New Deseret Industries in Springville to Be a “Beacon of Hope”
Contributed By Ryan Morgenegg, Church News staff writer
The new Springville Deseret Industries is the 21st Deseret Industries in Utah. The location includes an LDS Family Services counseling facility, an LDS employment center, a bishops’ storehouse, and a donation area.
Article Highlights
- The new Deseret Industries facility in Springville, Utah, was dedicated October 26.
- Bishop W. Christopher Waddell dedicated the facility.
- It’s estimated that more than 2,500 volunteer hours will be given annually.
“The Savior testified of His divinity through His service to those in need, not by saying He was the Son of God and reciting Isaiah.” —Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric
SPRINGVILLE, UTAH
“May this facility be a beacon of hope to all who are discouraged, abandoned, or who despair,” said Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, at the dedication of the Church’s new Deseret Industries facility in Springville, Utah, on Wednesday, October 26.
“This obviously is a special and unique facility where lives are blessed,” said Bishop Waddell, who presided over the dedication. “It is unique in the sense that if you think of the corporate world, the idea is to hire people, train them, and hang onto them as long as possible to maximize the profits of that company. At a Deseret Industries, the idea is to hire someone, build them up to make them as good as they can be, and then to send them out and then bring in someone new and start over again. The goal here is not to elevate or maximize profits but to elevate and lift lives.”
According to a press release, the new Springville store is the 21st Deseret Industries in Utah. The location includes an LDS Family Services counseling facility, an LDS employment center, a bishops’ storehouse, and a donation area. It is located at 655 South 1750 West. Its 50,000 square-foot size makes it one of the bigger thrift stores in the chain.
The site of the Springville Deseret Industries has been owned by the Church for many years. “This building has been sitting on a pad that has been available since 2008,” said Bishop Waddell. “It’s about time.”
Supporting 36 local stakes, it is estimated that on an annual basis more than 2,500 volunteer hours will be donated, 275 associates will be served, 264,000 donors will give, and 240,000 shoppers will purchase quality, low-cost goods. Associates who enter career-training programs will develop skills and obtain certifications that will enable them to advance to permanent, full-time employment in a variety of fields and careers.
Bishop Waddell gave the dedicatory prayer and provided remarks. He said, “We need to replicate in our homes and neighborhoods what is taking place here by applying many of the same principles that are used to bless lives in the Deseret Industries. And as in all things, Jesus Christ is our perfect example.
“The Savior testified of His divinity through His service to those in need, not by saying He was the Son of God and reciting Isaiah.” He then said that in 3 Nephi 27, the Savior visits the Americas and tells all of those He is teaching that He has set the example and invited others to go and do the things they had seem Him do.
Christ was never concerned about Himself, said Bishop Waddell. He was always looking outward and not about how He could personally benefit from those He worked with. His focus was on how He could bless lives and look outward. “As we look outward and aren’t concerned so much with our problems but look to serve others, we will see needs,” he said. “And as we see them, we can respond and bless lives.”
“A lesson we can learn from Deseret Industries is that here we lift and we build. We’re looking outward. We are looking to take individuals who perhaps the world sees little value in but at Deseret Industries they see value. They see what they can become, and that is how the Savior sees us. He sees what we can become, not what we are now.
“The key for all of us tonight is to find out how we are going to take the things we’ve heard, we’ve felt, and the impressions we’ve had, and apply them after we go home.”
During the dedicatory prayer for the new facility Bishop Waddell said, “May this be a place of peace and love for those who enter and of healing for those who suffer. May it be a haven of hope for all who yearn for a better life. May those who serve here and support this wonderful work find joy in their labors.”
Additional speakers who presented remarks during the dedicatory service also mentioned how the Deseret Industries changes and improves lives. Stephanie Eliason, Relief Society president of the Springville Utah Spring Creek Stake, said she found several wonderful items over the years by shopping at Deseret Industries, including the fall wreath on her front door. However, learning about the mission of the Deseret Industries was more exciting than shopping because the mission affects individuals’ lives.
Jack Bowers, bishop of the Spring Creek 18th Ward, said a recent trip he went on gave him the chance to reflect on those around the world who are in need. He explained that the Deseret Industries is a place that can help temper the storms of life, just like the Savior commanded a storm to be still.
C. Arden Pope III, president of the Springville Utah Spring Creek Stake, said his experience with the creation of the new Deseret Industries in Springville was enlightening. He said that as the store neared its dedication, there was a great need for associates to help run it. A miracle occurred as people flooded in to work as associates and meet the needs of the new facility. “The Deseret Industries is absolutely wonderful and great at what it does,” he said.
An aisle of stuffed animals is available for purchase at the new Springville Desert Industries dedicated October 26.
Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, dedicated the Church’s new Deseret Industries facility in Springville, Utah, Wednesday October 26.
