Gilgal Gardens

Can I create a sanctuary or atmosphere in my yard that will shut out fear and keep one's mind young and alert to the last, no matter how perilous the times? ~Thomas Battersby Child, Jr.

Last week, our little family took a little drive to the Gilgal Garden in Salt Lake City. Gilgal is an Old Testament word that means "circle of stones. The Gilgal Sculpture Garden was envisioned, designed and created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. in the mid-twentieth century. This cute little garden is tucked in the middle of the block behind houses and many people have no idea that it is there. I grew up in the avenues in Salt Lake City, and I had still never heard of it before. Gilgal Sculpture Garden contains 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts.

This sculpture is the most well knows in the Gardens. It is also, as Child wrote, "the basis of thought or inspiration for all that is built around it. Joseph Smith's face symbolizes Child's conviction that the LDS Priesthood reveals to mankind the answers to life's mysteries. The sphinx represents Child's belief that the answers to life's great questions cannot be discovered with the intellect, but only through faith.

In this sculpture, Child portrays himself and depicts his great love of masonry trade and for his religion. This monument represents Christ's beliefs and consists of an arch (sources of revelation), 4 books resting on a stone (the scriptures used by the LDS church), a purple boulder and a spire (The LDS priesthood).Child built this birdhouse as a symbol of Liberty.


This monument represents the biblical study of the captain who appeared to Joshua and gave him a plan to assure the Isrealites victory over Jericho. You can see the outline of the captain with his sword drawn.

The Monument to Peace is Child's representation of the well known verse from Isaiah: ..."and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift sword up against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

To me, this garden was a little different, but it was interesting to see how Child was able to show his beliefs through art. If anyone is interested, this garden is located at 749 East 500 South in Salt Lake City and open from 8am-8pm.