Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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

Monday, January 18, 2010

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

Sunday, January 17, 2010

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