Primary Days

When I was a child, Primary was held right after school on a week-day afternoon. We would walk the half block down the hill from the old Riverdale School to the old Riverdale Ward building. Both buildings were very old, even when I was a child. I would guess they were built at the beginning of the century. On the front wall of the chapel, behind the choir seats, there was a large painting by Ramsey depicting the Angel Moroni showing the prophet, Joseph Smith, the stone box in the hill containing the gold plates; which held the ancient record which was translated to become The Book of Mormon. I loved that painting and spent my years growing up looking at it every Sunday and Primary day. We were taught to be very reverent and respectful as we entered the chapel for primary. The noise and tumult of children just let out of school had to be calmed and quieted by the women who filled the callings of the Primary presidency, chorister and teachers. We entered the chapel with arms folded to the quiet sound of soft music. The chapel doors seem to say to me "sh, be still." For this is the reverent place to be, "sh, be still." We gather here on Primary day-- To learn of Jesus, to sing and pray. So when we come through the chapel doors, "sh, be still." My primary teachers taught me that "I am a child of God" and "My Heavenly Father loves me." I felt something stirring inside my heart as we sang inspired words set to beautiful music and felt the love and devotion of the kind women who spent that time with us each and every week. Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue, blue sky, Whenever I feel the rain on my face or the wind as it rushes by, Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by our lilac tree, I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me. He gave me my eyes that I might see the color of butterfly wings. He gave me my ears that I might hear the magical sound of things. He gave me my life, my mind, my heart I thank him reverently-- for all his creations of which I'm a part. Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me! This song and many others like it found a place deep inside of me and became a permanent part of what I am and will always be. Desires for goodness and the love of the beautiful world around me took root and were nurtured in Primary during those young and tender years. My religious identity took shape at that time in my life and my faith and testimony in Jesus Christ became firm and enduring. I shall always have fond memories of my Primary days.

Terry Stephens