Le Point Minou

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 14×18 oil 1977

This painting is the site of the baptism of Lili Le Roy in 1970, when I was a missionary in France.  In my journal, I wrote:  “Thurs, 6 Aug 1970:  In the afternoon, we went out to see Point Minou.  It was more beautiful than before, if possible.  In the middle of summer, it’s deserted.  The only way to go to it is through a light house keeper’s garden and we are the only ones he allows through.”  Then:  Sat, 8 Aug 1970:  Today at point Minou, under a gray sky and with a cold breeze blowing over the water, a little group stood in the sand by the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and said a prayer.  And then three of them, all dressed in white, walked into the water.  One raised his arm and said a prayer and buried a young girl in the water… and she came out with tears and with happiness as a latter-day saint in the Church of Jesus Christ.  It was really dramatic and thrilling.  The water wasn’t too cold, but I still could hardly breath and was having trouble talking.  Things cleared up though and I was able to say the prayer.  After we came out, it was actually warm and happy and the Spirit was there.” 

The picture below was not the source photo.  It was taken later when the radar dome was removed along with a couple of out buildings. However, it is remarkably similar to the photo we took at the time and from which I created the painting.