A chapel to serve people of all faiths at the Utah State Prison was dedicated Oct. 27 by President James E. Faust as the Marvin J. Ashton Memorial Chapel. The chapel was named in honor of Elder Ashton, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve from 1971 to 1994. He died Feb. 25, 1994.

Elder Ashton was remembered as a friend to the downtrodden, the discouraged, the imprisoned, those who lacked self-esteem and those struggling with misfortune. Just before he was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1969, Elder Ashton was named the first head of the newly formed Church Social Services Department. Among his work, he helped establish a program whereby prisoners could participate in family home evening with LDS families. He made frequent visits to the prison, and once commented, "If I didn't have anything else to do, I would like to be a liaison to the prison system." (Deseret News editorial, February 26, 1994.)Funds for the Marvin J. Ashton Memorial Chapel were provided mainly by the LDS Church, with participation by the Catholic and Protestant churches. No government funds were used.

In his remarks to about 150 people gathered in the new facility, President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, said the Church had taken an active role and contributed considerable money to join with other faiths and other contributors in supporting the erection of "this all-faiths chapel." The reason, he said, is "we believe that the very essence of our humanity is our faith in God. We also believe as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84, verse 46:

" `And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.'

"Brigham Young stated, `When I look into the faces of intelligent beings, I look into the face of the God I serve.' Our hope is that all who worship in this building of any faith or creed will reach to their Creator."

Further, President Faust said: "Elder Marvin J. Ashton, whose name this building memorializes, was a remarkable human being. I could emphasize his many accomplishments, his unique, insightful business acumen, his many awards for a life well lived, or his profound faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, his greatness as a husband, father, and grandfather. I choose, however, to say a word about his heart and soul. . . .

"One of Elder Ashton's principal interests in life was to help people, all kinds of people, the humble and poor, those with special concerns and heartaches. For many years he had a special interest and the desire to heal those who found themselves incarcerated for whatever reason. He wanted to help heal everyone's heart and soul. One of his great messages in general conference related one of the highlights of his life, which was to come to the Utah State Prison with President Spencer W. Kimball when President Kimball was the president of the Church. That experience impacted greatly on both Elder Ashton and President Kimball."

Joining President Faust in representing the Church at the dedication was Elder Alexander B. Morrison of the Seventy and president of the Utah North Area.

Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt presented a large portrait of Elder Ashton to the apostle's widow, Norma B. Ashton. Sister Ashton, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude to those who worked to help fund and construct the prison. "My husband loved the prison, he loved the prison work and the prisoners," she said. "He had the opportunity to know many wonderful people who were residents out here."

Members of the Ashton family also attended the ceremony, which was conducted by Warden James N. Smith. Two inmate choirs sang "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."

Prayers were offered by Chaplain Willie Dunn Jr. and Kent E. Pulsipher, president of the Sandy Utah Central Stake. A blessing on the chapel altar was given by prison Chaplain Reyes Rodriguez.