Amazing Grace

Frederick John Samuel Pack (1878-1971)

My husband's great grandfather

My husband, Bradford William Pack --> Clarence William (Bill) Pack II --> Clarence William Pack --> Frederick John Samuel Pack

In 1905, Fred was in Smithfield, Utah with his bride, Alice.  Their first child, Alice Constance, (Connie) was born just two weeks shy of their first wedding anniversary, on February 6.

That fall, Fred was cutting grain.  He came in contact with a poisonous weed and became blind.

I can't imagine how devastating this must have been for him and his family.  But I do have some idea, because for the next two months he went to many doctors including Dr. Parkinson in Logan Utah.  He paid $150 for his visit.

Do you know what $150 in 1905 would be today?

$3,947.37

Imagine if right now you had to spend that much money on a single doctor's visit.  That most likely was at least two months worth of income for him.  Fred was desperate to get his sight back.

Yet nothing worked, he was still blind.

His wife Alice didn't give up hope.  She hitched up the horse and buggy and drove her husband to the place where they were married, the Logan Temple.

She led Fred into the temple with his eyes bandaged.  Inside he was blessed by those holding the priesthood.    While their hands were still on his head, Fred began to see.  He walked out of the temple and drove the horse home.

The next day he went to work mowing hay.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.