The Sons of Utah Pioneers
A big thanks goes out to all who participated in the National Headquarters Clean-up day. Carpets were cleaned, leaves and debris were removed from around the building, and a nice hot dog lunch was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. If you were not able to make this fun event, know that we will be having another clean-up day in April. See you there! - Val Parrish, National President
WHAT A WONDERFUL ADVENTURE. I extend a big thank you Bruce Stewart who led us through an historical and amazing TREK to Independence, Liberty Jail, Far West, Hawn’s Mill, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Nauvoo, Carthage Jail, John Johnston’s farm, Joseph Smith’s Home and Kirtland, to name a few locations 😊. We were able to go to the temples in Nauvoo and Kirtland and even made a stop in Springfield, Illinois to learn about Abraham Lincoln. Mary Ellen Elggren organized this trip and her narration along the way was inspiring. We try to do national TREKS every other year, so keep your eyes open for the next adventure. What a great way to get to know and love fellow Sons and Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Who joined this trek? … LaMar & Susan Adams, Brent Bassett, Greg & Pam Brown, Dan & Lila Cripps, Sharrif & Nanette Dajany, John & Mary Ellen Elggren, Todd & Rosella Grant, Bob Gurr, Burke & Marcene Hamilton, Rod & Carolyn Mills, Doug & Jenette Nielsen, Val & Allison Parrish, Kent & Lynene Petersen, Bruce & Lynnette Stewart, Alan & Connie Turner, and Paul Wright … yes, we are now best friends forever. - Val Parrish, National President
‘One foot in front of the other,’ Elder Christofferson encourages embracing the small and simple acts….
Click HERE to read the entire story.
We would like to introduce you to our new National President-Elect who was sworn into office at this most recent National Encampment held in St. George. Val was born in Ogden, Utah; grew up in Clearfield and currently lives in Taylorsville. He married and was sealed to Allison Phillips in the Salt Lake Temple in 1982. They are the parents of three children and have 6 grandchildren. Val earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University with a major in marketing and a minor in Japanese.
Val served as President of the Salt Lake Pioneer Chapter for 5 years, which included organizing and conducting the Days of ’47 Sunrise Service Celebration in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square each of those years, and served as Chairman of the 2022 National Encampment in Salt Lake City. Val has also represented the Sons of Utah Pioneers on the Pioneer Park History Committee and led the efforts to replace the SUP Pioneer Square Monument at Pioneer Park. Val received the Modern Pioneer Award in 2021.
In his service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Val is currently serving as the 1st Counselor in the Fayette Branch, supporting those who are experiencing homelessness in the Salt Lake valley. Prior to this calling, he served as the Branch President of the Oxbow Branch Correctional Facility and served on the Salt Lake County Prisoner Services Committee. Other church callings have included Bishop, High Counselor, Stake Mission Leader, Stake Employment Specialist, Elders Quorum President and full-time missionary in the Japan Nagoya mission.
Val has received the Silver Beaver Award, District Award of Merit, and the James E. West Fellowship Award – Diamond Level from the Boy Scouts of America. He currently serves as the Chair of District Operations on the Executive Committee for the Crossroads of the West Council. Prior to this position, he was the Vice President of Alumni, helped write several national training programs, and was the Chairman of Daily Stage Shows and Associate Chairman of the Merit Badge Midway at National Jamborees in Virginia.
Professionally, Val worked at Fidelity Investments for 25 years until retiring in 2017. He was most recently the Director of Learning and Development and was the national lead facilitation director for the New Manager Program and led the Principal Facilitator Manager team across the country.
National Headquarters held a Thank You party for John and Diane Smith, former National Library Director and welcomed the new Library Director, Bruce Stewart. We appreciate the Smith's 6 diligent years of service, bringing the Library into the modern age!
The Salt Lake Pioneer Chapter first organized the annual July 24th Sunrise Service in 1967, and are pleased to continue this tradition today as a gift to the community.
Click the image to listen or read Elder James W. McConkie’s address at the annual Sunrise Service that kicked off the downtown Days of ‘47 events.
Joining Elder McConkie on the stand this year was Elder McConkie’s wife, Laurel; Val Parrish, President of the SUP Salt Lake Pioneer Chapter and 2024 SUP National President Elect; John Clayton; 2023 SUP National President; Nate Pierce, 2023 SUP National President Elect; Larry Gibson, 2023 SUP National Past President; Greg Christofferson, Mormon Battalion National President; Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City; Lane Summerhays, Days of ‘47 Chairman; Burgess Ownes, United States Congressman; Ellen Jepson, President of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers; and the 2023 DUP Royalty.
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