Facilities
Stephen L. Richards Building
Stephen L. Richards was born in 1879. He was a grandson
of Willard Richards, who was with the Prophet Joseph at the martyrdom
in Carthage, Illinois. A practicing attorney, he also served as officer
and director in a number of corporations, including the Deseret Gym in
Salt Lake City. President Richards gained his appreciation of the body
from his father, a distinguished physician. At the entrance to the building
named for him is this quote: "The human body is sacred-- the veritable
tabernacle of the divine spirit which inhabits it. It is a solemn duty
of mankind to develop, protect, and preserve it from pollution, unnecessary
wastage and weakness." Stephen L. Richards served as a counselor
to President David O. McKay.
George Albert Smith Fieldhouse
George Albert Smith was born in 1870 to a family of strong
religious tradition. Both his father and grandfather served as apostles
and set an example of religious devotion that inspired him in all his endeavors.
Throughout his life President Smith struggled with sickness, mainly lupus
erythematosus, a disease that leaves its victims physically drained. Despite
this illness, George Albert Smith was actively engaged with the youth, particularly
in the area of scouting. Known for his charitable character, President Smith
once commented that "All the people of the earth are our Father's children. . .
Regardless of race, creed or color, all men are our brothers." He went
on to say that "men can not approach the likeness of God except by
the practice of love to their fellow men."
