{"id":4371,"date":"2010-05-17T02:35:00","date_gmt":"2010-05-17T02:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/2010\/05\/17\/reflections-of-gilgal"},"modified":"2021-09-25T05:53:55","modified_gmt":"2021-09-25T12:53:55","slug":"reflections-of-gilgal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=4371","title":{"rendered":"Reflections of Gilgal"},"content":{"rendered":"
In 1990, I lived with Sue in a run down apartment building that reeked of Asian cooking, mildew, and death. It was the best place I ever had. Re-visiting this place, I noticed that not much has changed.\n

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The trees were taller, but the building was still rundown, quaint, quiet, and I’m sure if I went inside, it probably smelled the same. It was also only a few blocks from the rumored Gilgal Gardens. Rumors were that this place was built as an anti-Mormon shrine, hidden from SLC main streets. But, if you knew where it was located, ( and could jump a fence after midnight) the park was yours to explore…..<\/p>\n

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Present day. It is surprising how few people still know little to nothing about Gilgal. I went back to rediscover the area, and to learn more about it.<\/p>\n

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Gilgal is an historic sculpture garden created by Thomas B. Child Jr ( 1888 – 1963). It was his desire to give physical form to his deep – felt beliefs. He was an LDS bishop for over 19 years, and this garden was not built as anti-religion. Quite the contrary…..<\/p>\n

“If you want to be brought down to earth in your thinking and studying, try to make your thoughts express themselves with your hands.”<\/i><\/div>\n
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The garden itself contains twelve original sculptural arrangements and over seventy stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and philosophical texts. These are Child’s own truths from his life-long spiritual quest.<\/div>\n
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Child’s hope was that his garden would inspire viewers to ponder the unsolved mysteries of life.<\/div>\n
This garden is now also home to the Master Gardeners program<\/a> at Utah State University. They had a little section of various vegetables and flowers growing when I was there. ( plug for master Gardener Janae)<\/span><\/div>\n
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Here is a little movie that I hope you enjoy. I think it perfectly captures the eccentric mood and quirky feelings I had while at Gilgal.<\/div>\n
If you would like to learn more, please visit Gilgal Gardens<\/a><\/span> or “Playing in the Garden<\/span><\/a>“<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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