the work in which he was engaged."
—Heber J. Grant
"He has done the work of a true man; let us honor and bless his memory."
— Seymour B. Young
“The spirit of the work rested upon him. He was sustained by the love of the children. One thing about him I always admired. He never wearied them. I think this is one of the secrets of his success with them.
"I never detected any trace of senility in him, but he bore his age gracefully as a man of middle years and not as an old man.
"No act of violence has he ever been known to be guilty of; but his life has been one of blessing to his fellow men; . . . parents might and will rise up and call him blessed for the influence his words have exerted upon the lives of their children. It illustrates how powerful is the good influence that may be exerted by one individual; his example ought to live in our memory."
—George Q. Cannon