Blessing Given John Willard Marriott, Sr.
When Set Apart as President of the Washington Stake
December 12, 1948

Brother John Willard Marriott, we the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in authority of the Holy Priesthood, lay our hands upon your head and set you apart as President of the Washington Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Our Father, thou knowest the steadfastness of this Thy servant. Thou knowest his willingness to serve Thee even at the possible expense of health and business or other causes. Thou knowest the spirit of sacrifice that is his, and, our Heavenly Father, we pray that thou wilt accept this spirit as a testimony of his love for Thee and Thy people. And, knowing that all things are with Thee, that all good gifts come from Thee, and, being weak as we are, that the power of health and strength is Thine to bestow, we humbly pray that Thou wilt look down upon this Thy servant and give to him every blessing of health and strength necessary for him to perform the duties of this office and calling. Whatever sickness there is in his body we rebuke, and through the prayer that is accepted by faith we know that his body functions will be restored to normal and may function as they should and that from this very hour he may feel a return of physical strength which will give him health and strength in his work.

We bless you, Brother Marriott, with all blessings needful to carry on your work, with wisdom and the sprit of discernment - that spirit which is so necessary for a presiding officer. May you be filled with this spirit and give council to those who come to you in sincere faith with their desires.

We bless you that in your diligence you may travel in paths of safety. We admonish your to care for your body so that you get enough rest. Get the habit of resting in the middle of the day for an hour. We pray that all blessings necessary will be given unto you.

We ask our Heavenly Father to record this blessing in the Heavens. We bless you, too, that in this responsibility and in your work you will be a leader so that you will have time for other necessary activities.

With this prayer in our hearts we bless you with every blessing you should have - wisdom, charity, patience, and understanding, and the spirit of these blessings we confer upon you.

This we do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

President J. Reuben Clark, Brother Matthew Cowley, Brother Mark C. Peterson