Display honors President Kimball
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REXBURG, Idaho — A display honoring the life of President Spencer W. Kimball opened March 28, the birth date of the former Church president.
Susan Bednar, wife of BYU-Idaho President David Bednar, spearheaded the display, located in the Spencer W. Kimball Student and Administrative Services Building. "We wanted to show his legacy as a man and as a prophet," said Sister Bednar.
The display includes many personal items that were donated to the collection by family members. Photographs also came from family members, as well as from Church archives.
Reflecting on the display, Sister Bednar said, "I think the frugality and practicality of President Kimball is a common thread that runs through the display." Artifacts include a tin can that he kept on his desk to hold pens and pencils, a rock that was used as a paperweight, a hat that his secretary tried to get him to throw away, and a pair of worn-out shoes.
The caption beside the shoes reads: "My life is like my shoes — meant to be worn out in the service of God."
Sister Bednar adds, "I think the fact that he had so much adversity with his health is significant." Another item on display is the microphone that he used when he lost his voice from cancer. "It's incredible he was able to retrain his voice, even though it was a whisper."
Also part of the display is a portrait of President Kimball by Gregg Thorkelson. Sister Bednar said the glasses that he is wearing in the portrait may be the pair that is on display in the showcase.
From her experience in planning the display, she commented, "I've come to realize even more what a great man and prophet he was."
