We recently joined in celebrating the life of John A. Widtsoe on the Island of Frøya. We spent the weekend with church members, Widtstoe family members, and citizens of Frøya as they dedicated a statue in his honor on the island of his birth. His father died when he was a boy. His mother moved to Trondheim with her sons, John and Osborne where she found work as a dressmaker. One day a shoemaker returned some shoes to her that he had repaired and tucked inside was a “mormon pamphlet.” She was baptized in the sea at Korsvika on April 1, 1881. They left Norway in October 1883. John later became President of Utah State, U of Utah and BYU. He was ordained an apostle in 1921.
This is a simple biography from the Friend.
https://www.lds.org/friend/1990/05/john-a-widtsoe-master-teacher?lang=eng
The people of Frøya are proud of their native son. The statue is a gift from them and is a reminder to the children on the island of the importance of education.
Frøya is best known for salmon farming. We visited the Sal-mar plant and watched the amazing process from start to finish. This particular company is the 3rd largest in Norway. They provide salmon fillets for the Costco stores in the western US….3 days from the ocean to the store!
Until recently, there were very few trees on the island . It is windswept, rainy, and rocky.
We traveled by ferry to the nearby island of Bogøya where we dined on fabulous fish soup and flat brød.
We ate at this little restaurant accessible only by boat.
Ready for the celebration…. Bunads from Trondheim and Frøya.
The statue was sculpted by Dennis Smith in Alpine, Utah and flown accross the ocean to Frøya. We are grateful that we were able to meet many members of the Widtsoe family and celebrate this wonderful occasion with them.
7 comments. Leave new
I love these pictures! Anna Widstoe has long been a favorite of mine for her determination and dedication to the gospel in the face of many challenges. Without Anna’s careful mothering and guiding, neither John nor Osborne would have accomplished all they did. Truly an amazing family! So glad you were able to share these pictures with us. Thank you!
Wow, that fish soup looks so yummy. The red buildings in the pictures look so vivid and bright against the gorgeous green landscape and scenery. I have a new perspective on the salmon fillets now, I am going to go buy one!!! It would be so fun to travel on a boat to a restaurant, something to add to my bucket list. Happy days to the Hill’s!!
Good morning President Hill,
I `m Edgar Chavez member of Elche 1 branch in Spain. My wife my two daughters and I will go to Kristiansund in August to work in the hospital. I have not found a chapel there, and would like to know where we could attend and help in the Lord’s work.
Beautiful pictures and great experience. Thank you for sharing!
So beautiful! Thank you for your time to share. I think gabi needs to paint that boat on the water. Beautiful pictures and wonderful history. Thank you!
Love the pictures. I remember reading Anna’s biography but can not place the book or manuscript. Do you know where I can find this biography? I am a relative of Leah Dunford Widtsoe and would very much like two get another copy of her story. I remember the story as a sensational narrative of faith and diligence.
Ask Becca Richards to get you Kari Robinsons info – I am in her ward and am Leah’s great-granddaughter!