Historical Sites & President Cato's story

         This is the monument erected for the beginning of the Oregon Trail out of Independence, Missouri.  All three trails to the west began in Independence.  The Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe, and the later Mormon Battalion Trail.  Sister Atwood is standing by the Oregon Trail sign because she is from Oregon and the sign was erected in 1948, the year she was born in Oregon.

         This is the gravestone of William McLellin, one of the original twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We found it in the cemetery across from our apartment.  He was baptized in 1831 right at the time the Saints first came to Missouri.  He played a significant role in the history here.  But, later, he left the church and returned to live in Jackson County where he became a prominent citizen and lived the rest of his life.  He died and was buried in Independence.  No, he isn't related to our McClelland line.

        This is our Stake President, President Cato with his sweet wife.  They were at a fireside last week in the VC where he bore his testimony and told of his conversion.  She sang three songs and has a lovely voice.  Without being able to convey the spirit with which he told of his conversion, I will abridge his story and do my best.
        He and his entire family were closely knit together in their beliefs within their church.  But changes within that church caused them to pull away and begin meeting together on Sundays as a family to discuss those doctrines they believed to be true.  Within a short time, friends and others were meeting with them.  Soon they had 300 people in their congregation.  So, they decided to buy a Church building.  One day his father and mother came to him and said they were going to Salt Lake City to see if "it was true?"  He refused to go with them when they loaded their vans with eleven members of his family.
        He continued giving Sunday sermons to his congregation.  The family returned and said, "It is TRUE!"  They were all being baptized into the LDS Church.  He agreed to attend their baptism, but couldn't accept it for himself.  At the baptism, his mother, dressed in white, came to him and pleaded, "just be baptized now, and get your testimony later."  She was completely converted.  But, he needed a sure conversion.
        Later at his church, while preaching his beliefs as customarily he had done, he was asked why he was teaching Mormon Doctrine?  Another friend at church spoke up and said that he was, "under the influence of Satan."  He left the room with his wife.  That was the last time he attended that church.
        Now, he needed answers.  He needed time to find out and know for himself which was true!  He went to the source.  He called the Mission President, who quickly sent two young LDS missionaries over to his home.  He bombarded them with his questions.  They pulled out paper and pencil to write each question down.  They said they would be back to teach him and give him answers.  When they returned, they brought the Mission President Cope with them.
        Discussions were given, answers were given, but he didn't want to make another mistake.  He had to be sure!  Four weeks later, when asked about baptism, he wasn't ready.  The President then said, "We need to pray!"  After the prayer, he was asked again.  He still didn't feel what he needed.  The Mission President said, "We need to Pray again."  Finally, the Mission President asked if he would like a blessing?  He answered YES.  He doesn't remember what the young Elder said in the Blessing.  But, he remembered the feeling of fresh air enveloping his entire frame and an undeniable feeling of love encompassing him which he could not describe to us.  But, when he rose from the chair he said, "Yes, I will be baptized!"  It was the greatest decision he has made.  It has changed his life and his wife and children's lives.  He is now our Stake President and serves the Lord with all his heart, knowing that he serves in Jesus Christ's Church.

Conversion Stories Fireside

          This is Brad Smith, between the Elders who taught him the Gospel.  His grandchild had recently died and he was looking for answers.  He had lived in Utah, at Hill AFB, for two years and saw good examples of Church members.  He  served in Iraq and now is a Contractor serving in Iraq.  The timing was right for him.  He listened to the missionaries and found answers to his questions.  It has changed his life and brought him the peace he was looking for.

         This lady is Denise.  She is here with her 11 year old daughter.  She married a member many years ago which brought her in association with many other members.  But, she was raised Catholic and never wanted to change.  However, she let her two children attend the Church with their grandmother.  When both of them wanted to be baptized, she sat in on the lessons with the missionaries.  Was it her time?  She asked her husband if he would attend so they could do this as a family.  To her surprise, he said it was time for him also.   The entire family is baptized and attends church together as a complete family.  She said it was a miracle!

         This is John Edwards, "Little John" with the missionary who taught him.  He was going through some difficult trials and on his knees praying to the Lord for guidance.  Just then, the missionaries knocked on his door.  He was in tune enough to recognize the answer from the Lord.  He listened and humbly bore his testimony of how the Gospel Message changed his life and put him on a path of joy and happiness he can never forget.

         This is Marco with Sister Atwood.  When he took the missionary discussions, he was full of questions.  He was searching for TRUTHS.  Every question he asked, was answered exactly the way he needed.  He knew it was the truth he was looking for.  He was so excited, he took off work and went to the South to tell his family, Sister and Nephews about his new church.  They were a bit surprised and confused, but could see he was convinced.  While visiting there, two young missionaries drove by on their bikes, and guess what?  He invited them to teach his relatives.  He's already a missionary in action.

         This is Peter.  His life was not going well.  He attended another church and felt scared and fearful because of his past life, but was sincerely looking for a new way to live.  Then, he met the missionaries.  They made him feel accepted.  He listened, read the Book of Mormon, and was baptized.  At his baptism, as he came out of the water, he heard someone ask, "How do you feel now?"  He said, "I feel so good!"  No one was there.  He felt it was a miracle for him.

         This couple, Brother & Sister Merchon, are members of our Riverview Ward.  They are very active and dedicated.  Brother Merchon speaks Spanish and just a little English.  However, when Sister Atwood gave a talk in church, he experienced something special.  He heard every word she said in English and understood it.  What a blessing for him to experience this gift.

         This is President Jeff Clayton with his wife and Sister Atwood.  They were visiting the mission.  He is the second great grandson of William Clayton.  He was the Mission President of Independence Missouri ten years ago.  He is the man who originated the Firesides we currently have bi-monthly where these new converts share their testimonies with us.  He and his wife are now laboring in Africa, where he serves as an Attorney for the Church.  He bore a powerful testimony of the Missionary Work.  He said, with experiences too many to mention, that Joseph Smith leads this work from beyond the veil.  That the time is hastening and the work is being done.  President Keyes concluded with his powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and who He really is.
       
         I also know that Joseph Smith is the prophet who restored this Gospel and Church again upon the earth.  That he gave his life in obedience to God's commandments to bring the Priesthood and the ordinances.  That he was persecuted, slandered, ridiculed, and tried.  Yet, he knew it was Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who appeared to him and guided him in this complete restoration.
        I also know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He gave His life setting up His Church in His day; proclaiming the truths and the ordinances for each of us to have Salvation and Exaltation.  He is now giving us all another chance to accept these truths, follow Him, be baptized, enter into the covenants and temple ordinances and endure to the end, so that we can return to Him.  The time is shortening.  Now is the time for each of us to choose to follow our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, so that when He comes, we will be like Him and ready to live with Him.

Historical Sites & People

        These are the two oldest buildings in Westport (Kansas City.)  The building on the left was the Jim Bridger Store.  He purchased this store after he sold Fort Bridger to Brigham Young.  The building on the right was purchased by Albert Boone (grandson of Daniel) in 1854 and used as an Inn (The Old Westport Inn.)  They were both used as outfitting stations for wagon trains moving west.


                                           
         This is a close-up of the Jim Bridger Store.

         Jim Bridger lived the rest of his life here and is buried in the Washington Cemetery between KC and Independence.

         This is the old courthouse room, up stairs in the Independence Courthouse.  The building has been updated several times, but is on the same ground as the one in 1830's when the saints were there.  The back three windows are the original ones.  The building has been added onto, but the old building still remains.

         This is the council room on the main floor where Harry S. Truman was the presiding Councilman.  They called it a judge, but they decided civic regulations.  He later became President, but they have refurnished the room in the time period of Truman.

         This is Brother Castillo.  While in California, he was put in an old folks home, and was expected to die.  He had gang-green in his foot.  He was completely depressed.  Since here with his son, he has had his foot amputated and is now recovering nicely and so happy.  He never misses a Sunday.  His testimony of prayer and hope is wonderful.

         This is Brother Jeffreys.  He is an energetic, outgoing member who loves the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Since joining the church, he has been to the temple and SLC where he loved the Church sites and the temples there.  He is remembered by most missionaries who ever served in the Riverview Ward.  The Rowbury's in A.F. knew him when he served as a young missionary back here in Missouri.

         This is Missy and her mother Alice.  They are new converts and spoke at the Fireside last Sunday.  Missy heard of the church in her Science class.  They were discussing religions when a friend said he was a Mormon.  She asked, "What's a Mormon?"  He told her about the church.  She wanted to know more and have it proven to her.  She said she was Agnostic.  Soon, she was taking the missionary discussions because she really wanted to know and had many questions.  Her mother began to join in and ask her questions also.  They both read the BofM and tried Moroni's promise.  Missy said, she told the Holy Ghost to, "try his stuff" so she would know he was real.  When she tried out for a Cello contest she asked if the Holy Ghost would help her.  She said it was unreal the way she played.  Something truly helped her in the contest.  It was a cute testimony!

         These are relatives of the Shethi's.  The young man is their nephew standing here with his wife and daughter.  They run a motel.  They come from India and are not members, but love to cook and are outstanding people.  They had an arranged marriage and are so cute and happy.  Sister Atwood & Sister Shethi are in the back.

        These are members.  TC and Charlene Shethi.  We love them.  They are great people.  He is the uncle to the above couple.  He is from India.  Charlene is from Fiji Islands.  They joined several years ago and have gone through the temple and are valiant people in the ward.  He also loves to cook Indian food.  So, we have had a real taste.