“Contents,” Ensign, Feb. 1975, 1
Ensign
February 1975
Volume 5 Number 2
On the cover: The Saints in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay
Inside back cover: The Washington Temple Mural. Painted by John Scott.
Prior to a conference in September 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the presence of six other elders, received a revelation about the second coming of Christ. At that time the Lord revealed, “And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father.” (D&C 29:27.)
This division of the righteous and wicked, which will precede Christ’s own reign of peace, is the subject of a painting in the new Washington Temple—a 10′ x 30′ mural in the oval reception area just inside the temple.
The mural was painted by John Scott of Ridgefield, Connecticut, who has been commissioned by the Church to execute several paintings.
Those on Christ’s right band represent all races and nationalities, including young and old, kings and paupers. They move eagerly toward Christ or kneel in worship. Those on his left hand, also representing all races and nationalities, turn away in anguish amid stones and ruined buildings. Following Christ, who is the focus of the scene, are great masses of people dressed in white. The Washington Temple itself is part of the background.