Zaidee Walker Miles — The Miraculous Casting of the Dixie Bell

Zaidee Walker Miles authored a detailed account of the casting of the St. George Tabernacle bell in 1872, an event regarded by the local pioneers as a significant act of faith and divine intervention. During the casting process led by David Rogers, the community was invited to contribute precious metals to the molten mix to ensure a high-quality tone. Zaidee recorded the poignant scene of impoverished pioneer women removing their gold wedding rings, silver thimbles, and cherished jewelry to be melted into the bell metal. The account emphasizes that despite the primitive and difficult conditions of casting a large bell in the desert, the pioneers' prayers for success were answered. The resulting bell possessed a uniquely clear and 'silvery' tone that could be heard throughout the Virgin River Valley, which the residents interpreted as a divine witness that the Lord had accepted their sacrifice and consecrated their labors.