Monday, June 8, 2009
Updated 1971 Post
The following entries were taken from records kept by Ward Clerks.
January 24, 1971 Annual Ward Conference
Bishop Wayne Eppich
First Counselor William Cook
Second Counselor George Withers
Ward Clerk Rees Risenmay
Assistant Ward Clerk Vaughn Johnson
Keith Callaway was Aaronic Priesthood Youth secretary and George Herron was Aaronic Priesthood adult secretary.
June Bitton was Relief Society president with Myra Gessel and Betty Cook as counselors and Patsy Cook as secretary.
Marlow Mecham was Sunday School Superintendent with Winfred Merrill and Reese Hope as counselors and Janet Warner as secretary.
The Ward Reunion was held on January 19, 1971.
The Elders Quorum held a Shrimp Fry followed by a program in the cultural hall on January 29. The hall was decorated in a Hawaiian motif.
On February 4, the Young Men of the ward had a basketball game and won. On February 26, the stake basketball tournament was held with our ward coming in third and Pasco 1 winning the tournament.
The young marrieds of the ward had a party on February 12.
The Ward Gold and Green Ball was held. Theme: “Rain Drops Keep Falling.”
March 27: Speech Festival was held in the Stake enter.
May 8: Regional Dance Festival at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco with five stakes participating.
May 14: Aaronic Priesthood banquet.
June 12: The Young Men of the ward participated in an Olympic Games contest in Cheney, with the Young Men coming in third place. Many of the Young Men won medals in the events.
June 18: A wedding reception was held in the ward for JoAnn Withers and Charles Edler after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
June 25 and 26: The Father and Sons outing was held at Lehman Hot Springs in Oregon, and the Fathers and Sons went swimming, played softball, and spent the night at the Lehman Campgrounds. The outing was a rich and rewarding experience for the men and boys.
July 2: A wedding reception was held in the ward for Pam Johnson and Mark Roylance after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
July 4, there was a fireside held for the M-Men and Gleaners in the institute building.
July 7 through 20, the seminary went on a Temple Excursion to the Idaho Falls Temple to do work for the dead. They came back by way of Lolo Pass and had a very good time on their trip.
July 9, a progressive dinner was held by the M-Men and Gleaners.
July 14, the long-term Scout trip to Half Moon Lake began, with the trip being marred at the onset with Danny Adamson getting two fingers cut off in the tailgate of the truck, but the trip was a great experience for the young Scouts of the ward.
July 15, the first annual Era Bowl was held in the Stake Center, and was a great success.
July 19 through 23, the girls camp was held in the Blue Mountains, and the girls of the ward had a memorable time.
July 23, the Young Men’s softball team won the stake tournament from Basin City Ward.
July 24, the ward had a rodeo to celebrate the coming of the Saints to the Salt Lake Valley. There were all kinds of games for the youngsters and plenty of food. Almost all of the ward members participated in the rodeo in some way or another.
July 27, the Primary put on their program for the ward members, and the Primary-age children of the ward again proved they are the most precious of the ward.
July 28 through 29, the mothers and daughters had their outing at Lehman Hot Springs.
July 30 and 31, the Regional softball tournament was held in Richland, with our softball team coming in second in the region.
August 6 and 7, the Zone softball tournament was held in Othello, Washington, with the Royal City Ward team winning the Zone Tournament. This is the team which beat our ward in the Regional play in Richland the previous week.
August 13, the Elders Quorum had a dinner and softball game at the ward ball diamond, with the elders beating the high priests and seventies.
August 25 there was an MIA-sponsored outing at Sacajawea State Park, with boating, water skiing, and plenty of food and games.
August 31, Sister LaDawn Naef was married to Dennis Clark in the Salt Lake Temple. A wedding reception was held in the ward on September 4.
September 18, a wedding reception was held in the ward for Brian Johnson and Linda Johnson after their wedding in the Manti Temple.
September 19, Brother Sterling W. Sill was the visiting authority at Stake Conference.
A missionary open house was held at the ward on October 8, with everybody putting forth a good effort.
October 15, the Relief Society opening social was held, with a good dinner and lots of fun had by all who attended.
October 30, the Stake Harvest Ball was held in Pasco. The theme was centered around an old-fashioned motif, with long dresses and overalls worn by men and women.
November 11, a referee seminar was held in the stake house for new referees and participants in the sports program of the stake.
November 20, the basketball jamboree was held in the stake house, starting off the basketball season for the new year. The north part of the stake was pitted against the south part, with the north stake coming out victorious.
A wedding reception was held on November 27 for Sherry Naef and Craig Davenport after their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple.
December 1, 2 and 3, a temple trip was made by several of the Ward members to the Oakland Temple.
December 2, a basketball game was held in the ward gym between the Basin City Ward and Columbia Basin Ward junior and senior teams, with the junior team losing and the senior team winning.
December 5, Stake Conference was held, with President Barber conducting.
December 9, the ward Primary officers and teachers had a social.
December 16, the Ward Junior and Senior basketball teams played the Pasco Ward Junior and Senior basketball teams, with the juniors losing and the seniors winning.
December 17, a wedding reception was held in the cultural hall for Kathy Hobbs and Gary Atkinson after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
December 18, the Young Married class went Christmas caroling and then had a dinner at Max and Louise Merrill’s home.
December 19, a special fireside was held, with a film shown with special meaning put on the use of drugs and their effects.
December 22, the Ward Christmas party was held, with Santa Claus making an appearance for the enjoyment of the little ones.
December 23, the Ward Junior basketball team lost a game played against the Walla Walla Ward.
December 25, the observance of the birth of our Savior.
December 28, the Stake Super Activity was a Christmas Holiday Dance for all to attend.
December 31. A dance was held in the Cultural Hall, with breakfast cooked by the Elders Quorum after the New Year had been rung in.
January 24, 1971 Annual Ward Conference
Bishop Wayne Eppich
First Counselor William Cook
Second Counselor George Withers
Ward Clerk Rees Risenmay
Assistant Ward Clerk Vaughn Johnson
Keith Callaway was Aaronic Priesthood Youth secretary and George Herron was Aaronic Priesthood adult secretary.
June Bitton was Relief Society president with Myra Gessel and Betty Cook as counselors and Patsy Cook as secretary.
Marlow Mecham was Sunday School Superintendent with Winfred Merrill and Reese Hope as counselors and Janet Warner as secretary.
The Ward Reunion was held on January 19, 1971.
The Elders Quorum held a Shrimp Fry followed by a program in the cultural hall on January 29. The hall was decorated in a Hawaiian motif.
On February 4, the Young Men of the ward had a basketball game and won. On February 26, the stake basketball tournament was held with our ward coming in third and Pasco 1 winning the tournament.
The young marrieds of the ward had a party on February 12.
The Ward Gold and Green Ball was held. Theme: “Rain Drops Keep Falling.”
March 27: Speech Festival was held in the Stake enter.
May 8: Regional Dance Festival at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium in Pasco with five stakes participating.
May 14: Aaronic Priesthood banquet.
June 12: The Young Men of the ward participated in an Olympic Games contest in Cheney, with the Young Men coming in third place. Many of the Young Men won medals in the events.
June 18: A wedding reception was held in the ward for JoAnn Withers and Charles Edler after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
June 25 and 26: The Father and Sons outing was held at Lehman Hot Springs in Oregon, and the Fathers and Sons went swimming, played softball, and spent the night at the Lehman Campgrounds. The outing was a rich and rewarding experience for the men and boys.
July 2: A wedding reception was held in the ward for Pam Johnson and Mark Roylance after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
July 4, there was a fireside held for the M-Men and Gleaners in the institute building.
July 7 through 20, the seminary went on a Temple Excursion to the Idaho Falls Temple to do work for the dead. They came back by way of Lolo Pass and had a very good time on their trip.
July 9, a progressive dinner was held by the M-Men and Gleaners.
July 14, the long-term Scout trip to Half Moon Lake began, with the trip being marred at the onset with Danny Adamson getting two fingers cut off in the tailgate of the truck, but the trip was a great experience for the young Scouts of the ward.
July 15, the first annual Era Bowl was held in the Stake Center, and was a great success.
July 19 through 23, the girls camp was held in the Blue Mountains, and the girls of the ward had a memorable time.
July 23, the Young Men’s softball team won the stake tournament from Basin City Ward.
July 24, the ward had a rodeo to celebrate the coming of the Saints to the Salt Lake Valley. There were all kinds of games for the youngsters and plenty of food. Almost all of the ward members participated in the rodeo in some way or another.
July 27, the Primary put on their program for the ward members, and the Primary-age children of the ward again proved they are the most precious of the ward.
July 28 through 29, the mothers and daughters had their outing at Lehman Hot Springs.
July 30 and 31, the Regional softball tournament was held in Richland, with our softball team coming in second in the region.
August 6 and 7, the Zone softball tournament was held in Othello, Washington, with the Royal City Ward team winning the Zone Tournament. This is the team which beat our ward in the Regional play in Richland the previous week.
August 13, the Elders Quorum had a dinner and softball game at the ward ball diamond, with the elders beating the high priests and seventies.
August 25 there was an MIA-sponsored outing at Sacajawea State Park, with boating, water skiing, and plenty of food and games.
August 31, Sister LaDawn Naef was married to Dennis Clark in the Salt Lake Temple. A wedding reception was held in the ward on September 4.
September 18, a wedding reception was held in the ward for Brian Johnson and Linda Johnson after their wedding in the Manti Temple.
September 19, Brother Sterling W. Sill was the visiting authority at Stake Conference.
A missionary open house was held at the ward on October 8, with everybody putting forth a good effort.
October 15, the Relief Society opening social was held, with a good dinner and lots of fun had by all who attended.
October 30, the Stake Harvest Ball was held in Pasco. The theme was centered around an old-fashioned motif, with long dresses and overalls worn by men and women.
November 11, a referee seminar was held in the stake house for new referees and participants in the sports program of the stake.
November 20, the basketball jamboree was held in the stake house, starting off the basketball season for the new year. The north part of the stake was pitted against the south part, with the north stake coming out victorious.
A wedding reception was held on November 27 for Sherry Naef and Craig Davenport after their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple.
December 1, 2 and 3, a temple trip was made by several of the Ward members to the Oakland Temple.
December 2, a basketball game was held in the ward gym between the Basin City Ward and Columbia Basin Ward junior and senior teams, with the junior team losing and the senior team winning.
December 5, Stake Conference was held, with President Barber conducting.
December 9, the ward Primary officers and teachers had a social.
December 16, the Ward Junior and Senior basketball teams played the Pasco Ward Junior and Senior basketball teams, with the juniors losing and the seniors winning.
December 17, a wedding reception was held in the cultural hall for Kathy Hobbs and Gary Atkinson after their marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple.
December 18, the Young Married class went Christmas caroling and then had a dinner at Max and Louise Merrill’s home.
December 19, a special fireside was held, with a film shown with special meaning put on the use of drugs and their effects.
December 22, the Ward Christmas party was held, with Santa Claus making an appearance for the enjoyment of the little ones.
December 23, the Ward Junior basketball team lost a game played against the Walla Walla Ward.
December 25, the observance of the birth of our Savior.
December 28, the Stake Super Activity was a Christmas Holiday Dance for all to attend.
December 31. A dance was held in the Cultural Hall, with breakfast cooked by the Elders Quorum after the New Year had been rung in.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
1958-1959 Historical Record excerpts
1958 and 1959 Historical Record
The following entries were taken from historical reports prepared by ward clerks.
January 5, 1958
Reed Gibbons was sustained as Superintendent of the YMMIA with Russell Gammon and Homer Gessel as Counselors. Norman Johnson was sustained as a Sunday School teacher.
January 19, 1958
Geri Gammon was sustained as Relief Society Chorister. Ruth Barker was sustained as Relief Society Topic Teacher. Bill Casper, Zella Davidson and Hollie Davidson were sustained as teachers in Sunday School.
January 26, 1958
Alice Johnson was sustained as Mia Maid Leader. Audrey Briggs was sustained as a teacher in MIA. Wendell and Geraldine Merrill were sustained as Dance Directors.
March 15, 1958
Banquet and Program was given by the Building Committee for the Building Fund.
March 30, 1958
For Relief Society, Joann Eppich was released as Secretary and Joan Casper was released as Work Director. Lois Collier was sustained as Secretary and Helen Cunningham as Work Director.
April 19, 1958
MIA put on carnival for Building Fund.
June 1, 1958
It was voted that Branch should purchase a farm without any help from the Welfare Department.
A Junior Sunday School was organized and Miriam Johnson was sustained as coordinator with Judy Prefontaine as Secretary, Ann Barrow as chorister, Sharon Merrill as organist and Charlotte Prefontaine as a teacher.
June 15, 1958
Audrey Briggs was released as a teacher from the MIA. Ida Kelly was sustained as Beehive leader.
August 31, 1958
Annual Ward Conference
Some of the people listed on the Ward Conference form were:
As the Committee on Ward Teaching, Members of the Bishopric with the following division supervisors: Lloyd Poulson, Russell Ferguson and Winfred Merrill. At another time during the year, Emmet Richeson was also listed as a member of the committee.
As President of the Priests Quorum under 21, Bishop H. Grant Bleazard and as Secretary Stanley Briggs.
Bob Coltrin was Secretary of the Teachers Quorum.
Deacons Quorum: Arlyn Wilson, President, Lloyd Bleazard, First Counselor, and Mike Prefontaine, Second Counselor.
January 4, 1959
The Priesthood gave their sustaining vote for the 1959 farming operation.
January 11, 1959
The Ward sustained the Bishopric in borrowing $10,300 from Connell Bank for financing of the Ward Meetinghouse. Vernon and Donna Cook and Erma Horton were released from positions held in the MIA. Bardella Johnson was sustained as Activity Counselor in the YWMIA. Irvin Howe and Mike Prefontaine were sustained to be ordained Teachers in the Aaronic Priesthood.
January 18, 1959
Those sustained were: Albert Johnson as Counselor in the YMMIA; Charles Coltrin as Scoutmaster; Erma Horton as Relief Society Magazine Representative; Joyce Rigby as Chorister in Relief Society; Elaine Merrill as Relief Society Organist; Charles Coltrin as Sunday School Teacher.
January 25, 1959
Sustainings: Ina Woodard as Counselor in Primary; Pam Ferguson as Secretary in Primary; Ann Barrow as Teacher in Primary.
February 1, 1959
During the past week, Brother Wilson of the General Building Committee toured the Church farm.
February 8, 1959
Gerald Ferguson was sustained to be ordained to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. LaRae Woodard and George Bakan were sustained as Dance Directors in the MIA.
February 15, 1959
Colleen Ferguson was sustained as a teacher in MIA.
February 22, 1959
Lynn and Lloyd Bleazard were sustained to be ordained to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
March 15, 1959
Sustained: Betty Perkes as Primary Teacher, LaRae Woodard are Primary Secretary, Robert Perkes as Priests Advisor in Aaronic Priesthood.
March 22, 1959
Myra Gessel was sustained as Work Director in Relief Society. Betty Perkes was sustained as a Teacher in the Junior Sunday School.
June 31, 1959
Enid Coltrin was released as a Counselor in Relief Society. Those sustained were: Audrey Briggs as a Counselor in Relief Society; Betty Cook as a Teacher in Primary.
May 10, 1959
Sustained: Bryce Cheney as Explorer Leader in YMMIA; Leonard Ferguson as Assistant to the Sunday School Superintendent; William Cook as Secretary to the Aaronic Priesthood under 21; William H. Robison to be ordained a Deacon; Lynn Bingham to be ordained a Priest; Derrell Sharp to be ordained a Deacon.
May 31, 1959
Marilyn Shelton was released as Primary Organist and sustained as Counselor in the Primary. Luetta Monson was sustained as Organist in Primary.
June 14, 1959
Sustained: William E. Robison as Counselor in YMMIA; Gayle Mackay as President of YWMIA with Lola Herron as First Counselor and Bardella Johnson as Second Counselor; and Gordon Mathews as Branch Clerk.
June 21, 1959
Necia Gibbons was sustained as Primary Secretary.
June 28, 1959
Those sustained were: Robert Cunningham to be ordained a Deacon; George Withers as Assistant to Sunday School Superintendent; Jean Withers as Primary Teacher; Cleo Mann as YWMIA Sports Director.
This spring has been exceptionally windy, causing the crops to blow out, some of them having to be planted 2 to 3 times.
July 12, 1959
Elaine Merrill was released as Drama Director of the YWMIA. June Monson was sustained as Drama Director. Julie Mathews was sustained as Ward Librarian.
July 13, 1959
Larry Blaine Adamson, a High Priest, passed away in a Seattle, Washington, hospital. The cause of death was chronic nephritis. He has been serving as a Stake Missionary.
July 19, 1959
Brother Harold S. Davis of the Richland Stake Presidency formed a ward from the Columbia Basin Branch. Those released were: H. Grant Bleazard as Branch President; William F. Rigby as First Counselor; Cecil W. Barrow as Second Counselor; Gordon L. Mathews as Branch Clerk; and Boyd Mackay as Assistant Branch Clerk.
Those sustained were: H. Grant Bleazard as Bishop; William F. Rigby as First Counselor; Reed J. Gibbons as Second Counselor; Gordon L. Mathews as Ward Clerk; and Boyd R. Mackay as Assistant Ward Clerk.
July 26, 1959
Those sustained were: All officers and teachers of the Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society, YWMIA, YMMIA, with these exceptions: Albert S. Johnson as Superintendent of YMMIA; Jeanne Mackay as Secretary and Joyce Mackay as Attendance Secretary of the YWMIA; Bishop Bleazard as President of the Priests Quorum with Stan Briggs as Secretary; David Coltrin as President of the Teacher’s Quorum with Irvin Howe as Secretary; Arlyn Johnson as President of the Deacon’s Quorum with Roger Merrill as Secretary; Robert Perkes as Priests Advisor; Ernest Baker as Teacher’s Advisor; George Withers as Deacons Advisor; William Cook as General Secretary of Aaronic Priesthood under age 21.
July 27, 1959
Those set apart were: Leland George Withers as First Assistant to Sunday School Superintendent by H. Grant Bleazard; Albert Johnson as Superintendent of the YMMIA by William F. Rigby; William E. Robison as Activity Counselor of the YMMIA by Albert Johnson; Gayle Mackay as President of the YWMIA by H. Grant Bleazard; Lola Herron as Age Group Counselor of the YWMIA by Gordon L. Mathews.
August 9, 1959
Those sustained were: Arthur Lee, Charlie Coltrin and Enid Coltrin as Sunday School Teachers.
August 16, 1959
Ward Conference Morning Session. 116 in attendance, plus the Junior Sunday School.
President Thompson presiding, with Reed Gibbons conducting. It was held in the Columbia Basin Ward Meetinghouse. Main topics were: Responsibility as Church members, Home Life, and Genealogy.
Ward Conference Evening Session. 140 in attendance. President Thompson presiding and William F. Rigby conducting. Speakers were Bishop Bleazard and President Thompson.
August 23, 1959
Arlyn Johnson was sustained to be advanced to a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
September 13, 1959
Those sustained were: Ardith Bakon as Drama Director in the MIA; Cecil Barrow to work with sports and dancing in MIA; June Bitton and Roma Sharp as Teachers in Primary; Mary Bleazard and Hortense Nelson as Beehive Teachers; Gordon and Julie Mathews to be in charge of the Mutual Marrieds Class of the MIA.
September 27, 1959
Those released were: Ada Taylor as Primary President, Marilyn Shelton as First Counselor, Ina Woodard as Second Counselor, and Necia Gibbons as Secretary.
Those sustained were Ina Woodard as Primary President, Shirley Cheney as First Counselor and Necia Gibbons as Secretary; Winfred Merrill as Age Group Counselor in YMMIA; and Ida Kelley as Era Director.
September 28, 1959
Some callings: Leonard Robert Ferguson, Second Assistant in Sunday School.
Helen Cunningham as In-Service Trainer in Primary.
Jean Withers and Ada Dial Taylor as Primary teachers.
Rhoda Lee as teacher in Sunday School and YWMIA.
Winfred Merrill as Manual Counselor in YMMIA.
October 25, 1959
Roma Sharp was released as Primary teacher and sustained as Second Counselor in Primary.
November 1, 1959
Elder Max Merrill departed for the Mission Home. He has been assigned to the West Canadian Mission.
November 29, 1959
Courtney Nelson was sustained to be ordained as a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Pam Ferguson was sustained as Dance Director in the YWMIA.
December 5, 1959
Arden F. Horton passed away at his home in Eltopia, Washington. The cause of death was a coronary occlusion.
The crops planted on our Ward Farm this year were wheat, sugar beets, peas, clover, alfalfa, milo and beans. Nearly all of the peas blew out and were replaced by beans. The income from the wheat and beets was good. The income from the rest of the crops was very poor. The main source of our Building Income Fund is through the raising of these crops. Each family of the Ward participates in this project.
The following entries were taken from historical reports prepared by ward clerks.
January 5, 1958
Reed Gibbons was sustained as Superintendent of the YMMIA with Russell Gammon and Homer Gessel as Counselors. Norman Johnson was sustained as a Sunday School teacher.
January 19, 1958
Geri Gammon was sustained as Relief Society Chorister. Ruth Barker was sustained as Relief Society Topic Teacher. Bill Casper, Zella Davidson and Hollie Davidson were sustained as teachers in Sunday School.
January 26, 1958
Alice Johnson was sustained as Mia Maid Leader. Audrey Briggs was sustained as a teacher in MIA. Wendell and Geraldine Merrill were sustained as Dance Directors.
March 15, 1958
Banquet and Program was given by the Building Committee for the Building Fund.
March 30, 1958
For Relief Society, Joann Eppich was released as Secretary and Joan Casper was released as Work Director. Lois Collier was sustained as Secretary and Helen Cunningham as Work Director.
April 19, 1958
MIA put on carnival for Building Fund.
June 1, 1958
It was voted that Branch should purchase a farm without any help from the Welfare Department.
A Junior Sunday School was organized and Miriam Johnson was sustained as coordinator with Judy Prefontaine as Secretary, Ann Barrow as chorister, Sharon Merrill as organist and Charlotte Prefontaine as a teacher.
June 15, 1958
Audrey Briggs was released as a teacher from the MIA. Ida Kelly was sustained as Beehive leader.
August 31, 1958
Annual Ward Conference
Some of the people listed on the Ward Conference form were:
As the Committee on Ward Teaching, Members of the Bishopric with the following division supervisors: Lloyd Poulson, Russell Ferguson and Winfred Merrill. At another time during the year, Emmet Richeson was also listed as a member of the committee.
As President of the Priests Quorum under 21, Bishop H. Grant Bleazard and as Secretary Stanley Briggs.
Bob Coltrin was Secretary of the Teachers Quorum.
Deacons Quorum: Arlyn Wilson, President, Lloyd Bleazard, First Counselor, and Mike Prefontaine, Second Counselor.
January 4, 1959
The Priesthood gave their sustaining vote for the 1959 farming operation.
January 11, 1959
The Ward sustained the Bishopric in borrowing $10,300 from Connell Bank for financing of the Ward Meetinghouse. Vernon and Donna Cook and Erma Horton were released from positions held in the MIA. Bardella Johnson was sustained as Activity Counselor in the YWMIA. Irvin Howe and Mike Prefontaine were sustained to be ordained Teachers in the Aaronic Priesthood.
January 18, 1959
Those sustained were: Albert Johnson as Counselor in the YMMIA; Charles Coltrin as Scoutmaster; Erma Horton as Relief Society Magazine Representative; Joyce Rigby as Chorister in Relief Society; Elaine Merrill as Relief Society Organist; Charles Coltrin as Sunday School Teacher.
January 25, 1959
Sustainings: Ina Woodard as Counselor in Primary; Pam Ferguson as Secretary in Primary; Ann Barrow as Teacher in Primary.
February 1, 1959
During the past week, Brother Wilson of the General Building Committee toured the Church farm.
February 8, 1959
Gerald Ferguson was sustained to be ordained to the office of Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. LaRae Woodard and George Bakan were sustained as Dance Directors in the MIA.
February 15, 1959
Colleen Ferguson was sustained as a teacher in MIA.
February 22, 1959
Lynn and Lloyd Bleazard were sustained to be ordained to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
March 15, 1959
Sustained: Betty Perkes as Primary Teacher, LaRae Woodard are Primary Secretary, Robert Perkes as Priests Advisor in Aaronic Priesthood.
March 22, 1959
Myra Gessel was sustained as Work Director in Relief Society. Betty Perkes was sustained as a Teacher in the Junior Sunday School.
June 31, 1959
Enid Coltrin was released as a Counselor in Relief Society. Those sustained were: Audrey Briggs as a Counselor in Relief Society; Betty Cook as a Teacher in Primary.
May 10, 1959
Sustained: Bryce Cheney as Explorer Leader in YMMIA; Leonard Ferguson as Assistant to the Sunday School Superintendent; William Cook as Secretary to the Aaronic Priesthood under 21; William H. Robison to be ordained a Deacon; Lynn Bingham to be ordained a Priest; Derrell Sharp to be ordained a Deacon.
May 31, 1959
Marilyn Shelton was released as Primary Organist and sustained as Counselor in the Primary. Luetta Monson was sustained as Organist in Primary.
June 14, 1959
Sustained: William E. Robison as Counselor in YMMIA; Gayle Mackay as President of YWMIA with Lola Herron as First Counselor and Bardella Johnson as Second Counselor; and Gordon Mathews as Branch Clerk.
June 21, 1959
Necia Gibbons was sustained as Primary Secretary.
June 28, 1959
Those sustained were: Robert Cunningham to be ordained a Deacon; George Withers as Assistant to Sunday School Superintendent; Jean Withers as Primary Teacher; Cleo Mann as YWMIA Sports Director.
This spring has been exceptionally windy, causing the crops to blow out, some of them having to be planted 2 to 3 times.
July 12, 1959
Elaine Merrill was released as Drama Director of the YWMIA. June Monson was sustained as Drama Director. Julie Mathews was sustained as Ward Librarian.
July 13, 1959
Larry Blaine Adamson, a High Priest, passed away in a Seattle, Washington, hospital. The cause of death was chronic nephritis. He has been serving as a Stake Missionary.
July 19, 1959
Brother Harold S. Davis of the Richland Stake Presidency formed a ward from the Columbia Basin Branch. Those released were: H. Grant Bleazard as Branch President; William F. Rigby as First Counselor; Cecil W. Barrow as Second Counselor; Gordon L. Mathews as Branch Clerk; and Boyd Mackay as Assistant Branch Clerk.
Those sustained were: H. Grant Bleazard as Bishop; William F. Rigby as First Counselor; Reed J. Gibbons as Second Counselor; Gordon L. Mathews as Ward Clerk; and Boyd R. Mackay as Assistant Ward Clerk.
July 26, 1959
Those sustained were: All officers and teachers of the Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society, YWMIA, YMMIA, with these exceptions: Albert S. Johnson as Superintendent of YMMIA; Jeanne Mackay as Secretary and Joyce Mackay as Attendance Secretary of the YWMIA; Bishop Bleazard as President of the Priests Quorum with Stan Briggs as Secretary; David Coltrin as President of the Teacher’s Quorum with Irvin Howe as Secretary; Arlyn Johnson as President of the Deacon’s Quorum with Roger Merrill as Secretary; Robert Perkes as Priests Advisor; Ernest Baker as Teacher’s Advisor; George Withers as Deacons Advisor; William Cook as General Secretary of Aaronic Priesthood under age 21.
July 27, 1959
Those set apart were: Leland George Withers as First Assistant to Sunday School Superintendent by H. Grant Bleazard; Albert Johnson as Superintendent of the YMMIA by William F. Rigby; William E. Robison as Activity Counselor of the YMMIA by Albert Johnson; Gayle Mackay as President of the YWMIA by H. Grant Bleazard; Lola Herron as Age Group Counselor of the YWMIA by Gordon L. Mathews.
August 9, 1959
Those sustained were: Arthur Lee, Charlie Coltrin and Enid Coltrin as Sunday School Teachers.
August 16, 1959
Ward Conference Morning Session. 116 in attendance, plus the Junior Sunday School.
President Thompson presiding, with Reed Gibbons conducting. It was held in the Columbia Basin Ward Meetinghouse. Main topics were: Responsibility as Church members, Home Life, and Genealogy.
Ward Conference Evening Session. 140 in attendance. President Thompson presiding and William F. Rigby conducting. Speakers were Bishop Bleazard and President Thompson.
August 23, 1959
Arlyn Johnson was sustained to be advanced to a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.
September 13, 1959
Those sustained were: Ardith Bakon as Drama Director in the MIA; Cecil Barrow to work with sports and dancing in MIA; June Bitton and Roma Sharp as Teachers in Primary; Mary Bleazard and Hortense Nelson as Beehive Teachers; Gordon and Julie Mathews to be in charge of the Mutual Marrieds Class of the MIA.
September 27, 1959
Those released were: Ada Taylor as Primary President, Marilyn Shelton as First Counselor, Ina Woodard as Second Counselor, and Necia Gibbons as Secretary.
Those sustained were Ina Woodard as Primary President, Shirley Cheney as First Counselor and Necia Gibbons as Secretary; Winfred Merrill as Age Group Counselor in YMMIA; and Ida Kelley as Era Director.
September 28, 1959
Some callings: Leonard Robert Ferguson, Second Assistant in Sunday School.
Helen Cunningham as In-Service Trainer in Primary.
Jean Withers and Ada Dial Taylor as Primary teachers.
Rhoda Lee as teacher in Sunday School and YWMIA.
Winfred Merrill as Manual Counselor in YMMIA.
October 25, 1959
Roma Sharp was released as Primary teacher and sustained as Second Counselor in Primary.
November 1, 1959
Elder Max Merrill departed for the Mission Home. He has been assigned to the West Canadian Mission.
November 29, 1959
Courtney Nelson was sustained to be ordained as a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood. Pam Ferguson was sustained as Dance Director in the YWMIA.
December 5, 1959
Arden F. Horton passed away at his home in Eltopia, Washington. The cause of death was a coronary occlusion.
The crops planted on our Ward Farm this year were wheat, sugar beets, peas, clover, alfalfa, milo and beans. Nearly all of the peas blew out and were replaced by beans. The income from the wheat and beets was good. The income from the rest of the crops was very poor. The main source of our Building Income Fund is through the raising of these crops. Each family of the Ward participates in this project.
Dedicatory Prayer for Columbia Basin Ward Building
May 19, 1966
During the past week the members of the ward gathered at the chapel to clean bricks, landscape and do the final cleaning of the building.
May 19. A dedicatory service was held for the new chapel which has just been completed at a cost of $297,640.09. Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, a member of First Council of Seventy, was present and offered the dedicatory address and prayer. He commended the people for the large families and challenged the parents to continually work with and to keep a close association with their children. 253 were in attendance. Following is the dedicatory prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, humbly we present ourselves in this beautiful house this evening, in worship of Thee and we are here in gratitude for the many blessings that we enjoy and we come to express our thanks unto thee, our Father, for the many goodnesses we enjoy. Our Father, we are grateful for the gospel which Thou hast ordained before this life to be sent to this earth to bless thy children. We are grateful for the various dispensations of the gospel and for those who have carried Thy gospel message in the different times in the history of the church.
We are most grateful for the mission of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, that Thou didst love us enough to atone for the sins of Adam and for our sins, that upon the conditions of our faith and repentance that we might come again unto Thee. We are grateful, our Father, for the life of Thy Son, that he did ___ perfect sacrifice and live a perfect life and redeemed us and paid the debts of the sufferings of our sins. Help us, our Father, to keep the covenants which we have made with Thee in Thy behalf.
Our Father, we are grateful for the life and mission of Joseph Smith who restored the gospel in this last dispensation. We are grateful for his life, for the sacrifices he made of his own life to the defense of the truth, and as we have sung here this evening “Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings,” we are grateful for the sacrifices he made and for the blessings it has brought.
Now, we are grateful for our great own prophet, President McKay, for his great leadership, for his great vision of temple building, missionary work, correlations and all of the great things he has done; wilt thou bless him in our respect for him.
Now, we are grateful for one another, Father, for those who belong to the Columbia Basin Ward we offer in their behalf for the progress which they have made and contributions which they have made to this completed chapel, and we offer it unto thee, Our Father, and Our God.
Now, Father, by the power of the Holy Priesthood which I hold I declare this the Columbia Basin Ward Chapel unto Thee and pray that Thou wilt accept it and Thou wilt bless it, that Thou wilt protect it until its mission is completed that no harm or damage will come to it. Wilt Thou cause that it will be a house of reverence, a house of order, that those who enter will receive hope and strength. Wilt Thou cause that the truth will be taught from this pulpit and also from the classrooms and the teachers might be endowed from Thee that the Holy Spirit will take the lead of those minds who are present here. Our Father, provide this holy building that those who enter here might feel the Holy Spirit which hovers in this place. Bless all of the land around it, bless this project, bless this Ward, bless the leaders thereof, our Father, prospereth them in their life’s work in Thy service. Bless the membership of this Ward, our Father, give them blessing beyond their natural capacity to subdue this earth to rear their families as they ought to do that they might enjoy love and harmony in their homes, that peace and plenty will abide, that they will receive truth and act upon it.
Now we are grateful for the great building program of the church, for those who have labored here, for the supervisors, for the work missionaries, for all those who have contributed in any way. Wilt Thou bless them.
Now, we give unto Thee thanks from our hearts and acknowledge Thee as our Father and our God. We pray that Thou wilt continue to help us to so live to merit Thy blessings.
Now, Father, as we come to Thy home, to Thy house as guests, bless us with Thy Spirit and Thy influence and let reverence pervade this place. We now dedicate this building and present it unto Thee and do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
During the past week the members of the ward gathered at the chapel to clean bricks, landscape and do the final cleaning of the building.
May 19. A dedicatory service was held for the new chapel which has just been completed at a cost of $297,640.09. Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, a member of First Council of Seventy, was present and offered the dedicatory address and prayer. He commended the people for the large families and challenged the parents to continually work with and to keep a close association with their children. 253 were in attendance. Following is the dedicatory prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, humbly we present ourselves in this beautiful house this evening, in worship of Thee and we are here in gratitude for the many blessings that we enjoy and we come to express our thanks unto thee, our Father, for the many goodnesses we enjoy. Our Father, we are grateful for the gospel which Thou hast ordained before this life to be sent to this earth to bless thy children. We are grateful for the various dispensations of the gospel and for those who have carried Thy gospel message in the different times in the history of the church.
We are most grateful for the mission of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, that Thou didst love us enough to atone for the sins of Adam and for our sins, that upon the conditions of our faith and repentance that we might come again unto Thee. We are grateful, our Father, for the life of Thy Son, that he did ___ perfect sacrifice and live a perfect life and redeemed us and paid the debts of the sufferings of our sins. Help us, our Father, to keep the covenants which we have made with Thee in Thy behalf.
Our Father, we are grateful for the life and mission of Joseph Smith who restored the gospel in this last dispensation. We are grateful for his life, for the sacrifices he made of his own life to the defense of the truth, and as we have sung here this evening “Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings,” we are grateful for the sacrifices he made and for the blessings it has brought.
Now, we are grateful for our great own prophet, President McKay, for his great leadership, for his great vision of temple building, missionary work, correlations and all of the great things he has done; wilt thou bless him in our respect for him.
Now, we are grateful for one another, Father, for those who belong to the Columbia Basin Ward we offer in their behalf for the progress which they have made and contributions which they have made to this completed chapel, and we offer it unto thee, Our Father, and Our God.
Now, Father, by the power of the Holy Priesthood which I hold I declare this the Columbia Basin Ward Chapel unto Thee and pray that Thou wilt accept it and Thou wilt bless it, that Thou wilt protect it until its mission is completed that no harm or damage will come to it. Wilt Thou cause that it will be a house of reverence, a house of order, that those who enter will receive hope and strength. Wilt Thou cause that the truth will be taught from this pulpit and also from the classrooms and the teachers might be endowed from Thee that the Holy Spirit will take the lead of those minds who are present here. Our Father, provide this holy building that those who enter here might feel the Holy Spirit which hovers in this place. Bless all of the land around it, bless this project, bless this Ward, bless the leaders thereof, our Father, prospereth them in their life’s work in Thy service. Bless the membership of this Ward, our Father, give them blessing beyond their natural capacity to subdue this earth to rear their families as they ought to do that they might enjoy love and harmony in their homes, that peace and plenty will abide, that they will receive truth and act upon it.
Now we are grateful for the great building program of the church, for those who have labored here, for the supervisors, for the work missionaries, for all those who have contributed in any way. Wilt Thou bless them.
Now, we give unto Thee thanks from our hearts and acknowledge Thee as our Father and our God. We pray that Thou wilt continue to help us to so live to merit Thy blessings.
Now, Father, as we come to Thy home, to Thy house as guests, bless us with Thy Spirit and Thy influence and let reverence pervade this place. We now dedicate this building and present it unto Thee and do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
1957 Historical Record
The following entries were taken from historical reports prepared by ward clerks.
January 13, 1957
The following people were sustained in the positions noted:
William E. Robison, Branch Clerk
Norman Johnson, Sunday School teacher
Renee Nielson, Relief Society Teacher
Bardella Johnson, Sunday School Teacher
Arlin Wilson, Genealogy Chairman
June Wilson, Genealogy Secretary
Bonnie Robison, YWMIA Dance Director
The following were released: Arlin Wilson as Branch Clerk, Gayle Mackay as Relief Society organist, and June Monson as Relief Society teacher.
March 8, 1957: Building Fund Banquet held in the Pasco Ward Chapel with 106 present.
April 7, 1957: Renee Nielson was released as Primary teacher and sustained as chorister.
Keith Anderson was sustained as a teacher in Sunday School.
(Reunion planning note: Does anyone have contact information for Keith Anderson and his family?)
Julie Mathews and Muriel Baker were sustained as teachers in Primary.
Norman Johnson was released as Aaronic Priesthood secretary and Wendell Merrill was sustained in his place.
MIA officers were set apart: Jean Withers as President, Ada Taylor as First Counselor, Mary Bleazard as Second Counselor and Rozella (Zella) Davidson as teacher.
May 5, 1957
Hilda Ferguson was released as MIA Attendance Secretary and Gayle Mackay was sustained in her place. Boyd Mackay was released as Secretary of Senior Aaronic Priesthood and Gordon Mathews was sustained his place.
May 12, 1957
Norman Johnson, George Jenkins and June Monson were released as Sunday School teachers. Keith Anderson was sustained as Sunday School teacher and Scout Chairman. Lottie Davidson was sustained as a Sunday School teacher.
June 30, 1957
The following sisters were sustained as Visiting Teachers in Relief Society: Lola Herron, Hilda Ferguson, Leona Poulsen, Mary Bleazard, Pearl Steele, Peggy Salisbury, Fern Anderson, June Monson, Myra Gessel, Julie Mathews, Renee Nielson, Geraldine Merrill, Muriel Baker, Gayle Mackay, Jean Withers, Roma Sharp, Bardella Johnson, Marilyn Shelton, Cleo Mann, Ada Taylor, Bonnie Robison and June Bitton.
July 14, 1957
Emmett Richeson was sustained as Ward Teacher Supervisor.
George Withers was sustained as Ward Teacher Advisor, Ernest (Ernie) Baker as Deacon Advisor, and Thayle Nielson as Priest Advisor.
September 8, 1957
George Herron was released as Sunday School Superintendent along with Counselors Ronald Steele and Reese Hope.
Sustained as Sunday School Superintendent: Ronald Steele, with Assistants Owen Loftus and Wendell Merrill.
October 13, 1957
Cleo Mann was sustained as Sports Director in M.I.A., Jeanne Adamson as Mia Maid Leader, and Sister Ina Woodard as Gleaner Leader.
October 20, 1957
Branch Conference was held at Eltopia School. Presiding at this conference was President James V. Thompson. Visitors: President Glen Behling, Brother McCullough, Brother Julian Nielsen.
Number in attendance at morning session: 133.
Number in attendance at evening session: 102.
November 24, 1957
Russell and Geraldine Gammon were sustained to work on Building Committee.
December 8, 1957
The following were sustained as teachers in the Primary: Mary Johnson, Roma Sharp, Hortense Nelson, Leona Poulson, Necia Gibbons.
December 29, 1957
Albert Johnson was sustained as a teacher in Sunday School.
January 13, 1957
The following people were sustained in the positions noted:
William E. Robison, Branch Clerk
Norman Johnson, Sunday School teacher
Renee Nielson, Relief Society Teacher
Bardella Johnson, Sunday School Teacher
Arlin Wilson, Genealogy Chairman
June Wilson, Genealogy Secretary
Bonnie Robison, YWMIA Dance Director
The following were released: Arlin Wilson as Branch Clerk, Gayle Mackay as Relief Society organist, and June Monson as Relief Society teacher.
March 8, 1957: Building Fund Banquet held in the Pasco Ward Chapel with 106 present.
April 7, 1957: Renee Nielson was released as Primary teacher and sustained as chorister.
Keith Anderson was sustained as a teacher in Sunday School.
(Reunion planning note: Does anyone have contact information for Keith Anderson and his family?)
Julie Mathews and Muriel Baker were sustained as teachers in Primary.
Norman Johnson was released as Aaronic Priesthood secretary and Wendell Merrill was sustained in his place.
MIA officers were set apart: Jean Withers as President, Ada Taylor as First Counselor, Mary Bleazard as Second Counselor and Rozella (Zella) Davidson as teacher.
May 5, 1957
Hilda Ferguson was released as MIA Attendance Secretary and Gayle Mackay was sustained in her place. Boyd Mackay was released as Secretary of Senior Aaronic Priesthood and Gordon Mathews was sustained his place.
May 12, 1957
Norman Johnson, George Jenkins and June Monson were released as Sunday School teachers. Keith Anderson was sustained as Sunday School teacher and Scout Chairman. Lottie Davidson was sustained as a Sunday School teacher.
June 30, 1957
The following sisters were sustained as Visiting Teachers in Relief Society: Lola Herron, Hilda Ferguson, Leona Poulsen, Mary Bleazard, Pearl Steele, Peggy Salisbury, Fern Anderson, June Monson, Myra Gessel, Julie Mathews, Renee Nielson, Geraldine Merrill, Muriel Baker, Gayle Mackay, Jean Withers, Roma Sharp, Bardella Johnson, Marilyn Shelton, Cleo Mann, Ada Taylor, Bonnie Robison and June Bitton.
July 14, 1957
Emmett Richeson was sustained as Ward Teacher Supervisor.
George Withers was sustained as Ward Teacher Advisor, Ernest (Ernie) Baker as Deacon Advisor, and Thayle Nielson as Priest Advisor.
September 8, 1957
George Herron was released as Sunday School Superintendent along with Counselors Ronald Steele and Reese Hope.
Sustained as Sunday School Superintendent: Ronald Steele, with Assistants Owen Loftus and Wendell Merrill.
October 13, 1957
Cleo Mann was sustained as Sports Director in M.I.A., Jeanne Adamson as Mia Maid Leader, and Sister Ina Woodard as Gleaner Leader.
October 20, 1957
Branch Conference was held at Eltopia School. Presiding at this conference was President James V. Thompson. Visitors: President Glen Behling, Brother McCullough, Brother Julian Nielsen.
Number in attendance at morning session: 133.
Number in attendance at evening session: 102.
November 24, 1957
Russell and Geraldine Gammon were sustained to work on Building Committee.
December 8, 1957
The following were sustained as teachers in the Primary: Mary Johnson, Roma Sharp, Hortense Nelson, Leona Poulson, Necia Gibbons.
December 29, 1957
Albert Johnson was sustained as a teacher in Sunday School.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Some Memories
Lynda Atkinson: It will be great to see everyone again, it is hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the ward was build.
Russell and Geraldine Gammon: We were not members of the original Columbia Basin Ward but did go to the branch at the old Eltopia school and have fond memories of all those fine people that welcomed us into the branch. We especially remember the Merrills and the grocery store in downtown Eltopia where we did a lot of business. I especially remember the Withers, Woodards, Davidsons – “Lottie,” the only pianist around on several occasions, also the Mackays who we were especially close to.
We started going there in about April of 1957 and attended until the North Franklin Branch was organized. One person who was especially great was Al Taylor’s wife who taught genealogy. I still have the pages she helped me get started on. Lots of fond memories and also of the difficult economic conditions that all of us were laboring under. All the best to a great reunion. We’ll be there. Russ and Jeri Gammon
Boyd and Gayle Mackay: We won’t be able to make the reunion. We feel bad about it but have chosen to come to Marc’s wedding (a grandson) on the 20th of June. Have a wonderful time.
Dennis and Jill Blodgett: Jill and I are excited to be up there for the “Big Reunion.” As far as my three-year stay in the ward . . . . I have fond memories of our Junior’s team dominating the Area Region in basketball for three years. Traveling to Seattle and staying overnight with the kids and the parents was lots of fun. And of course in order to fund our trips, we worked very hard at “de-beaking” the chicks and clearing out the regular chickens at the chicken farm several times. They paid us well and we spent every dime having super activities as a Priest’s Quorum. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.
Kimberly (Thorne) and Jon Sessions: Oh, how I wish that we lived closer so that we could attend. Jon and I and our three kids live in Providence, Utah (just down the road from Bob and Audrey Howard’s daughter Shauna!). I have a city summer camp that I coordinate that will not end until July 23. We will be in the Tri-Cities at the beginning of August and are excited to come visit the ward. . . . I love the Blog and the pics that are included. So many of the names listed bring back MANY great memories.
Paul Baker: I remember Mike Mackay. We had a really close relationship. I still miss him. When I was baptized in Kennewick, before I changed my clothes I got to watch Mike be baptized. . . . I remember the ferry to Richland. . . . When the church house was built, I remember we helped carry bricks or worked on the building somehow. Dad and others did some of the tractor work.
Betty (Woodard) and Orrin Smith: We were the first ones to have a reception in the barracks building and we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the evening of June 5th but the actual day will be June 6th when we have scheduled a Temple session with our family.
Stan Briggs: Mom (Audrey Briggs) died about 5 yrs ago and dad (Alvin Briggs) will be 90 in July and lives in Bountiful, Utah. Dad's 90th birthday party is scheduled for Sat., July 18th so I am doubtful it can be changed.
Elaine Merrill: Remembers how good and kind Stake President Thompson was.
Remembers her daughter Sharon was the first to get married when the new building was built. The floor was not ready yet. People came together to work on the floor so they could have their reception and a dance, including Evelands.
Betty Leithead: Remembers what a wonderful person Joann Eppich was.
JoAnn Edler remembers fried scones, dime-a-dip turkey dinners and cake walks at the bazaars. Every year, each Relief Society sister was asked to hand-embroider dishtowels for sale at the bazaar.
Jerry Ferguson: When I was having trouble with geometry, Thayle Nielson helped me try to learn it.
Juan & LaPrele Hernandez: It will be very nice to see everyone again.
After moving to California, Enid Coltrin worked for the Department of Ag. In her work, she met Mr. Fitzgerald in Yreka, California, whose son married Mary Ann Bleazard. Charles passed away in 1997. Enid and Charles’ sons ons are Robert, David and Allen. David lived with the family who lived across from Rigbys for awhile when Coltrins moved to Ellensburg.
Cleo Mann was the softball coach for 21 years.
Cary Withers remembers meeting in Rigby’s unfinished basement for Sacrament Meeting and looking through 2 x 4s.
Russell and Geraldine Gammon: We were not members of the original Columbia Basin Ward but did go to the branch at the old Eltopia school and have fond memories of all those fine people that welcomed us into the branch. We especially remember the Merrills and the grocery store in downtown Eltopia where we did a lot of business. I especially remember the Withers, Woodards, Davidsons – “Lottie,” the only pianist around on several occasions, also the Mackays who we were especially close to.
We started going there in about April of 1957 and attended until the North Franklin Branch was organized. One person who was especially great was Al Taylor’s wife who taught genealogy. I still have the pages she helped me get started on. Lots of fond memories and also of the difficult economic conditions that all of us were laboring under. All the best to a great reunion. We’ll be there. Russ and Jeri Gammon
Boyd and Gayle Mackay: We won’t be able to make the reunion. We feel bad about it but have chosen to come to Marc’s wedding (a grandson) on the 20th of June. Have a wonderful time.
Dennis and Jill Blodgett: Jill and I are excited to be up there for the “Big Reunion.” As far as my three-year stay in the ward . . . . I have fond memories of our Junior’s team dominating the Area Region in basketball for three years. Traveling to Seattle and staying overnight with the kids and the parents was lots of fun. And of course in order to fund our trips, we worked very hard at “de-beaking” the chicks and clearing out the regular chickens at the chicken farm several times. They paid us well and we spent every dime having super activities as a Priest’s Quorum. We are looking forward to seeing everyone.
Kimberly (Thorne) and Jon Sessions: Oh, how I wish that we lived closer so that we could attend. Jon and I and our three kids live in Providence, Utah (just down the road from Bob and Audrey Howard’s daughter Shauna!). I have a city summer camp that I coordinate that will not end until July 23. We will be in the Tri-Cities at the beginning of August and are excited to come visit the ward. . . . I love the Blog and the pics that are included. So many of the names listed bring back MANY great memories.
Paul Baker: I remember Mike Mackay. We had a really close relationship. I still miss him. When I was baptized in Kennewick, before I changed my clothes I got to watch Mike be baptized. . . . I remember the ferry to Richland. . . . When the church house was built, I remember we helped carry bricks or worked on the building somehow. Dad and others did some of the tractor work.
Betty (Woodard) and Orrin Smith: We were the first ones to have a reception in the barracks building and we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on the evening of June 5th but the actual day will be June 6th when we have scheduled a Temple session with our family.
Stan Briggs: Mom (Audrey Briggs) died about 5 yrs ago and dad (Alvin Briggs) will be 90 in July and lives in Bountiful, Utah. Dad's 90th birthday party is scheduled for Sat., July 18th so I am doubtful it can be changed.
Elaine Merrill: Remembers how good and kind Stake President Thompson was.
Remembers her daughter Sharon was the first to get married when the new building was built. The floor was not ready yet. People came together to work on the floor so they could have their reception and a dance, including Evelands.
Betty Leithead: Remembers what a wonderful person Joann Eppich was.
JoAnn Edler remembers fried scones, dime-a-dip turkey dinners and cake walks at the bazaars. Every year, each Relief Society sister was asked to hand-embroider dishtowels for sale at the bazaar.
Jerry Ferguson: When I was having trouble with geometry, Thayle Nielson helped me try to learn it.
Juan & LaPrele Hernandez: It will be very nice to see everyone again.
After moving to California, Enid Coltrin worked for the Department of Ag. In her work, she met Mr. Fitzgerald in Yreka, California, whose son married Mary Ann Bleazard. Charles passed away in 1997. Enid and Charles’ sons ons are Robert, David and Allen. David lived with the family who lived across from Rigbys for awhile when Coltrins moved to Ellensburg.
Cleo Mann was the softball coach for 21 years.
Cary Withers remembers meeting in Rigby’s unfinished basement for Sacrament Meeting and looking through 2 x 4s.
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