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.

Dinner at Bishop's then VC duty

         We are having dinner at Bishop Munger's home.  Bishop Munger is at the head of the table in front.  We have three sets of Senior Missionaries in our ward.  Elder & Sister Burgess are left of the table.  Elder & Sister Lillywhite are at the end.  Elder Atwood is taking the picture.  Sister Atwood is behind Sister Munger.  Sister Munger is from Cambodia.  She invited all of us for Dinner last Monday evening.  She fixed Chicken & Dumplings and loves to cook.

         These are all the little Mungers.  They ate on the floor.  Makayla is nine, Ket is five, and Zack is 2.  They are full of life!

         After dinner, we went to the VC to substitute.  Sister Jorgensen, the fourth girl from the right with the long blond hair, used to teach this couple sitting on the couch.  He said he would never step foot in the church again, but they were both fans of the Wisconsin football team.  So, they let her visit them.  One week before she was transferred, he came to church.  It's been some time now and they came to visit her at the VC.  She took them thru the tour and asked, how they felt or if they had any questions.  They both pulled out new recommends!  They are going to be sealed in 4 more months.  It was an exciting evening for everyone.  We got to be part of it!!!

         The young sisters sing at the end of the tours.  The sister on the far left is from Las Vegas.  She is a strong girl, but was harassed by a couple just before we got there.  Unfortunately, some people are bitter and unkind about religion.  But, she bore her testimony to them and was a trooper!

        These are two of the Elders we work with in the ward.  Elder Grzan & Elder Hart.  They are teaching this lady, Amy Snow.  She went to the VC with us and the Elders and her son Gavin, who is seven years old.  She enjoyed it.  By the way, I gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon from Lanae Kirkham, with her testimony in it.  She loved the personal message.

Fireside at Liberty Jail

         This is a bank in Liberty.  It is down the street from the Historical Liberty Jail where Joseph Smith was incarcerated.  This is the first bank in the US that was robbed in broad daylight by none other than Jesse & Frank James, Missouri boys.

         This is the outside of Liberty Jail, taken at night.  We attend a bi-monthly fireside here on Sunday evenings and listen to President Keyes and his wife.  We also hear testimonies of recent converts in the area.

         This is the original key to the Liberty Jail when Joseph Smith was held there.  It's on display.  Elder Atwood is taking the picture.  His hands are reflected in the glass.  Oh, well?

         This is one of the six converts who bore his testimony.  He is a student here from China.  He had no idea why he ended up in Kansas City.  But, he was contacted by the missionaries and taught the gospel.  He read the Book of Mormon and tears ran down his cheeks.  When he visited the VC and watched the film about Joseph Smith, he couldn't stop the tears.  Though he wants to learn more, he knows that it is true from the witness of the Holy Ghost.  It was so touching to listen to his humble testimony.  He is also just learning about Jesus Christ and is so humble and feels the truth.  Awesome!

        This lady and her son were also baptized.  She let the missionaries in because she felt sorry for them being ridiculed by neighboring people.  She had been a member of several religions, including Jewish.  When she read and studied the Book of Mormon, she believed it.  She had recognized the prophecy in Ezekiel about two sticks, one for Judah (Bible) and one for Joseph (Book of Mormon.)  She also knew some Hebrew and was fascinated by the truths she learned about how the two books came together.  She studied hard and bore a powerful testimony.  I was very impressed with her knowledge and how it again verified to me that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of Jesus Christ.  This Church is so TRUE!!  I'm reminded every day and it's so comforting to know that we're on the right path!

A side note:  President Keyes told of a Hebrew Linguist who asked to be baptized after reading D&C 113.  He said, Joseph Smith would have quoted that ..."in the name of Jesus Christ."  But, John the Baptist would have quoted it, ..."in the name of Messiah."  So, he believed!

More Historical Sites

         This is the hill where the Battle of the Blue was fought.  It was a skirmish between the Missourians in Jackson County and the Saints.  It is located on this hill above the Blue River, which is in the far background.  During the shooting, two men from Missouri were killed and one Morman was killed.  It was the battle that began the saints being driven from Jackson Co. into Clay county in 1833.  It is located in our Ward boundaries.

         This is inside the Community of Christ's Temple,  It is the spiral leading up to the tower pinnacle.

         This is also inside the C of C Temple, (the Reorganized Church), in the main foyer where flags from each nation are displayed.  They represent the nations where their members are located.

         This is a restored home of Mr. Flournoy, who sold Edward Partridge the 160.3 acres in 1831 for the church.  On this acreage, the temple ground was dedicated and Zion was to be built.  The house has been moved up the street and is now located across from the temple lot.

         This is the Gilbert and Whitney store.  It is still named that today.  It was the location of the old Gilbert store which served as the bishop's storehouse in 1832-33.  It was one of the properties owned by the church back then.

         This is the site of the WW Phelps Printing Office that was leveled to the down to the ground in 1833.  His press was thrown out the window in the second story room and later ended up in Liberty where a Missouri Newspaper used it.  This violent act happened right after Edward Partridge and Charles Allen were tarred & feathered on the town square (across the street.)  for an example to the saints that the mobs meant business!  The Printing Office was located in now what is seen here as the parking lot.  I put the picture in because Levi Hancock remodeled the two story building for the printing office.  Phelps and his family lived in the downstairs.

         This is the Independence Jail on the right.  It was a regular place for Jesse & Frank James who lived in Missouri.  It has a tour etc.  On the left is the place or site where the original jail was built in 1829 and housed Joseph Smith and others.  It was rebuilt in time to house Porter Rockwell when he was waiting for trial for attempting to shoot Governor Boggs.  He pled innocent and was eventually released.  But, the jail is in the same (sort of) place.

         This is the now Kansas City Temple, right off I-435, just west of Liberty.  We went through a session two days ago.  Dad loved the new film.  It is beautiful!  How blessed we are to have temples and the correct way to return as families to our Heavenly Father.  We know that the gospel is true!  The church is the vehicle to carry us back to God's presence if we are dedicated to staying in that vehicle.  The Savior, Jesus Christ, has made it possible to get back in that vehicle if WE CHOOSE.

        This is an area in our ward boundary where the Whitman Settlement was.  The houses are new, but the land is the same rolling hills, trees, meadows, as the early Saints lived in.  Being close by, we see it daily.  Come see us any of you and we'll show you what we've learned in this Historical Paradise.

Sites and Experiences

         This is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' Visitor Center in Independence.  We call it the VC.  The missionaries often take investigators through this building.  It is well done and a "must see" when visiting Independence.  We will substitute here, but haven't yet.  I am standing on the Temple ground where the corner stones were placed for the Temple that never was built.  All of the seen property and more (63) acres was purchased by Bishop Partridge in 1831 for the church.  At present we own the VC and to the left or east of it and some other land of course.

         This is the first baptism we attended.  These two children were baptized because their loving grandmother (in red coat) took them to church.  She doesn't speak a word of English, but has gone to church for five years just because she loves the feeling there.  Their father is not a member and is on the left.  Elder Kiene (who lives upstairs from us) baptized them.  Elder Everett (standing next to Elder Kiene) is a cousin to Michael and Russell Bird from American Fork.

         This is me at the dest at Historic Liberty Jail.  Elder Atwood and I welcomed visitors as the Young Sisters took them through on the tours.  I put "Historic" because people call to find out if a friend is in the Liberty Jail.  In fact, someone called while were were there, asking if a particular person was in the jail.  I of course had to say, "This is the Historic Liberty Jail."

         This is the Slober family.  They are from Liberia.  They are members.  From left to right: Alice with her son Frances (who wouldn't look at the camera.)  Their two sons, and Brother & Sister Slober.

         This is the parents.  She doesn't speak very much English.  They collect money from other Liberians to help bring individuals to our country from Liberia.  It costs $4800.00 to bring one person into the US.  He came ten years ago.  His family came about five years ago.  They joined the church here.  One son, Augustine, and Alice joined with their parents.

        Brother Slober is 75 years old.  When we asked if we could take his picture, he said yes.  Then he disappeared.  We wondered what happened and if he had understood us.  But, in a few minutes he returned all dressed up in his suit and tie.  He looked great!  It was so cute.