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.