A TRIBUTE TO
CHARLES PEARS SMITH & MARY WILKENSON SMITH 

        Praise with songs, of noble heroes, has from every land been sung,
And the stories of their valor have been told in every tongue.
True these valiant men and women are deserving of such fame.
Yet so many go unmentioned who are heroes just the same.

Those who crossed the mighty ocean, leaving all they loved behind,
Friends, relations, homes of comfort, never knowing what they would find.
Braving trials and tribulations, facing death, starvation too,
To worship God in whom they trusted–don’t you think they are heroes true?

‘Tis of two such fearless people that are being told of here
Who, because of their convictions, left their homes and friends so dear?
Tired they grew, but never doubted that the course they then pursued
Was the right one, and would bring them blessings not yet understood.

Though their paths were rough and thorny, no one ever heard them sigh
For the comforts left behind them; for this truth they would live and die.
Perhaps, if they had been shown a picture of the trials they must go through
We have no doubt–they would not falter, to the call they would be true.

 This couple came from England, when yet children young and strong,
They had heard the gospel preached and to this church they must belong.
They had not yet met each other in that far land across the sea
But it seemed that they were fated, husband and wife some day to be.

 Charles Pears Smith, who, with his parents settled first in New Orleans,
Drove a team and loaded wagon across the plains while in his teens.
Mary Wilkinson came likewise, with her folks a home to make
Settled first in New England, then later walked to Great Salt Lake.

Some years later in the city those two met and loved and wed,
But were not long to remain there, but must seek new lands instead.
They were called with other families, to go farther south and west.
There to help build towns and cities–of course they went–did their best.

They went on into a country, where it was raw and rough and wild;
Land not fit for man to live in, let alone a wife or child.
Trials and hardships were so many, pleasures were so very few
To that little band of people, yet they met the call, stayed true.

 Mary’s voice was sweet and mellow; it was a gift from God above,
And she made so many happy with the songs that they did love.
Even in her hours of sorrow she would sing to give them cheer.
Though her own heart sometimes breaking never did they see a tear?