Gratitude for those who went before

At the heart of what makes Brigham Young University unique is its dedication to building young men and young women of character who are willing to sacrifice to better themselves and the world. That ethos of sacrifice has been a part of the university from its founding. The Dusenberry brothers, Karl G. Maeser, and other faculty members sacrificed worldly wealth to build the cause they believed in–the gospel of Jesus Christ. That sacrifice extended to their work at the Brigham Young Academy where they were often paid in kind or scrip good for use at the Bishop’s Storehouse.

In the 1890s faculty members were paid partly in produce from the Bishop’s Storehouse in Provo. This order, dated November 14, 1896, and signed by BYA Treasurer Wilson H. Dusenberry, was drawn on the Provo Bishop’s Storehouse in favor of B. S. Hinckley for $45.00 in produce. The checks were endorsed on the back for receipt of hay, grain, dairy products, potatoes, and other vegetables, and general merchandise.

We should be grateful for the sacrifice of those who have gone before. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy the fruits of a world class education seasoned with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should also pause at this Thanksgiving season and give gratitude to the Father and the Son who encourage us to strive to ever learn and to be our best selves.

If you would like to learn more about Brigham Young University, contact the University Archivist at (801) 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu>.