Building a Church; Building a Ward

Hello Dear Reader,
At the ground breaking ceremony Bishop Le Grande Richards explained the building program as it then functioned in the church. The cost of the new building would be about $170,000--a tremendous amount in 1951 equal to $1,394,439 in 2008. The Church would pay 70% of the cost but it would be up to the local members to come up with the other 30% or the equivalent of $418,331.70 in 2008. In order to meet the local share ward members could contirbute labor for which they would be credited.

As the construction progressed ward members caught the spirit of the program and turned out in large numbers to dig trenches, pour concrete, do carpentryy work, assist the masonry contractors, and so on. Men, women, and children contributed their time and talents toward building the new church.
Love,
Aunt Genni

Overwhelming Responsibility

Hello Dear Reader,
On May 1, 1951 another important event took place. LaGrand Richards, Presiding Bishop of the Church, came to Provo representing the general authorities of the Church. His purpose was to break ground for a new building to house the Rivergrove Wards. Elder Richards charged the members with the responsibility of getting the new chapel built and paid for. There was also a new Stake House to help build along with a seminary building.

This was a difficult time. The attendance of Sacrament meeting was very low (13%) and the attitude of members was negative. Members within the boundaries of the ward had never been asked to do much. I remember Grandpa saying that he prayed that just five active families would move into the ward. It wasn't long until his prayers were answered and the existing ward members began to rally around the new bishopric. Soon Rivergrove 2nd Ward's attendance was the highest in the Stake.
Love,
Aunt Genni

Reorganization

Hello Dear Reader,
On April 21, 1951 Grandpa (Wesley C.) Carter was sustained bishop of the newly formed Rivergrove 2nd Ward. He could not have forseen that he would have a granddaughter born on that day twenty-five years later. He and Grandma (Mary) made a trip to Salt Lake where he was ordained a bishop and a high priest. Brother and Sister Olsen, Brother Houtz, and Brother and Sister Walker accompanied them. Brother Olsen and Brother Houtz were also ordained high priests. Then Grandpa was set apart as bishop of the Rivergrove 2nd Ward and his counselors and clerk were also set apart.

Following the division of the ward they continued to meet jointly with the Rivergrove 1st Ward. But then it became necessary for Rivergrove 2nd to move into the old Pioneer Ward building which was being remodeled. Grandpa said, "What a mess!"
Love,
Aunt Genni

Counselors and Clerks

Hello Dear Reader,

The Stake Presidency told Grandpa (Wes) Carter to go home and pray about who he should have for counselors and clerks and report back to them by the middle of the week. He knew without any doubt who his counselors should be--he chose Arland Olsen as 1st counselor and Blaine Houtz as 2nd counselor; he chose LeMar Mangum as ward clerk with Russell Walker as financial clerk.

His counselors had both been teammates on the Pioneer Ward Basketball team. Blaine was 21 years old and had just returned from a mission, but Wes had prayed about this several times and always got the same answer--Blaine should be a counselor. Here's a photo of the basketball team they played on. Arland (Cory) is number 5; Blaine, 6; and Wes, 11. Isn't it interesting how lives seem to connect and paths cross?

Love,

Aunt Genni

A Call in the Night

Hello Dear Reader,
About April 1, 1951 Grandpa (Wes) and Grandma (Mary) Carter were awakened by a ringing phone. It was April Fool's day but Grandpa got up and answered the phone anyway. It was President J. Earl Lewis wanting Wes and Mary to come to his office as soon as they could get there.

President Lewis and his counselors interviewed them and asked if Wes would accept the calling of bishop in the new ward that was to be created. Wes said, "Yes," and was counseled to go home and pray about who he would like for counselors and clerks. He was to report back to them by the middle of the week. Wes was 32 years old and Mary was 30. What a huge responsibility for such a young couple.
Love,
Aunt Genni

Rumors

Hello Dear Reader,
Early in the spring of 1951 rumors were going around that Rivergrove Ward was to be divided. There was much speculation who the new bishop would be. Grandpa (Wes) said to Grandma (Mary Hall) Carter, "I know who the new bishop is going to be." When Grandma asked, "Who?" Grandpa replied, "Me."

Mary was concerned that Wes would be let down if he wasn't called as bishop but he said, "No I won't because I know they will call me." How's that for confidence?
Love,
Aunt Genni

Growing Confidence

Hello Dear Reader,

When Grandpa (Wes) became active he became really active. It wasn't long until he was called to be Sunday School superintendent. Meanwhile he and Mary participated in church dances and other activities. He really began to love being in the spotlight. In fact, he became quite the thespian and participated in several plays and skits. He also continued to play church basketball and softball. As he became acquainted with more people he became more and more confident.

This is a photo of Wes Carter, Corey Olsen, Harold Curtiss, and Odessa Snow in the play, "The Haunted House." It was performed in the Rivergrove Ward.

Love,

Aunt Genni