Hillcrest High LDS Seminary

In 1912, a simple family home evening sparked an idea that would blossom into a worldwide religious education program. Right here, near Hillcrest High School, stands the Hillcrest High LDS Seminary, a descendant of that initial spark. The Hillcrest High LDS Seminary, and others like it, provide religious instruction for high school students, complementing their secular education. Joseph F. Merrill, inspired by his wife’s engaging Bible and Book of Mormon stories, envisioned a program that would weave religious instruction into the fabric of young Latter-day Saints’ lives. The first seminary, Granite Seminary in Salt Lake City, opened that same year, a modest building near Granite High School. It began with a single teacher, Thomas J. Yates, who embodied the ideal seminary instructor: a strong leader, a dedicated disciple, and someone who loved young people. Hillcrest High LDS Seminary shares that same commitment to youth. Though Granite Seminary faced early challenges, from unfinished construction to limited resources, its impact was profound. The initial class of 70 students included Mildred Bennion, whose life was deeply influenced by her seminary experience. Years later, her son, Henry B. Eyring, would become a leader in the Church Educational System, reflecting the ripple effect of that first seminary class. Hillcrest High LDS Seminary strives to create a similar environment where faith can flourish. As public education expanded, so did seminaries. They evolved from a single building to a global system. Hillcrest High LDS Seminary is part of this extensive network. The 1920s witnessed the closure of many Church academies and a surge in seminary growth. This transition underscored the Church’s commitment to religious education, recognizing that seminaries could provide the spiritual grounding that public schools couldn’t. The Hillcrest High LDS Seminary continues this vital mission. The seminary program faced challenges and scrutiny. It adapted, innovated, and even weathered legal battles, emerging stronger and more determined. The establishment of Institutes of Religion extended religious education to college students. The program’s commitment to fostering faith and reason resonates with Hillcrest High LDS Seminary’s mission to equip students with spiritual knowledge. The introduction of early-morning seminaries, like the one that became Hillcrest High LDS Seminary, expanded the program’s reach. This innovative approach allowed students to engage in religious study outside of school hours. Today, the Hillcrest High LDS Seminary carries on the legacy of that first seminary class in 1912. It provides a space for young people to connect with their faith, deepen their understanding of the scriptures, and prepare for the future.