Hyrum Gets Baptized

Hyrum has been looking forward to getting baptized all year. He's been paying better attention and participating more in primary, and he has generally been more attentive during family scripture reading. During Family Night he bears his testimony of Jesus Christ and of Joseph Smith and asks questions about the Gospel when he doesn't understand. He's a good boy at heart and genuinely wants to do what is right. We are so pleased with his decision and his desire to follow the Savior. We are also so grateful that Matthew is a worthy priesthood holder and was able to perform this ordinance for his son.

Presiding and conducting: Bishop Mike Johnson

Pianist: Daniel Jensen

Chorister: Jan Johnson

Opening song: Baptism

Opening prayer: Abraham Kress

Talk on baptism: Kip Kress

Baptism performed by Matthew Kress

Special musical number When I am Baptized by Sarah Kress

Talk on the Holy Ghost: Naomi Kress

Confirmation performed by Matthew Kress

(those in the circle: Mike Johnson, Kip Kress, Jeff Johnson, Danny Brown, Dane Buras, Daniel Jensen)

Welcome from the primary: Julianne Kress

Welcome from the Ward: Bishop Johnson

Closing song: I am a Child of God

Closing prayer: Jeff Johnson

The baptism went flawlessly and was definitely the most peaceful, reverent one I've been to. Those who attended included his Johnson grandparents and Jennifer, his Kress grandparents and Sarah, the Buras family, the Jensen family, Bishop Johnson and his son Isaac, Danny Brown and his son Kaden, and sister Dixie Kessler who up until a few weeks ago was his primary teacher. The Brown family and the Jolley family both expressed sadness that they would be out of town and couldn't make it.

After the service, the Buras', Jensen's, and Dixie joined us and our extended family back at our house for pizza, chips, and Rice Krispie treats. It was a fun gathering and I think Hyrum felt the love of so many people supporting him.

Later on, after all our guests had left and the house was quiet and calm, Hyrum joined us and his Grandma and Grandpa Kress in the front room. His grandparents gave him a miniature Christus statue and a brand new shiny silver dollar to help him remember that he was now clean and pure and that he can repent when he makes mistakes in the future. He used his new pocket knife for the first time to open the package. Grandpa Kip then read him his conversion story and testimony. It was a sacred moment and I'm so grateful for the righteous examples Hyrum has to follow.