Vernon Stake History- Merritt Branch 2013 Primary Missionary Event

Submitted by Garry Rayner, Vernon 2nd Ward

Communication Specialist

Ward Temple and Family History Consultant

Jan 26, 2013 - We had our first missionary/primary event.  Very successful, 7 children, 6 adults attended.  In the evening the baptisms of Gordon and Iona Mathieson took place, the first baptisms in years.  Rob Jensen baptized Gordon and Elder Aldred baptized Iona.  There were 14 persons in attendance.  Talks were given by Elder Garrett and myself on baptism and the holy ghost respectively"  A year later, The Mathiesons were sealed in the Vancouver temple. 

Sister Mathieson passed away a year later, strong in the faith.  Gordon remarried and still serves faithfully in the Church today. Merritt Branch Pictures:

1.  Merritt and Clearwater members gathered for services in November, 2013

2.  President and Sister Rayner, 2012

3.  Baptism of Rene Bolton, 23 FEB 2013

4.  "Elder Anderson" and other primary children learn how to tie a missionary tie in January 2013! Merritt's focus was on missionary work. 

5.  Baptism of Dallas Warrington 3 May 2013  

There were 9 adult converts and 1 nine year old baptism between September 2012 - Sept 2013: Gordon and Iona Mathieson (26 Jan 2013); Elizabeth Coutlee (17 Feb 2013); Timothy Sheena and Rene Bolton (23 Feb 2013); Dallas Warrington (5 Mar 2013); Bryce Johnny (16 April 2013); Tiffany Pop and Red Cloud Adams (29 June 2013);  Sunset Pop (18 Aug 2013).

Please let us know if you have a Vernon Stake History story to share!!