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Hayden youth cycle to Spokane Temple in honor of pioneer
By Gloria Warnick, Sentinel Staff Writer
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July 26, 2011 — Youth in the Hayden Fourth Ward traveled to the Spokane Temple last month courtesy of some pedal power and the remarkable legacy of a Mormon pioneer. “
"Fit for the Kingdom" is a program inspired by John Rowe Moyle, a pioneer who arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1846 with one of the first handcart companies. He was later part of the effort led by the prophet Brigham Young to build the Salt Lake Temple, a project that spanned 39 years, beginning in 1853. We see Moyle's work on the east side of the temple in the words "Holiness to the Lord."
Youth from the Hayden Fourth Ward biked from Post Falls to the Spokane Temple on June 29. The trek was part of a program called "Fit for the Kingdom" inspired by the dedication of Mormon pioneer John Rowe Moyle who walked 22 miles each week to work on the Salt Lake Temple. Photo by Natalie Langford
Each week, Moyle walked a distance of 22 miles to the temple, beginning at 2 a.m. every Monday. Each Friday, he would depart Salt Lake at 5 p.m. to begin the long walk back to his farm in Alpine. He suffered dehydration, blisters and even being kicked in the leg by one of his cows. The injury left him with a leg that would not heal and eventually had to be amputated.
Remarkably, none of these physical afflictions caused Moyle to withdraw from his commitment to the Church and building the temple. He took time to carve a wooden leg and, after many weeks of practice, he walked again to the temple grounds. Today, all who view the inspiring words, "Holiness to the Lord" are blessed by Moyle's legacy.
Moyle's unique example of dedication drew attention in the Church when Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf told his story in the October 2008 General Conference. The account was later made into a movie called "Only a Stonecutter" by LDS director T.C. Christensen.
Begun by youth in the Cedar Hills Sixth Ward in Moyle's hometown of Alpine, the "Fit for the Kingdom" program is based on the stonecutter's dedication. Youth in that ward walked the 22 miles from the Provo Temple to the Salt Lake Temple as part of the first effort.
A total of 30 youth participated in the journey from North Idaho to Spokane Valley last month, a distance of 21 miles. Photo by Natalie Langford
The Youth of the Hayden 4th Ward were inspired by Brother's Moyle's story as well as the program originated by the Cedar Hills Sixth Ward. They chose to adopt a similar program. They committed to ride their bicycles from the Post Falls Post Office to the Spokane Temple, a distance of 21 miles. They used the preparation and the bike trek as a metaphor for life's journey.
Memorizing scriptures, eating a balanced diet, getting at least eight hours of sleep a night and participating in physical exercise by cycling was part of the preparation program. Maddie Farris , Laura Petersen, Phillip Schindler, Cory Dan, Breanna Bowne and Rachael Mylroie created a support group and worked diligently for this goal. Weekly bike rides from their homes to Hayden Beach or the Riverstone Mall in Coeur d'Alene were included on the agenda.
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