MerriLyn's Baptism

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

When MerriLyn was born, eight years ago, I knew there was a good chance she could be born on her Grandpa Brown's birthday. Well, she was born September 21, six days before his birthday. But it just so happened that this year her baptism fell on Grandpa Brown's birthday, September 27th. It made for a wonderful day full of family and good decisions. Thank you to the family that traveled to be with us on her special day. I think that the following poem fits the occasion perfectly.

SUCCESS
What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Dad with MerriLyn as a baby.
What is success? Following the example of my father, B.W.B.

Here is a copy of her baptism program:

Baptism of MerriLyn Smithson

September 27, 2008

3:00 pm Lovelake Chapel

Taylor, AZ

Conducting: Taylor 4^th Ward Bishopric- Brother Owens

Opening Song: “If the Savior Stood Beside Me”

Chorister: Aunt Bethany Hutchins

Accompanist: Aunt Amanda Hall

Opening Prayer: Grandpa Gary Smithson

Talk on Baptism: Grandma Brown

Special Musical Number: Cousins of MerriLyn

“When Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Chorister: Cousin HeartLee Harman

Pianist: Cousin Brooklyn Brown

Baptism of MerriLyn Smithson by her father,

Gary Bartley Smithson

Interlude Music: Aunt Camille Smithson as pianist

And Adle Smithson on violin

Talk on Holy Ghost: Grandma Kathe Smithson

Confirmation of MerriLyn Smithson by her father,

Gary Bartley Smithson

Remarks from Brother Owens

Closing Song: “When I Am Baptized”

Chorister: Aunt Dessie Harman

Pianist: Aunt Tiffany Campbell

Closing Prayer: Cousin Hayden Harman