Life History of

Myrtha Azuba Griffeth (Alder)

Written by Myrtha Azuba Griffeth Alder

            My parents, George Andrew Griffeth and Mary Elizabeth Thurman, came across the plains with their parents who finally established their homes in Hyde Park, Utah in 1860.  The two young people met, loved and married.  They were married in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City, Utah, December 13, 1869.  Nine children blessed their happy union.

            In the autumn of 1869 my father and grandfather, Patison Delos Griffeth, came north to what is now Fairview, Idaho.  They were the first to take up land and live in Fairview.  Grandfather’s land was near Bear River.  Later in 1883, my father homesteaded and lived near the central part of Fairview.

            When new babies were expected my mother went back to Hyde Park where she could receive the necessary help.  I happened to be number nine.  I was born in the upstairs room of my grandfather’s log house on September 2, 1889.

            Soon after my birth Joseph Smith, the president of the Josephite Church, and one of his apostles, a Mr. Anthony, who had married my mother’s cousin, came to Hyde Park as missionaries of their church.  They visited my mother and Joseph asked for the privilege of naming and blessing the baby.  Mother accepted the name, Myrtha Azuba, but brought me to Fairview to receive the blessing from one who had authority.

            We had a happy home.  My parents joined with us children in so much fun, so much music and so much love that it helped us forget or overlook the unpleasant things which are always a part of life.  We knelt together in family prayer regularly twice daily so we truly played and prayed together.

            In 1909 I graduated from the Oneida Stake Academy or High School and the three year course of sewing.  I was asked to remain there and assist Anna Frost as a teacher of sewing in the Academy.  However, I did not accept the offer because for a long time my greatest desire had been to become a teacher of children in the elementary grades.  I passed the teachers examination successfully and received the “First grade” or highest certificate given and truly enjoyed the following years that I spent teaching before and after my marriage.

            I was married December 13, 1911, on my parent’s forty-second Wedding Anniversary, to Edgar J. Alder at the Logan Temple.

            I received my first appointment in the church when I was thirteen years old.  I was frightened and thrilled when the Bishop asked me to be a member of the Fairview Ward Choir.  Two years later I was appointed as teacher in Sunday School.  When 16 years of age I was appointed a member of the Oneida Stake Choir.  When 18 I was appointed a member of the Oneida Stake Sunday School Board.  After Oneida Stake was divided I was appointed a member of the Franklin Stake choir and am still a member.

            During my life’s span I have been a choir member forty-nine years: an M.I.A. officer, teacher, and chorister, twenty-eight years: a Primary officer, teacher and chorister at the same time, thirteen years: a Primary counselor, five years (all together  eighteen years: a Sunday School officer twenty-eight years; Stake Board member four years; chorister six years and teacher eighteen years and still teaching: a genealogical officer, member of committee and secretary seventeen years and still secretary: Aaronic Priesthood chorus conductor five years: teacher-training teacher two years: fifteen years as ward chorister: and twelve years as historical recorder of the Preston Fifth Ward.

            My first connections with the Relief Society was when my mother was president at Fairview.  I went with her as driver of the team when she attended meeting, visited the sick or met any other appointment.  As an officer in the Relief Society I have been a visiting teacher four years: President of the Stake Singing Mother’s group two years: ward secretary two years: counselor three years: chorister ten years; conductor of Singing Mother’s thirteen years; magazine agent three years; class teacher sixteen years and still teaching literature.

            In 1935 the Relief Society General Board arranged a church wide drive for more magazine subscriptions.  Wards, branches and missions were included.  I had received all of the subscriptions I could get in our ward before an announcement was printed in the Relief Society Magazine that the ten women getting the highest percentage of subscriptions would be counted the winners of the drive.  I rated seventh highest in the church with 176%.  I appreciated the support of the ward members who subscribed.  The ten women who were winners were asked to speak at the General Relief Society Conference at Salt Lake City in April 1936.  It was a frightening but blessed experience.  We we each received a bound volume of the 1935 magazine autographed by Louise Y Robison, general president; Kate M. Barker, second counselor; and Mary C. Kimball, editor.

            The following August I was asked by Sister Bernhisel, president of the Benson Stake Relief Society to talk 30 minutes at the Benson Stake meeting.  Later at a stake convention Sister Bertha Larsen asked me to talk and introduce our ward coordinator, Josie Condie.  General Board members were present.  In 1948 Sister Enid Fryer asked me to speak on “Worshiping Through Music” at a 3-stake convention.  Other similar requests have been asked of me.  Through fasting and prayer I surely received help from God on each occasion.

            Like other mothers my greatest work and joy have been with my family; one daughter, Laree A. Bodily, and four sons: Karl G. Alder, Varr G. alder, Reo G. Alder and Zane B. Alder.  Eighteen grandchildren also share in the work and joy.  Still another, George Reed, the Navajo boy who came to us when he was nine years old is very much a part of the love and joy of our home.

            Many trying and humbling experiences have come to me, such as terrible accidents and afflictions that have occurred with members of my family.  Other experiences have been wonderful and brought joy and satisfaction.  One was my being chosen the Honorary Golden Gleaner of Franklin Stake on February 20, 1957.  Another was the opportunity of training and conducting some lovely girls in trio singing for nine years.  Still another is the experience or opportunity of helping with and enjoying the singing and music of my own children and their companions in church and community appointments and in the home.

            Having the opportunity of living in this dispensation when the Gospel is here on earth in its fullness; being borne of noble parents; being married in the Temple to a clean, honest man; and raising a family who have each been married in the temple and are active church workers; these are the crowning blessings in my life.