Funeral Service for James H. Esplin (Lillie Esplin (Harmon)'s older brother

February 26, 1916

Funeral services were held at 2 pm in the ward meeting house over the remains of James H. Esplin who died in Logan February 21, 1916 of peumonia. The house was decorated and draped inside and the floral offerings were beautiful. Pres. Wm W. Seegmiller, H.H. Meeks and Israel H. Heaton of the stake presidency were present, also Heber Meeks of Kanab and Professor Robert S. Gardner from the B.A.C. at Cedar. All of the ward bishopric were present.

The choir sang "Oh My Father"

Opening prayer: Israel H. Heaton

Choir Number: "Sometime, Somewhere We'll Understand"

Letter from Pres John A. Widtsoe of the U.A.C. to the family of Brother Esplin was read by A.R. Meeks

Talk given by Prof. Robert S. Gardner: He said this is the fourth time he has been called to speak at the funeral of a student of the B.A.C. He said in life's tragedies we find the greatest blessings - the first tragedy when Adam and Eve fell has brought joy to the world and was a great step forward. We would not appreciate eternal life if it weren't for death. Another great tragedy, the death of Christ, has brought great blessings. He read from the second chapter of 2^nd Nephi, also 11^th chapter of Alma. He said the deceased has spent part of his life in a labor for those who are not so well enlightened. He said the void in the mother's heart cannot be filled. He referred to his association with James at school and extended the sympathy of Principal Homer. He read some sentiments from the students of the B.A.C., signed by Principal Homer and Marion Woolley.

Talk given by Heber Meeks: He stated he was present by request of the fraternity to which he and Bro. Esplin belonged. He told of the funeral procession from the undertaker's parlor to the depot and of his association with James at school - of their talks together about southern Utah, its development and progress, its industries and possibilities. He said death has claimed a noble son. There is a solace in the gospel which teaches that death is but a transition and there is a future where he can go on and develop. He said that all nature proclaims there is a God that overrules and guides.

Talk given by Israel H. Esplin: He told of his trip to meet his brother. He met his body in Salt Lake accompanied by Brother Luke. He told of the fog that hung over the land and that it raised as they traveled south and showed the beautiful white snow and feels James is just as pure and received light. He quoted Whittier's poem about life being Lord of Death and compared his brother's life to a time-glass made to mark time and quoted "I am the resurrection and life" (etc)

Talk given by H.W. Esplin: He said sometime, somewhere we may understand and spoke of James' life as clean and pure and that his life has been away from home a good deal and home people did not know him very well

Talk given by Pres. Seegmiller: He spoke of the comfort Christ has promised us. He said monuments are erected to heroes and men of valor. Christ is building monuments to those who died for the truth and one will be erected for James. He hoped the brothers and sisters of the departed may live as pure as he.

Talk by John J. Esplin: He expressed the appreciation of the family to the U.A.C. and B.A.C. for sending a representative to attend the services and thanked them and everyone in Logan and from their home and here for every kindness given

Talk by Bishop Henry Chamberlain: He thanked everyone for every kindness shown and said that respect was gained by living a clean pure life. There were 276 person present - the most impressive funeral every held in Orderville.

Choir Number: "Shall We Meet Beyond the River"

Benediction: Heber J. Meeks

At the grave a male quartet sang: "Nearer My God To Thee"

Grave Dedication: Myron A. Holgate

Recorded by A.R. Meeks, Ward Clerk