The Hand of the Lord - A History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Saskatchewan

A History of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
in Saskatchewan
Kenneth Svenson ~ Editor
Brook Harker ~ Associate Editor
t
The Hand of the LordThe Hand of the Lord
The following are selected pages from the 304 pages of
the book, selected to give you a preview of the book's
content. Some pages are taken from the Church History
section while others are from the personal accounts.
George Gordon Whyte – First convert baptism
Outstanding story of faith and dedicated service
15 Join the Church in Regina
Great example that multiple conversions happen
Missionary Work on Carry-the-Kettle Reserve (1947)
Early promise of interest among First Nations
James Henry McKay - Church pioneer in Prince Albert
Andrea Penner - "Tell the Prophet My Name"
A child's faith and a prophet's attention to the one
Wayne P. Tiefenbach - Because of George Hasegawa
Blessing brought to a less-active family
Leon and Sarah Willet - He listened to The Spoken Word
Conversion story in North Battleford
Judy Niznik - Part of a Grand Design
Conversion story in Saskatoon
Bernice Judd - Answers to my questions
Sherry Knight - Brand new member
Personal histories and photos
John A.G. Spencer - Reactivated by a 12-year-old scout
Ian George Stewart - So blessed it humbles me
Testimonies

Table of Contents
4 INTRODUCTION
8 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Canadian Context ........................................................................................................8
Early Saskatchewan Church History (1905-1920) ...................................................9
Increasing Church Development (1925-1933) .......................................................18
Regina and Saskatchewan at large (1934-1938) .................................................... 25
Largest Saskatchewan Baptism (May 28, 1939) .....................................................29
The War Years (1940 - 1945) ....................................................................................32
Branching Out (1946-1955) .................................................................................... 36
First New Chapel; Saskatchewan District Formed (1955 -1961) ........................ 46
South And North Saskatchewan Districts Formed (1961 - 1977) ......................51
Saskatoon Saskatchewan Stake (1978 - 1997) ........................................................63
Regina Saskatchewan Temple (1998 - 2000) ..........................................................81
Regina Saskatchewan & Saskatoon Saskatchewan Stakes(2001andbeyond…) .....93
100 APPENDICES
100 WORK AMONG THE LAMANITES
122 THE CHURCH EDUCATION SYSTEM
132 REGINA FAMILY HISTORY CENTRE
138 YOUNG WOMEN
143 PROJECTS AND FUND RAISING
146 WARD & BRANCH HISTORIES
Battlefords ...................................................................................................146
Flin Flon .......................................................................................................151
Kindersley .................................................................................................................160
Melfort .........................................................................................................163
Moose Jaw ................................................................................................... 164
Prince Albert ..............................................................................................167
Punnichy ......................................................................................................174
Regina .........................................................................................................................176
Saskatoon .................................................................................................... 194
Swift Current .............................................................................................. 196
Young Single Adult Branches .................................................................................201
204 INDIVIDUAL STORIES
Bernice Bascom ....................................................................................................... 204
Sterling Burch .......................................................................................................... 206
Kent Cahoon ............................................................................................................ 207
Rhoda Charmbury .................................................................................................. 207
Victor and Verna Clark .......................................................................................... 208
Scott and Danna Cruickshank and Family ..........................................................210
Els Dudragne .............................................................................................................210
Englesby Family ........................................................................................................212
Fairwell Family .........................................................................................................214
Elder Calvin Fife .......................................................................................................215
Peter Gorda ...............................................................................................................216
Alan C. Halsted .......................................................................................................217
Kim Henrie and Family ..........................................................................................218
Violet M. (Jackie) Hoag .......................................................................................... 220
The Isfeld Family of Foam Lake .............................................................................221
Glenda Johnson ....................................................................................................... 223
Berneice Judd ........................................................................................................... 225
Sherry Knight ........................................................................................................... 225
The Family of Christian Harold Larson .............................................................. 226
Yvonne Larson ......................................................................................................... 228
Mike and Kari Lawlor ............................................................................................. 230
Dorie Lemke ............................................................................................................. 230
Bernie (Koltun) Lilburn ..........................................................................................232
Greg Lilburn ............................................................................................................. 234
Leoba Majetich ........................................................................................................ 234
Thomas. B. MacLachlan ..........................................................................................235
Lee Marriott ............................................................................................................. 236
Lorin J. and Mildred A. Mendenhall ....................................................................239
Michael and Gail Moore ........................................................................................ 240
Morrissette Family .................................................................................................. 240
Dan and Elena Morse History ................................................................................241
Dorothy (Paine) Muirhead .................................................................................... 249
June Mullen ...............................................................................................................252
Yves and Brigitte Noblet ..........................................................................................253
D. Lawrence Penner ................................................................................................ 254
Albert Phillip ........................................................................................................... 258
Edna Alice Phillips ...................................................................................................259
Violet Prete ................................................................................................................259
Dale and Tanya Regnier ......................................................................................... 260
Victor T. Richardson ...............................................................................................261
Douglas Robertson and Donna (Fairwell) Family .............................................261
Danny and Florence (Moore) Salahub ..................................................................262
Charles (Chuck) and Ronna Shugart ....................................................................262
Ronald Schroeder .................................................................................................... 265
John A. G. Spencer .................................................................................................. 266
Ian George Stewart .................................................................................................. 266
Alan Svenson ............................................................................................................ 267
Dennis Svenson.......................................................................................................... 268
Debra Svenson Shaw ............................................................................................... 269
Kenneth A. Svenson .................................................................................................270
Devon and Jackee Taylor .........................................................................................271
Jennifer (Peterson) Tondevold ...............................................................................272
Davin Lemmerick Tondevold .................................................................................273
Raymond and Eileen Tondevold ............................................................................274
Lorraine Towne ........................................................................................................275
Beatrice Maud Unger ...............................................................................................275
Cory Wanner .............................................................................................................276
Tanya Willett .............................................................................................................276
E. Gregory Wood ..................................................................................................... 277
Paul and Mary Yawney ........................................................................................... 285
Dianne Zborowski .................................................................................................. 289
290 BRANCH AND WARD LEADERSHIP SUMMARY
297 INDEX
Many more stories scattered throughout the
text are listed by family name in the index.|

Each of these early members of the Church had to
maintain their developing testimonies of the gospel and
their personal worthiness without the support of Church
organizations for many years. They appear to have been
considered members of the Raymond 2nd Ward or
what was known as the “Manitoba Conference” until
missionaries were assigned permanently to Saskatchewan
in 1925.
The members were not totally isolated, however. Brother
Gordon Whyte made regular excursions to Alberta,
where he became acquainted with many members in
the southern part of the province, making friends with
a number of them. He had previously been ordained an
Elder by John G. Allred on August 10, 1918.
First church meeting
The first recorded meeting of the Church in Saskatchewan
was held in Regina. As Brother Whyte recorded:
July 3, 1920
“The Lord opened up the dispensation of the Fullness of
Times here in Regina… The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints held its first meeting at which there
were eight worthy souls … myself, Bro & Sis Miller Sr.
and Bro & Sis Miller Jr. and three children. Those folks
moved here from Winnipeg Manitoba.”
There is no further mention of any Regina meetings for a
number of years.
GeorgeGordonWhyte–EarlyworkamongsttheIndians
(1922-1924)
During those early years, Brother Whyte was involved in
missionary work amongst the native people of Southern
George Gordon Whyte
First Convert Baptism in Saskatchewan
In the fall of 1912 Mr. Knecktel handed me a Book of Mormon to read. [He] said it was a record of the Nephites,
the ancestors of the Indians we see on the Reserves. I read it through twice, and the more I read the more I
was convinced it was a divine record of the dealings of the Lord with those ‘other sheep’ he spoke of when in
Jerusalem.
“On making enquiries who these Mormons were and where they lived, I found that nearly every person I talked
to, slandered and cursed them, and told all manner of rotten stories about them, yet hardly anybody had even
met a Mormon. I said to myself, ‘This is a strange condition of things, why slander a people who have a book
that is divinely written, and that explains the Gospel of Jesus
Christ so clearly that a wayfaring man can understand?. Then the
thought struck me, ‘How like the days when Jesus Christ was on
the earth, they said all manner of bad things about him falsely.’
“In spite of the opposition on the part of my friends and relatives
I kept on reading, and on 17 August 1913, I was baptized in the
Moose Jaw Creek, three miles south of town by Bro V. Knecktel,
who had previously joined the Church in Alberta and (had) been
ordained an Elder. Jack MacKenzie was baptized at the same
time. Before leaving town, I laid my old pipe up on the plate of
the garage. When coming out of the water, my skin and whole
body was full from tobacco stains and juice and from that day till
the present I have never touched tobacco or had a desire to.
“Previous to this decision I went broke financially and had no job
at the time of my baptism. On Monday 18 August 1913, I came
down to Regina to secure a job with Saskatchewan Cooperative
Elevator Co. of which Charlie Dunning was General Manager.” Gordon Whyte about 1948.
11

Sister Gamman’s experience is typical. It was not just
the work of the missionaries but also the members, and
ultimately the “hand of the Lord” that brought people into
the Church.
Dorothy Paine: Another account of that baptism is given
in the writings of Dorothy Paine (Muirhead). She was
eighteen at the time of her baptism and wrote in detail of
the event (see ‘Everyone Seemed Closer’ text box).
Elder Sylvester Q. Cannon’s visit
Other events of significance during 1939 included
an evening Church conference in Regina on August
28, 1939, at which Apostle Sylvester Q. Cannon2
was the presiding General Authority, along with
Mission President D. A. Broadbent and his son, Elder
Broadbent, all having arrived via Winnipeg. A total
of 60 persons were in attendance—42 members and
18 investigators. One of the members was unfamiliar
to the locals:
August 28, 1939
“A Regina Saint who has lived here for 21 years – J. W.
James of 1354 Empress Street, came out to our services.
He claimed he did not know we held services. He was
unknown by anyone here until met by Brother C. C.
Spencer [a visiting member from Magrath, Alberta] on
the street. He said he didn’t know there were any LDS in
town. Sister Mitchell has also moved into town with her
family, so our members are growing and the stray sheep
are being found. Everyone enjoyed the meeting” (Journal
of G. Gordon Whyte).
2. The term “apostle” is used by Brother Whyte in his journal
although Sylvester Q. Cannon was not officially sustained as an
apostle until October 6, 1939. It may be that Elder Cannon was
ordained an apostle prior to the conference wherein he was sustained.
A Christmas party in Regina that year at the Cornwall
Street Hall had 104 in attendance, including Chief John
Gambler, his wife, and 5 others from the Muscowpetung
Reserve.
15 Join the Church in Regina, Saskatchewan
by Elder Victor Waddoups
‘The King and Queen of Britain were in Regina on May 25, 1939. Just three days later, a memorable [event
occurred] in the lives of the members of the Regina Branch and the missionaries of this district. On Sunday,
May 28, a baptismal service was held at which fifteen souls were brought into the Church. Permission
had been obtained to use a bathing beach, with the dressing rooms, on Wascana Lake, [across from] the
Saskatchewan Legislative Building. …the service was held at 8:00 A.M. The Spirit of the Sabbath and great joy
was felt… by all the 73 Saints and friends who attended.
‘The following were baptized by President Victor Waddoups: Bertha Agnes [Stone] Wallis, Emily Jane Musson,
Dorothy James, Burnard Dawe, Dorothy Paine, Constance Paine, Mary [Dorothy] Lamb, Doris Bailey, Velma
Hibbard, Morley Bliesner, Roberta Bliesner, Shirley [Phyllis] Bliesner, David [Franklin] Bliesner, George
Bliesner, and Thomas Kemp … After the service, the group all went to the Branch meeting place on 11th
Avenue where the confirming was done. Here again there was a rich presence of the Spirit, and many friends
had their eyes opened as to the true meaning and purpose of baptism.
‘As a fitting culmination of the day, a Conference service was held in the evening at which many of the new
converts bore their testimonies to the divinity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ … We will long remember this
glorious day and thank the Lord for this fruitage of our labour.
“The activity of the M.I.A. and the daily lives of the Saints of the Regina Branch have been instrumental in the
conversion of these souls. Thus is shown the power of example in the lives of those who see us and study our
message. We missionaries feel thankful to be in the field when such testimonies as these come into our lives”
(Liahona).
Baptism in Wascana Lake, Regina, May 28, 1939.
People Baptised in Wascana Lake, May 28, 1939. Names listed
on previous page.
I Knew I Was Hearing the
Truth
by Constance Paine
‘[My sister] Dorothy had been trying to persuade
me for sometime to come out to Church but I
was three years older and had my own life…
One evening in 1938, in early winter, Sister Lily
Dixon knocked on my door and said she had
come to take me to MIA. The Church was meeting
then in ‘The Odd Fellows Hall’ on 11th Ave. I
was asked if I would direct a play that winter as
they knew I was interested in theatricals. I said I
would and that was the beginning of my Mutual
attendance and participation. Later, I also led the
music in Sunday School and Sacrament for a time
and taught a Sunday School class. We all had to
perform in more than one position.
‘However, I did not attend a Sacrament meeting
until spring. I believe that I fully participated
in the MIA activities that winter including a
Costume party. That Easter time, we had a Mission
conference and David A. Broadbent who was the
head of the Mission… spoke to us.
‘It is etched in mind as though it were yesterday
that as Elder Broadbent spoke, I knew I was
hearing the truth. I felt as though I was filled with
light and that a curtain had been raised on a new
world. While I was sitting there, a young girl… in
front of me (she couldn’t have been more than 10
years old), stood up and bore her testimony. It was
a witness to my own newly enlightened spirit and I
was moved to tears.
“I do not believe that I shared these feelings I had
that morning until I spoke with Elder Broadbent.
I shall never forget that man’s sweet and tender
spirit and his complete recognition of my spirit
having been touched. I asked to be baptized.”
30 31

McGill began to hold Sunday School in Sister McGill’s
apartment.
Indian Missionary Activity
First organized work: 1946 was a significant year for
missionary work among the Indian people of the Province
of Saskatchewan. Elder Bud Hinckley and Elder Lloyd
Ashcroft were assigned to conduct the first organized
work among the Indians, starting on the Piapot Reserve
(see ‘Piapot Reserve’ text box). Missionary work was also
started that year on the Carry-the-Kettle Reserve (Tagg
page 280).
Missionary Work on Piapot Reserve (1946)
by Gordon Whyte
The following four journal entries over a three-week period note the beginning of formal missionary work on
the Piapot Reserve
August 13, 1946
Good news from our reserves … from Elder [Bud] Hinckleys report. Our movements will be by ponies which
Chief Counsellor Abel Watetch supplies us.. This is probably the only saddle pony tracting done in any of the
missions, but the homes are scattered. Purchased two wool blankets for use on the reserve and the Relief Society
will loan two of their quilts.
August 18, 1946
This has been a day in history—the first official meeting of the Church with the Indians which was held in the
community hall on the Piapot Reserve … with 20 Indians in attendance and four Elders—Arthur Joseph, [Bud]
Hinckley, [Lloyd] Ashcroft, and myself … We were proud to have Abel [Watetch] and Isaac Reed, two of the
influential men [on the reserve] out to our meeting. Mr. Reed asked me for the privilege of speaking… . What he
said and the advice he gave to the young… will have a very definite bearing on any future meetings …
… While at the reserve, we held a meeting [there] dedicating this land to the preaching of the gospel to our Indian
friends. Elder Lloyd Ashcroft was the one who offered the prayer of dedication.
September 1, 1946
The large [teepee] tent was pitched near a grove of poplar trees, the setting was beautiful. I tooted my horn slightly
and out came the Elders from their residence. Sacrament Meeting, Piapot Reserve … President Gordon White
presiding. Opening song, ‘Now Let Us Rejoice’. Prayer by Elder Lloyd Ashcroft. The Sacrament song, ‘Redeemer of
Israel’. Elders Hinckley and Ashcroft administered the Sacrament. Testimony meeting. Speakers – myself – I told
the story of Chief Yellow Face. Alex [Watatch] came in after Sacrament was served.
“Elder Ashcroft – ‘It will take time to reach the Indians. They are not antagonistic toward the restored truth. The
truth will eventually push other churches off these reserves.’
“Elder Hinckley – says the Indians do not like the children taken away from them for ten months of the year. May
take one or two years before any results are apparent but then the gathering will be most of the tribe coming into
the church. Being camped on the reserve is a great step forward. Sister Shelton, Sister Joseph, Elder Joseph all
bore strong testimonies of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Closed by singing “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is
Burning’. Prayer – Elder Joseph.”
September 4, 1946
Elders Bud Hinckley and Lloyd Ashcroft . . . encountered some opposition from a Catholic priest who told them
he would give them a few days to get off the reserve … the Elders told him they were not moving… . The Elders
tell me they have placed a Book of Mormon in practically every home on the reserve. We will see what happens
but this we know, that the Indians are all on our side and want the Elders to stay.
(Journal of G. Gordon Whyte)
Government approval received: As in the latter half of the
previous year, missionary work on the Indian Reserves
continued but there was opposition from other churches.
This reached a point where the Church felt it would be
wise to secure official government sanction. Hence, on
January 9, 1947, Brother Whyte wrote a letter to James S.
Gardiner, Minister of Agriculture in Ottawa. Gardiner,
from Saskatchewan, was likely known by Brother
Whyte. The letter asked that the missionaries be allowed
to continue working on the Piapot, Muscowpetung,
and the Pasqua Reserves, as they had been for the
past five months. At the same time, Able Watech of
the Piapot Reserve wrote to Mr. Blanton, Minister
of Lands, Resources and Indian Affairs in Ottawa,
requesting that the Mormon Elders be allowed to work
on all the Reserves in Saskatchewan. Five weeks later
(February 15), a letter was received from the Department
of Mines, Resources and Indian Affairs saying; “There
is no objection to your missionaries visiting the Indian
reserves. Difficulties would arise, however, if it was
desired to establish missions involving use of lands and
buildings on reserves. This would require a majority
vote of the members of the Indian Band on each of the
reserves in each case and also confirmation by Order in
Council.. The Church’s missionary work on the Indian
reserves of Saskatchewan now had the official sanction of
the Government of Canada.
Antoine R. Ivins visit: Missionary work on the reserves
continued to progress. In August, Elder Ivins (likely
Antoine R. of the First Council of the Seventy) and
Mission President Glen Fisher visited Regina. Several
significant events occurred on the reserves surrounding
Missionary Work on Carry-The-Kettle Reserve (1947)
by Gordon Whyte
August 11, 1947
Drove to the Outpost for a meeting with the Indians … When the Indians started to come in their wagons, we
wondered how many [there would be] and they did not disappoint us, for before long there were about 220 in
the hall listening to us preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. President Fisher and Elder Ivins were enthralled
with the interest shown by the Indians after working with them for only ten months. We talked to Elder Ivins
about establishing this Indian Project on a permanent basis and thought the present site of the Outpost would be
ideal. Encouragement to plan and work on this project and submit plans and specifications to headquarters. We
certainly feel encouraged.
August 12, 1947
“This has been another great day in the history of this Indian project or mission. Drove to Carry-the-Kettle
Reserve to hold a meeting. Arrived about 6:30. By 7:30 PM, the Assiniboine Indians started to arrive in cars
and rigs until by 8 PM we had 156 Indians and 20 Whites gathered. Total of 176 crowded into the school house.
Speakers were myself, Elder Elmer Smith, trio – Sisters Christopherson, Thomas, and Engebreton. Speakers Elder
Joseph Heis, President G. Fisher, Dan Kennedy (Indian), Elder A. Ivins … Elders Hinckley and Raymond are
doing yeoman service here.
August 26, 1947
“This evening I received good news that the Church had granted our request for $1750 to establish living quarters
on three acres of land one half a mile north of the Carry-the-Kettle Reserve. President Fisher phoned me from
Edmonton to go ahead with the project.”
December 1, 1947
“Good reports from the missionaries from the Carry-the-Kettle Reserve. The Elders blessed a new infant. The first
Indian. Susan Mina O’Watch, daughter of George O’Watch and Bertha Ryder, born November 14, 1947. Blessed
by Elder William Raymond assisted by Elder Rex Reynolds, 26 November, 1947. The father says he is ready for
baptism.”
(Journal of G. Gordon Whyte)
44 45

Lehi, Utah. [My husband] Tom was Presiding Elder in
Weyburn from [approximately] 1954 to 1959. We saw
the membership grow by people moving in and a few
converts.
“Tommy was the first member. I was the first convert
baptism. Tommy was the first Branch President and I was
the first Relief Society President.”
Church membership in the Weyburn area had begun
when Thomas Kemp, baptized ten years earlier in Regina,
had moved there, as recited by his wife, Wilma:
“In 1949 my husband, [Thomas Kemp], quit teaching
and took a position as School Administrator in Weyburn.
He was the only member of the Church in Weyburn.
On March 6, 1950, I was baptized and became the first
Weyburn convert. We began having a meeting each
Sunday in our home. We would have the Sacrament and
a lesson. Just the two of us and our oldest son [Francis
Alvin] who was 7 years old. He was eight in May and was
baptized in Wascana Lake in Regina.”
Weyburn became a branch in 1959, with Tom Kemp
called as the Branch President, serving for six years (1959-
1965). As Sister Kemp reported:
“When the Branch was formed, the mission president
came to our home. Three phone calls gathered in all the
members and the branch was [organized], with Tommy
as branch president and Kent Stoddard as his counsellor.”
Northern Saskatchewan
Prince Albert Dependent Branch: To the north in Prince
Albert, two people joined the Church who would become
stalwarts in that branch for many years. Their children
would also provide significant leadership in their turn.
Brother James Henry McKay and Sister Viola McKay were
baptized on April 7, 1957 in the YWCA pool in Saskatoon
(Journal of James McKay).
A little over two years later, September 27, 1959, James
Henry McKay was called as the first president of the
Prince Albert Branch. Membership at that time was
approximately 60 persons (Prince Albert Branch History).
The Church had been active in the area for some
time. Sister Carol Karza, an early branch resident, was
originally from Moose Jaw. In 1954, after graduating from
the Galt School of Nursing in Lethbridge, Alberta, Carol
moved to Wakaw, Saskatchewan near Prince Albert, as a
Public Health Nurse. She wrote:
I attended Church in Prince Albert, where we met next
to the Jail in the Court House. …two families were
members… at that time: Sister Ida Della DeJeundier and
the Koester family. Brother Koester could cook the best
venison that I ever ate. When I had [a bad] car accident
in November 1954, Sister Ida’s husband, a non-member,
drove all over Prince Albert to find the missionaries to
administer to me.”
Saskatoon Branch: For the second time, Francis Earl
Dancey became the branch president in Saskatoon, in
1957. The following year, F. Geoff Lovett succeeded him.
James Henry McKay
Church Pioneer in Prince Albert
James (Jim) Henry McKay (b. 1921) grew up near
Prince Albert in the Briarlea district. The farm
they lived on had a good well and the neighboring
Dalton children would haul water from there in
a bucket. One Sunday morning Jim helped the
Dalton children take their water the half mile
home. The family attended the Mormon church at
a nearby hall and invited him to go with them.
When Jim’s father found out where he had been,
he advised Jim that he would learn more from
studying the bible than from the Mormons. He
charged Jim to read the largely unused family bible
and to not stop reading until he understood it.
Reported Jim, “I loved the stories I read ... all the
things the people did when they were faithful.”
Many years later (1953) after he was married and
working in Prince Albert, Jim was told by a fellow
worker that he had recently met with two Mormon
missionaries. Said Jim, “I told the fellow to tell
them to come to my place. I wanted to talk to
them.” A few evenings later, the missionaries came
to the McKay home.
Jim said, I understand you have a book like the
Bible and I want a copy. They advised him that
they would have to teach him a few lessons before
they could give him the book and he replied, “get
on with it then.” Once Jim got a copy of the Book
of Mormon, he reported, I sat and read and did
little else … I knew it was true almost from the
beginning.
The McKays were baptized in 1957 and Jim went
on to become the first president of the Prince
Albert Branch of the Church.
The Saskatoon meetinghouse (1429 10th Street East), was
completed in four phases over a period of 20 years. The
first phase was finished in 1960. The property had been
purchased from the City of Saskatoon six years earlier, in
1954. Geoff Lovett was the branch president and Church
membership in Saskatoon stood at 40.
A new branch presidency was sustained on January 9,
1961, with Vernon Wallace Larsen as president, and
Francis Earl Dancey and Oscar Johnson as counsellors.
Released were [Geoff] Lovett (president), Norm Hutton
and Raymond Wasden as counsellors (Dan Morse
History).
North Battleford: A Sunday School was again started in
North Battleford in 1959 with an enrollment of about 35
people (Tagg, p. 281).
Melfort Branch organized: About this time (1961), the
Silver Park Branch became the Melfort Branch. In the mid
to late 1940’s the Silver Park Branch had a membership
of approximately 100, but by 1961, the membership had
dropped to around 50.
South And North
Saskatchewan Districts
Formed (1961 - 1977)
Both Districts
The Saskatchewan District of the Church was divided into
the South Saskatchewan and the North Saskatchewan
Districts on September 3, 1961. The change occurred
under the Direction of President Carrol Smith of the
Western Canadian Mission. The total membership in
Saskatchewan at this time (1961) was 600. However,
during the next few years, there was an oil boom in
Saskatchewan and the membership grew rapidly from the
influx of skilled people like Kenneth Nielson and Gary
Ursenbach.
Within the South Saskatchewan District, Dan Morse
was retained as District President, with Kenneth Nielson
of Swift Current and Gary R. Ursenbach of Regina
(sustained later) as counsellors. Branches within the
South Saskatchewan District included Regina, Swift
Current, Moose Jaw, and Weyburn.
Brother Morse would remain as president of the South
Saskatchewan District (including his term in the former
Saskatchewan District) for a total of four years, until 1963,
when he and his counsellors, G. R. Ursenbach and Stewart
Shields, were released. A new District Presidency was
sustained, consisting of Grant L. Spackman, president;
Kenneth Nielsen, first counsellor; and Mamfred Yeo as
clerk.
Back in those early days of the South Saskatchewan
District, the area continued to receive significant attention
from the General Authorities of the Church. Elder
Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
presided at a conference of the South Saskatchewan
District in Regina, August 12, 1962.
Another distinguished visitor came to Saskatchewan
in 1964 when Elder Thomas S. Monson presided at the
District Conference in Regina on October 25, 1964. He
was accompanied by President Talmage Jones, mission
president (Dan Morse History).
First seminary: A major step forward in the maturing
of the Church in Saskatchewan occurred on September
27, 1965, when the first Seminary class in the districts
and branches of the Western Canadian Mission was held
at Saskatoon. Twenty-three students (including nine
university students) were enrolled. The first teachers
were F. Earl Dancey, George M. Hasegawa and Donald A.
Bachus. In 1966-67 the seminary class in Saskatoon was
taught by Carla Anderson and Leslie Clapson taught a
class in Regina (Tagg page 277).
One of the early seminary students in Regina who later
served as the Bishop of the Regina Mount Pleasant Ward
was Wayne Tiefenbach:
I remember the first seminary class in Regina. I had
already completed high school and was in my first year of
university, but because of the small numbers, I was asked
to participate in seminary . The Book of Mormon was the
course of study. I attended only one year of seminary.
In the early years of seminary, I particularly remember
the role of Brother Spencer Smith. He was single at that
time, but he willingly volunteered to pick up seminary
students no matter where they lived in the city and
deliver them to the church (Wayne Tiefenbach History).
Saskatoon Branch Presidents
1957-1961
1957 Francis Earl Dancey
1958 F. Geoff Lovett
1961 Vernon Wallace Larsen
50 51

for an orientation by the Temple Department. After
the architect and the general contractor met, they had
additional discussions with the temple department and
persuaded them to change the approach from a wood
frame construction method to masonry (concrete block)
construction because of the climate and soil conditions.
They felt that the cost of the masonry building would not
be significantly higher than the wood frame construction
used for most small temples with similar floor plans.
Small temples using wood frame construction generally
have granite tiles glued to the exterior, to give the
appearance of granite construction. By contrast, the
Regina Saskatchewan Temple is faced with blocks of
granite, which are hung on steel brackets and bolted to
its masonry walls. The Temple Department approved
the proposal and construction began. The Regina
Saskatchewan Temple is the only small temple that uses
this construction method.
The method of construction allowed for some additional
changes to the interior. One of these was in the waiting
room where generally, on the exterior of the smaller
temples, a large stained glass window is three panels wide
and stands three panels high. Yet in most small temples,
only the bottom three panels of this window are visible
A Temple Announced for Regina!
by E. Gregory Wood
“The meeting began. Elder Kenneth Johnson [of the Seventy] conducted. The Young Single Adult choir sang
beautifully. The Johnsons, the Packers and Sister Hinckley all spoke as well. Sister Hinckley won over the crowd.
As she started her talk, she said that, ‘When I am reminded that I am the wife of the Prophet, it scares me. I am
just an ordinary person like all of you.’
“President Hinckley then took the remainder of the time. For the most part, he spoke to the youth. He spoke
about what he called his five B’s: “be smart, be true, be clean, be humble and be prayerful.. Then with about ten
to 15 minutes left, he… switched from speaking to the youth to the adults. His message was on temple work
and temple attendance. I felt like he was maybe leading up to an announcement. Then when he seemed to
pause and ask, “You are a long way from Cardston, aren’ t you?” I knew in my heart that he would make the
announcement.
“He turned to President Packer and said something like, ‘What do you think, President Packer? Then he turned
back to the congregation and said something like, ‘We are happy to announce a Temple in Regina.. Everyone
sort of gasped and
most eyes were no
longer dry. What a
thrill it was. I looked
around and saw one
inactive Sister literally
weeping. The meeting
closed with the Hymn
We Ever Pray for
Thee, Our Prophet
Dear - one of my
favourites. Then, as
the authorities were
leaving the podium,
the crowd began
singing We Thank
Thee O God for a
Prophet.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley in the Regina Stake Centre, where he announced that a temple would
be built in Regina. 1st
Row behind President Hinckley – President Lawrence Penner, Elder Thomas A.
Holt (Area Authority), President Dean Layton (Canada Winnipeg Mission), and a Young Single Adult
choir from Regina.
inside the waiting room, because the upper
wooden beams prevent the exposure
of the other six panels. In the Regina
Saskatchewan Temple, the ceiling of the
waiting room has been raised to expose all
nine panels. This makes the waiting room
appear to be more spacious although it is
the same size as in the other small temples.
Groundbreaking
The ground was broken for the Regina
Saskatchewan Temple on November 14,
1998. Elder Hugh W. Pinnock of the
Seventy (President, North America Central
Area) presided. The event began with a
meeting at the Stake Centre (550 Sangster
Boulevard). Then, the group moved to the
temple site for the groundbreaking ceremony itself.
Speakers at the initial meeting (in addition to Elder
Pinnock), were D. Lawrence Penner (President, Saskatoon
Saskatchewan Stake), Kenneth A. Svenson (Counsellor,
Canada Winnipeg Mission Presidency), and Elder Blair S.
Bennett (Area Authority Seventy).
Tell The Prophet My Name
Andrea Penner
When President Hinckley came to Regina in 1998 to announce the building of a temple, Andrea Penner, 12
years old, had hoped to meet the prophet. Her father, Larry Penner as stake president records:
“Because I was [stake president], she thought that I could arrange things so that she could meet him… .” Larry
reminded Andrea, “that everyone wanted to meet the prophet and she would need to be satisfied to simply
see him… . She seemed to accept that,” he said, “[but] as I walked out to my car to leave, she called after me
saying, “Well, if I can’t meet him, can you tell him my name. I want him to hear my name. Tell him my name is
Andrea.” President Penner agreed to do that much.
As he drove President Hinckley from the temple site to the chapel, Larry remembered the promise that he had
made to his daughter. He told President Hinckley that he had a 12-year-old daughter, that she understood she
would not be able to meet him but that she wished that he could hear her name. Larry told him that her name
was Andrea. President Hinckley repeated her name to himself and then some time later said that he wanted
to meet her. Reported President Penner, “I wondered how that was going to work out and decided that I was
not going to do anything about it. If he really wanted to meet her, it would be as a result of his own initiative in
arranging it.”
As President Hinckley was leaving the chapel after the temple had been announced, he stopped on the sidewalk
and asked, “Where is Andrea, I want to meet her, is she here?” President Penner only knew that she was in the
chapel somewhere. He confirmed that it would be okay if he brought her by when he picked President Hinckley
up at the hotel the following morning, on the way to the airport.
The next morning, the first thing President Hinckley inquired of Larry was, “Did you bring Andrea – is she
here?” President Penner then introduced his daughter to the prophet along with the two 12-year-old daughters
of his counsellors. As Larry Penner can firmly attest, “President Hinckley travels the world and meets thousands
of people but he is still interested in the one.”
Architect’s drawing of the proposed temple.
82 83

t
APPENDIX 2
The Church Education
System
Saskatchewan CES Timeline
1965 – 2002
Year Event / Position Individual / Couple
1965 1st
Seminary class in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon) George Hasegawa
1967 1st
Early-Morning Seminary class (Regina) David K. Hamilton
1967 1st
full-time LDS seminary worker in Saskatchewan Allen J. Fletcher
(begins Indian Seminary)
1972 Full-time LDS seminary worker John P. Livingstone
1973 1st
full-time seminary coordinator (Saskatoon),
North Saskatchewan District John F. Van Orman
1976 1st
LDS Welfare Services missionary couples
(assigned to reserves near Kamsack, Fort Qu’Appelle,
Broadview, Carlyle and Punnichy)
1978 Full-time CES employee (Saskatoon) Colin Lane Gordon
1980 Full-time (all of Saskatchewan) CES in Saskatoon Kenneth Baker
1986 Full-time CES coordinator, all of Saskatchewan Merlin Olsen
. ? Supervision of CES work for Saskatchewan from
Winnipeg David L. Innes
1991 CES and LDS Family Services offices (Regina, 4 yrs) John P. Livingstone,
Marinus Begieneman
. ? 1st
CES missionary couples Mealey Gilbert Stutz
1998 CES full-time employee Clifford K. Blackwell
1999 CES missionary couples (Saskatoon) Salter Riddle Manley
2002 Full-time CES (Saskatoon) Richard Watson
by John P. Livingstone
From the time that religion classes were taught in
early pioneer schools until today, Church members
have wanted their children to understand the gospel
thoroughly and wished to have their parental efforts
augmented by gifted teachers who could help them
infuse the doctrines of the kingdom into their offspring.
Members in Saskatchewan were no different.
Even if it meant rousing their high schoolers at an early
hour and driving them to a seminary teacher’s home, or
to the chapel in the dead of a prairie winter, bleary-eyed
but faithful Latter-day Saint moms and dads wanted their
children in seminary. Like others throughout the world,
Saskatchewan Saints, believe that the “glory of God is
intelligence, or in other words, light and truth” (D&C
93:36). While most educational textbooks seem to have
shorter and shorter life spans before new knowledge
makes them obsolete, the scriptures remain staid and
solid, providing necessary armour against the tempting
“fiery darts of the adversary” (see 1 Nephi 15:24, D&C
3:8) for each new generation of youth. Perhaps seminary
can be said to be the most important of all academic
course work given—that an education in spiritual things
provides mortar-like context and direction for the
brickwork of all education, to which one may be exposed.
George Hasegawa conducted the first seminary classes in
Saskatchewan in Saskatoon for early-morning students
in 1965. David K. Hamilton began teaching an early-
morning class in Regina in 1967. Eileen Tondevold
became the second seminary teacher in Regina in the
1968-69 school year.1
Missionaries from the Western
Canadian Mission taught the course after Brother
Hasagawa in early 1969 in Saskatoon, and were replaced
by a Brother Robert L. Stevenson in April of that
same year. Classes met at 7:00 AM in both Regina and
Saskatoon.
Allen J. Fletcher
The first full-time LDS Seminary worker in the province
was actually assigned to supervise the start of seminary
classes on First Nations Reserves. This was a Magrath,
Alberta native, Allen J. Fletcher. Allen had been attending
Brigham Young University when, following a talk he
gave in sacrament meeting, he was asked by fellow
1. Allen J. Fletcher, Regina Area LDS Indian Seminary, (Regina,
Saskatchewan: n.p. 1969). This is one of the annual historical
Reports submitted to the Area Director each year and filed in the
area office (hereafter cited as annual historical report).
ward member and seminary curriculum writer, George
Durrant, if he had ever considered teaching seminary.
George introduced him to Indian Seminary supervisor Ed
Wayne P. Tiefenbach
Because of George Hasegawa
In 1965, George Hasegawa became the first
Seminary teacher in Saskatchewan and would go
on to influence many. But he had already greatly
influenced the life of Wayne Tiefenbach.
Wayne’s mother was a member of the Church but
his father did not join until Wayne was 14 years
old. Up to then, the family often had to rely on the
generosity of others to get them to church.
When Wayne was about 12 years old, Bother
George Hasegawa started to pick him and several
other children up for Sunday School. “Because
of George Hasegawa,” said Brother Tiefenbach,
“I became a regular Sunday School attender. I
believe that this is when I developed my desire
to attend my church meetings.” George was his
Sunday School teacher and had a point system for
rewarding class participation and good behaviour.
And as Wayne observed, “This kept everyone
interested and eager to attend.”
Another turning point in Wayne s life came when
the branch president, Wayne Pilling, encouraged
him to prepare to serve a mission. Said Brother
Tiefenbach, “I am so grateful that he took the time
to help me decide to be a missionary, as this was
one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Wayne
was called to the Japan Okinawa Mission and there
gained a testimony of the importance of temples.
“When I realized that the members in Japan often
had to save money for years in order to go to the
temple in Hawaii,” he said, “I decided that …
being married in Cardston was something which I
should give high priority to … .”
The first week back from his mission, Wayne met
Teresa Walde, an investigator, at a fireside. They
were later married in the Alberta Temple. In 1999
Wayne was called as bishop of the Regina 2nd
Ward
and was serving there when he became bishop of
the new Mount Pleasant ward, created in 2001. “I
feel blessed,” he said, “to be part of … the growth
of the Church in Saskatchewan.”
123122

t
APPENDIX 6
Ward & Branch Histories
Written by Ward/Branch Historians
Battlefords
Branch History
The first Sunday School held in the Battlefords was in 1952. Sister Margaret
E. Conant and Sister Margaret McGill held their meetings in Sister McGill’s
apartment. There had been another member prior to this time by the name
of Dora or Doris Dyck but there is no record she held any meetings. When
travelling Elders would come through town from time to time, the sisters were
able to partake of the sacrament. Sister Conant kept a record of the meetings and
sent them with the missionaries. The sisters had been given an outline for their
meetings.
First Relief Society
A Relief Society was organized in 1954. Sister Conant was then both
superintendent of the Sunday School and president of Relief Society. Relief
Society was not held for a year (November 1958 to October 1959) but began again
thereafter, with Sister Conant still as president. Her dual service as Sunday School
Superintendent continued until 1961, when her husband, Ralph, was baptised. He
was then placed in charge of Sunday School.
When a senior missionary couple, Walter and Earlene Elliot were sent to North
Battleford [1972], he became the branch president. Sister Conant was released as
Relief Society President and Sister Elaine Rensby served as president for three or
four months. Then Sister Conant again served until released in 1976 due to her
health.
Sister Jessie Konopelski was called to replace Sister Conant. John Ferguson was
Branch president at that time and Sister Konopelski served as Relief Society
president for several years.
The Relief Society once placed two Church magazine subscriptions at the former
Indian Hospital for a period of five years.
Early meeting Locations
In the early years of the Church in the Battlefords,
meetings were held in member’s homes. These early
members were. Dan and Myrna Chipman; Ralph and
Margaret Conant; Sister Annie Dyck (mother of Doris
or Dora Dyck); Lynn and Dorothy Trask; and Don and
Clara Willet. Some meetings were held at the office of a
public health nurse, Sister Doreen Ball. The Library Hall
was rented for a few years, then the Odd Fellows Hall.
Later the River View School was used rent free as Brother
Conant was a supervisor for the Schools and he obtained
permission to do so. This went on for seven years.
Fund Raising
Over the years the Relief Society had many bake and
craft sales as fund raising activities. City regulations
limited such sales to three a year, but these helped us to
buy Sunday School supplies, treats for the children at
Christmas and also provided welfare food hampers as
needed. Craft items sold included toys made from things
we had in our homes, crocheting, knitting, sewing and
embroidery. Husbands used to joke that they had to come
and buy food items at the sales because the sisters had
emptied their cupboards for the events. These husbands
really were the greatest helpers – bringing in the sale
items and helping to set up. Ralph Conant, Fred Rensby
and Don Willett exercised great patience as they helped.
The sales were discontinued when the church changed its
funding policies to allow more time for spiritual activities.
The Battlefords branch started a building fund in 1972.
Fund raising projects included two talent shows – one in
the new Saskatoon chapel and another in North Battleford
at the Elks Hall – both well attended. Performances
featured nonmembers, some very talented member
children and a missionary couple who sang a duet. A
rummage sale didn’t turn out as well.
Another fund raising project was delivering catalogues for
Sears and Eatons. We also grew potatoes for about three
years in a garden space provided by the Konopelski family
at their farm. Everyone worked at planting time, through
the summer and at harvest when the men did the heavy
Leon and Sarah Willett
He Listened to The Spoken Word
Leon Willett taught school and farmed near Maidstone, Saskatchewan. He was always interested in religion and
politics. According to the family history, “One day he listened to The Spoken Word [on the radio] from Salt Lake
City. He liked what they said and wrote for more information.” Shortly after, missionaries arrived and Leon and
Sarah were baptized in 1954.
The Willetts were quick to tell their oldest son, Don, and his wife Clara, living in Alberta, about their
membership in the Church. They joined the Church the following year. A year after that, they returned to the
family farm where Home Sunday School was held in Leon and Sarah’s home.
In 1963, Don and Clara moved to North Battleford. There, church services alternated amongst member’s homes,
later being held at Riverview School. Clara faithfully took her three children to church every Sunday. She was a
quiet, stalwart example who did whatever was asked of her. The Willetts fed the missionaries and participated
in every building fund project—from bake sales and raising potatoes to delivering catalogues and selling
Spudnuts.
As the family history records, “We grew up in a branch with few members, but each one of us children felt loved
and important to the branch. We were all needed it seemed. We learned to chorister because we were needed;
we learned to play the piano one hymn at a time because there was a need..
Don and Clara’s daughter, Tanya Willett associated her testimony of the gospel with her years growing up in
the Church in the Battleford’s. She was so appreciative of the branch member’s efforts in her behalf, noting how
“their burning testimonies and love of the Gospel have left lasting impressions on my mind and heart.”
Tanya served in the England Leeds Mission (1987-1988), then moved to Saskatoon soon after returning home.
There in the Young Single Adult branch she met and married (in the Alberta Temple at Cardston), Dale Regnier,
a recent convert to the Church.
147146

the severe weather this month and also on account
of coal shortage.
• Commissioner of Indian Affairs allots permission
(Feb 16) to Saskatoon District President Geo.
G. Whyte for missionaries to preach on all
Saskatchewan reserves. “This permission has been
sought for years and has only been granted today.”
• Mission President Glen and Sister Holly Fisher
visited the Regina Branch (June 8). Meetings held
with the district missionaries on Sunday morning
and evening.
1948
• Bruce R. McConkie of the First Council of Seventy
presided (Aug 15) at a conference of the South
Saskatchewan District at Regina, with President
Rex Milligan conducting. Speakers were President
Whyte, Sister Fisher, President Milligan, President
McConkie and President Fisher. There were 60 in
attendance.
• Isobel Lamb set apart (Oct 3) as Relief Society
president by Elder Kenneth R. Parks, with Mary
Bailey as 2nd
counsellor and Marion Parks set apart
as secretary. Joan Dawe was released as president,
with Mary Bailey as 1st
counsellor and Isobel Lamb
as 2nd
counsellor.
1954
• Dan and Elena Morse were baptized (Dec 14) in the
Victoria Ave meeting house font. Less than 3 years
later Dan became Branch President.
Ross and Sandy Williams
Imagine the Expression on Their Faces!
In December 1974, two sister missionaries sold a
copy of the Book of Mormon to Sandy Williams.
Two months later, the elders dropped by and
began to teach Sandy and her husband Ross, the
first of several discussions. Then, said Ross, “We
asked the missionaries to stop coming for a while,
in order to have time to ponder the principles and
doctrines which we had been taught.”
Several months later, in early June 1975, Ross felt
a strong desire to attend a church meeting. “The
missionaries,” he said, “… had been hoping and
praying that [we] might be prompted to know the
restored gospel was true.” Following sacrament
meeting, Ross asked the elders if he could be
baptized. “You can imagine,” said Ross, “the
expression on their faces!”
Ross testifies: “I know that our Father in Heaven is
real and that Jesus Christ stands at the head of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know
that we have a living prophet, … who presides over
the church today.”
President Joseph Y. Card
Grandson of Well-Known Alberta Settler
The new mission president, Joseph Y. Card, was
the grandson of Charles Ora Card, a prominent
western settler. In advance of the local conference
of the church, President Card was interviewed by
the local Regina newspaper, which printed the
following article on May 25, 1946:
“A man whose father was the first white man
to introduce irrigation in farming in Alberta is
in Regina at Hotel Saskatchewan. He is Joseph
Y. Card, Edmonton, president of the Western
Canadian Mission and he will hold a conference
of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, at 1409
Victoria Avenue, Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and again at
7:00 p.m.
“Mr. Card ‘s grandfather was Brigham Young, one
of the early leaders of the Mormon Church and
founder of Salt Lake City. Salt Lake was the spot
where Brigham Young first introduced irrigation
as an aid to farming. In 1897, Mr. Card’s father,
Charles Ora Card, led a movement of Mormons
from Salt Lake to McLeod, Alberta. The 800 mile
trip was made in covered wagons. Charles Ora
Card was the first man to extensively use irrigation
[in Canada] at Cardston, Alberta.
“Over 1 million persons are expected to attend the
l00th anniversary of the founding of Salt Lake, in
Salt Lake City on July 24, 1947. At this centennial,
a $250,000 monument in honour of Brigham
Young will be erected.”
New chapel
• A new LDS chapel was built on Broadway Avenue
in 1958. It was a two-phase building and there was
a great deal of member participation in the building
of both phases. The former Victoria Avenue building
was sold to a Mennonite congregation. Nathan Eldon
Tanner who at that time was 2nd
Counsellor in the
First Presidency of the Church dedicated the second
phase of the building on Friday, May 19, 1967.
History of the Wascana Ward.
By Keith Greff
The Wascana Ward was created September 16, 2001, when
the city unit boundaries were realigned to create four
wards from two wards and two branches.
The first bishop, Christopher Eagan, was then serving
as bishop of the Regina 1st
ward. His counsellors were
Ross Williams and Robert Dilts. Other ward leadership
included: John Knight, Elders Quorum President, James
Mason and Bruce Orr as counsellors; Margaret Clarke,
Relief Society President, Judith Niznik and Jean Wood
as counsellors; Brian Tondevold, Young Men President,
Rory Woolf, Marc Secretan, counsellors; Young Women,
Sandy Williams, Cindy Mackenzie and Brenda Tondevold
as counsellors; Primary, Mary Blackwell, with Linda Greff
and Shelly Secretan as counsellors. Total membership
hovered around 360, with an average sacrament
attendance of between 100 -125 people.
On March 3, 2002 Chris Eagan was released and Bishop
Kenneth H. Burgess was installed, with William (Bill)
Cormack and Robert Dilts as counsellors. [see Burgess,
Niznik and Tondevold text boxes hereafter]
Judy Niznik
Part of a Grand Design
Judy (Grasdal) Niznik (b. 1953) was an eleven-
year-old in Saskatoon when the missionaries
knocked on their door. Her mother contacted
years before, “remembered the feeling left by the
missionaries.” And admitted Judy, “I was being
presented with influences in my life…, that may
have taken me on another path if the Gospel had
not been presented at that time.”
Judy is grateful for her religious training, for the
Lutheran congregation which instilled in her “a
knowledge that God lives and is aware of us.” Her
father opposed alliance with the Mormons but
Judy recognized “something truly beautiful in
[the] message.” She received no “earthshattering
revelation,” but when baptized (1965), made an
inward commitment to keep the commandments.
She has sweet memories of branch fund raising
projects. As a teenager, she sang in the branch
choir, participated in road shows, dance festivals,
temple trips to Cardston for baptisms, and youth
conferences in Calgary. At age 15 she attended
presidency meetings as secretary to the Primary,
now seen as “an invaluable experience.”
At age 17 Judy received her patriarchal blessing,
an “unforgettable moment. She and a friend
fasted together beforehand and, said Judy, “I
have treasured that blessing all my life … it still
guides… and uplifts me as I come to understand
who I can be and how the Lord sees me.”
She married Ed Niznik in the Cardston temple,
returning to Saskatchewan in 1982. Observed Judy,
“In the seven years that I had been away, a stake
had formed with two wards in both Regina and
Saskatoon. The growth was amazing!”
“One of the most profound moments of my life,”
she recalled, “was when President Hinckley…
announced the temple… . The Spirit, like a wave
flowed over the congregation and touched my
heart deeply.” In hindsight she senses that it was
“part of a grand design” that she and Ed should
return to Saskatchewan, declaring, “It has been a
wonderful journey for all of us.”
180 181

the trust that the Lord had in me and decided that both of
these callings could be handled with His help.
I asked for two sisters to help me with the planning, Sister
Kathleen Harker from Regina and Sister Judy Bowers
from Saskatoon. These sisters were a wonderful resource
to me throughout the planning stages. We saw many
changes come throughout the process. With each change,
things fell into place as they should. The Lord’s hand was
in all of the developments. We had choirs formed and
disbanded as our vision of things expanded. Each time,
people were willing and understanding.
We had difficulty finding the right instrument for the
[temple] dedication, however, Sister Karen Hawkes solved
that problem by finding us a beautiful electric clavinova
to rent. Sister Judy Niznik sewed a lovely white cover for it
to use during the dedication services.
I was inspired by the dedication and diligence of the
choir directors, accompanists and choir members.
Many of them had to travel distances to practice. Their
hard work showed in their performances. We ended up
having three choirs—Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon
were represented with choir members also from some
of the smaller wards in the two Stakes. All three choirs
performed well. Everything ran smoothly during the
dedication services. It was a remarkable day. The spirit
was strong. Leaving after the services were over was
difficult. One wanted to linger a little longer.
Temple blessings
As I look back on the last year of having a temple, I see
many blessings that have come. We have opportunities
to serve in the running and upkeep of this sacred edifice.
It is a great blessing to be able to attend regularly and
to see people prepare themselves to enter there. I have
seen many blessings come to my family with this service.
Hearts are changing. Children are coming back to the
gospel. People are moving to Regina to be close to the
temple. I know that if we are true to our covenants and
willing to do all that we can to further the work, that this
area will grow in numbers and spiritual strength.
I know that the Regina Saskatchewan Temple is the Lord’s
holy house. I have felt His spirit there many times and
have gained insight and direction for my own life and for
my calling.
Glenda Johnson with husband and children. Back row: Andrea, Audrey, Rae, Alanet, Amber.
Front row: Ailyn, Alan, Glenda, Annetta.
Sherry Knight
Brand New Member
“Since I was a young child,” said Sherry Knight, “I have talked regularly
with God—every night saying my prayers, knowing they would be
answered.” Then, one day after having been on her own for a number
of years after a first marriage, she met John Knight, a member of the
Church and they were married.
It was agreed that Sherry would not join John’s church, although she felt
comfortable with him following his heart. Whenever Sherry attended
church with John, the members were always friendly and kind—but never
attempted to get him to entice her to join the church–an important consideration for Sherry.
In the fall of 2001, the Knights travelled to Chicago on business, choosing to drive via Salt Lake City and follow a route east
that, unknown to them, often parallelled the Mormon Trail. Along the way they stopped at various sites and at Nauvoo,
Sherry learned more of Church history.
Says Sherry, “It was my interest in history that brought me to the church. The more I read and the more questions I asked,
the more I realized the truth… .” She was baptized in 2002, with many friends, her stepchildren, mother and sister there to
share the day. A month later her mother joined the Church.
Since joining the Church, says Sherry, “There have been no bright lights or thunderous roars, only a peace that helps
me recognize the wonder of being one of God’s people. I am anxious to continue my learning process and to share this
information with those who need to hear the same things I have learned. After 30 years without a church I am happy to
have a place to worship.”
Sherry and husband John, 2012.
Berneice Judd
Answers To My Questions
Berneice Judd says that the Lord started making his presence known to her in
the mid 1970’s when she began having wellness issues. “My health was changing
in such ways,” she recalls, “that allergies towards most foods and drink items
made it possible for me to give up… drinking alcohol, tea, coffee and [I had] the
desire to give up smoking.” At the same time, she found that she was “in a rut …
wondering if this was all life had to offer.”
Then one day, the Elders came to her with a special message. When they
returned a few days later, Berneice found herself asking probing questions just
before the elders were about to present the related doctrine. “The Lord was
prompting me,” she says,“ ... [providing answers to questions I had had since I
was quite young.”
Berneice’s mother (not a member) was a big support to her in making sure she
did not miss her Sunday meetings. After Berneice joined the Church in 1977, it was her mother who announced
to the extended family that she had done so.
Said Sister Judd, “I am so grateful for the guiding hand and... blessings that have been bestowed upon me since I
became a member of the Church … [of how God] has watched over me as my journey through life progressed. I
have found answers to questions I would not have found anywhere else… .”
Berneice Judd.
224 225

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