Humanitarian service of prophet is focus of sculpture at BYU
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Brigham Young University's Ezra Taft Benson Agriculture and Food Institute unveiled a bust of Church President Ezra Taft Benson on his 93rd birthday Aug. 4.
Family members attended the ceremonies, and the sculpted work will be taken to President Benson's Salt Lake City apartment for display before it is returned to its permanent location at the institute.George O. Cornish created the work and designed it from photographs and public records to depict President Benson during the 1950s when he served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Brother Cornish studied sculpture at the University of Utah under the guidance of Avard Fairbanks. He has sculpted for many years, and his 1989 statue, Pioneer Gratitude, is displayed at the city park in Hurricane, Utah.
"We planned the art for his birthday, but the underlying theme is President Benson's humanitarian service, not only as a Church leader, but also as an agriculturist, extension agent and someone who really cares for people," said Luis Espinosa, public relations coordinator at the Benson Institute.
James B. Jensen, Benson Institute director, said during the ceremonies that the sculpture reflects President Benson's "impact not only in agriculture but also in good moral living."
Brother Espinosa said such a sculpture is an appropriate honor for the LDS leader. "The work reminds us of President Benson's charge to improve the quality of life of people around the world. We have followed that charge since the institute was organized in 1976."
