The Final Day of the Cedar 7th Ward

I have only lived in Cedar for a short while. In that time I have come to love many of the members of the Cedar 7th Ward. Last week there was a letter read in Sacrament Meeting from the Stake Presidency. It discussed the need for members of the 2nd, 7th and 8th Wards to gather at the Stake Center tonight for a special meeting that would outline changes to boundaries. Now, I have gone through this a couple of times. In Carson City I was present when the 5 Wards were completely realigned, renamed and restaffed. It was an inspiring move by the Stake President. In Florida I was serving in the Stake when we split the Highlands Ward and I know how much time and prayer and planning went into that effort. I was also serving in the Stake again two years later when those two Wards were brought back together. You might think the leaders were not inspired in that call but alas, they were. There were great opportunities for growth and service for many of the Saints there. The economic hardships caused a few families to relocate from the area. The youth programs began to dwindle and it became increasingly difficult to adequately staff each unit. Both moves were the right ones at the time they happened and again, there was significant growth and development to many of the members.

Cedar City is a place rich with history. I was amazed to learn tonight that the 2nd Ward was actually founded in 1908. Both it and the 1st Ward share the same origination date. Makes sense as there would have simply been a Cedar City Ward prior to that time. The 8th Ward was founded in 1946 or 47 - cant remember exactly. Anyway, it too has a long history and many traditions. The Cedar 7th Ward was founded in 1955 and is often referred to as the mother ward. Apparently it once encompassed everything that was West. Many of the new Wards formed in Cedar came as divisions of the 7th Ward. It has been filled with great leaders. I am amazed at how many of the leaders in our Stake lived in the 7th Ward at some point in their lives. There is also a great deal of love between the Saints that have called the 7th Ward their home for so many years. There are some in the Ward that have been there from the beginning. They have raised their families in this Ward. I don't imagine that it was an easy thing for them to go to this meeting today not knowing what would become of their Ward.

In Sacrament Meeting the topic was sustaining your church leaders. I think that was done with a clear purpose in mind. The change to the Ward was going to be hard for a lot of these old members. Well, the changes were announced and the three Wards would become two. The dividing line essentially cut the 7th Ward in half and split it between the 2nd and 8th. There were also some boundary changes there that affected those Wards as well. The Wards will be known as the 2nd and the 8th Wards. New Bishops have been called in each of the new units. They will have a lot of work to do in the next couple of weeks to be sure. I don't know our new Bishop. He was from the 8th Ward. Most of the Bishopric called is from the 8th Ward. Shawn Garfield was called as the 2nd Counselor. I knew something was up with him as soon as I walked into the Chapel. First, he had on a suit - never seen him in one of those before. Second, he shaved off his flavor enhancer. Third, he was nervous as could be sitting there by his wife. I think he will do a good job and am happy for his family.

Ken and Georgia were in Church today and that was a special treat. They stopped here to pay respects to a member who passed recently. I don't really know him. I think his name was Bud Rhodes. I am not certain of that. If it was who I think it is then I always enjoyed shaking his hand and sharing a little smile whenever I saw him. I didn't know his name and don't think he knew mine but we had a friendship - assuming it is the right guy. I always enjoyed seeing him and feeling of his spirit. Anyhow, Ken was right up there passing the Sacrament with his friends. How appropriate on this last day of the 7th Ward. We were a little emotional when we shook hands after the meeting and then I saw Georgia in the foyer and that was tough. I just love these good people. Ken shared a few thoughts in Priesthood and talked about his love for the work. He has had a great time in the MTC. He talked about learning how to zero in on a street and being able to see up and down that street with Satellites. It was pretty funny. He said he wasn't going to come to the meeting tonight. He feared that if they dissolved the 7th Ward he would cry all the way to Portland tomorrow. I imagine that this will be so.

The day was spent doing the work. The month was a tough one with families traveling and other conflicts so my home teaching was put off until today. Well, it wasn't as much put off as it was scheduled for today. That was the day that happened to work. So I was out and about and finished my assignments strong. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Fawson's and the Smith's. Today was my first opportunity to visit the Thurgoods since getting that assignment in May. It was good to visit these families. I would put out a special request to continue home teaching the Fawson's. The Thurgoods are okay too. I would have gladly kept the Smith's but they are now in the other ward. I can hope right?

I have not been shy in stating that my least favorite calling in the church starts with Elders Quorum and ends with Presidency. I have now been released from yet another one. I sat next to President Fawson in the meeting and I know how much he loved the quorum and serving the members of the Ward. I have loved this presidency and have thoroughly enjoyed serving with President Fawson. I was sad to have that release come and sad for President Fawson. He is a great friend and I love his family. He has a pure heart and I am a better person for knowing him and will miss serving with him.

You know, I have to say how proud I am of some of the Elders. They were also out today doing their duty. Brother Will Bagnal and Brother Mabb out together. That makes me happy. These things will never be reported now with the sudden change to the Ward but the Lord knows and they know and I am grateful for their service.

Today was Jays birthday. The man is 35 years old. What an old fart. Wait, I should not say such things as this means I will be celebrating a birthday next Sunday. Despite what many think I am older than Jay. I can see where people think Pete is older but not so sure I look younger than Jay. That is a good thing I guess. It is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly. Well, Jay, you are a great man with a great family. I am grateful for your hard work and your dedication to the gospel. May you enjoy your small break as the Young Mens President. Perhaps they will come up with a special new Ward calling as zipper checker, just for you.

And so it is that we bid farewell to the Cedar City 7th Ward. I am happy for our good Bishop Jenkins to enjoy an honorable release. He has labored diligently. I am grateful again for the time I had to associate with these good members. They have touched my life and been so wonderful to my little family. I am grateful for the changes and look forward to meeting some new people and experiencing some new growth. People of the Cedar 8th Ward I say to you; brace yourselves, Jack comes home on Tuesday and he is going to have something to say about that stained glass window in the Chapel come Fast and Testimony Meeting.