Winnie Ruefenacht's Patriarchal Blessing
A blessing given by William H. Gibbs Patriarch upon the head of Sabina Frieda Ruefenacht. Daughter of Walter Ruefenacht and Rosina Hoesch born at Salt Lake City Nov 19, 1913.
Sister Ruefenacht I lay my hands upon your head and ask God the Eternal Father that he will enlighten the words in my mouth that I may be prompted to give unto you a blessing that it may be a comfort to you throughout life. You have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and have been baptized and become a member of this Church, thereby laying a foundation for your exaltation in the celestial kingdom of our God and inasmuch as you will be prayerful and put your trust in God and listen to the still small voice of the comforter it will lead you in the path of righteousness and you will be able to fulfill your mission here upon the earth in honor and the Lord will hear and answer your prayers whenever you are in trouble or sorrowful and he will bless and comfort your heart and you will be able to see the silver lining in the dark clouds that may beset your pathway. You are of the seed of Ephraim and entitled to all the blessings of that lineage therefore I say unto you to study out of good books and become acquainted with the principles of the Gospel so that you will be able to declare the same in simplicity and truth and many will rejoice in your teachings.
Whereas you grow in years, positions of responsibility and trust will devolve upon you and you shall become a peacemaker in the midst of your brethren and sisters, and when sickness comes in your household, through the prayer of faith you will be see them restored to perfect soundness of health and strength, and you shall be blessed with wisdom to teach and instruct those whom you will be called upon to teach and your mind shall become enlightened and your understanding quickened so that when you read and ponder over the principals of the gospel, it will be shown unto you in plainness and your life's mission will be filled to its fullness.
Therefore, be not ashamed to bear your testimony to the truth of the work of God to those that may come in your pathway for you have a mission among the youth of Zion and the Lord will enlighten your mind and magnify you in the eyes of His people so you will be able to carry on His work that will be assigned to you.
And inasmuch as you will study the laws of life you will be blessed with health and strength of body and rigor of mind to carry on this work.
In time you will choose for yourself a partner in life whom you will look up to and honor as a servant of God and peace shall dwell in your home and habitation and you will take joy and comfort in the same and children shall come to bless your union and you shall see them grow up to man and womanhood and assist in carrying on the work of the Lord here upon the earth so be not discouraged when trials and temptations come in your pathway. Put your trust in God and He will hear and answer your prayers and you will be blessed with means to carry on this work.
This blessing I seal upon your head and seal you up against the power of the destroyer until you finish your life's mission and seal you up unto eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection a savior in your Father's family and I do it by the authority of the priesthood in me vested, and in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.