The Stake in the 1980s

1980 began with a temple excursion to the Washington DC temple. Departing January 27, the group spent several days in DC and completed 529 endowments, 1472 initiatory ordinances, and 1268 sealings.

A noteworthy visitor joined us for the first stake conference of the year: Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the First Quorum of the Seventy presided over meetings on February 23-24. That same weekend, on February 22-24, a youth conference was held entitled “Through the Looking Glass.”

Members of the stake were delighted to welcome “The Young Ambassadors” of BYU in concert on May 9 at the stake center. The popular group had just returned from a tour of the People’s Republic of China, the South Pacific, Hawaii, and the Los Angeles area.

A temple excursion—the largest in the stake’s history at that point—left the stake center on June 8. The group completed 584 endowments, 643 initiatory ordinances, and 843 sealings.

On June 28-29, Lakeland FL was the site of the first area conference held for members of the Church in Florida, southern Georgia, and southern Alabama. President Spencer W. Kimball and President Marion G. Romney represented the First presidency; President Ezra Taft Benson and Elder LeGrand Richards represented the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and Elders Paul H. Dunn and Joseph B. Wirthlin represented the First Quorum of the Seventy. Sisters Shirley Thomas of the Relief Society general presidency and Norma Smith of the Young Women general presidency also attended the historic event.

The “Single Adult Spectacular” annual conference was held July 3-5 in Tallahassee and included single adults of all ages from this area and other stakes in the south.

A youth temple excursion left the stake center on July 6 to perform baptismal work in the Washington Temple for several days. Not only was much work for the dead accomplished, but workers in the baptistry complimented the group on its reverence and exceptional behavior.

The 1980 Tallahassee Regional Meeting, which included leaders from Marianna, Pensacola, and Tallahassee Florida stakes, was held in the Panama City Chapel on July 12.

Elder Jay N. Lybbert, regional representative of the Twelve Apostles, presided at the Tallahassee Florida stake conference held in the stake center September 13-14.

In December (exact date not available), the Stake Relief Society and Stake Young Women were reorganized. Released were Relief Society President Mildred Barlow; her counselors, Edris Parrish and Gloria Beason; and her secretary Lillian Thornton. Also released were Young Women’s President Linda Campora; her counselors, Nancy Vass and Susan Barber; and her secretary Cyndy Bryan. Lynda Campora was called as the new Relief Society president; her counselors were Nancy Vass and Sylvia Caruthers, and her secretary was Susan Barber. The new Young Women’s president was Ronnyl (Ronnie) Green; her counselors were Marilyn Cranford and Nanette Barber.

In January, a stake trip to the Washington DC temple began 1981 on a spiritual high note. During the rest of the year, stake trips to the temple were made in March, June, August, and October.

A second high note of the year was a visit from Elder Charles Didier of the First Quorum of the Seventy, who presided over the Tallahassee Florida stake conference on February 21-22. During the conference, the stake presidency was reorganized: Robert L. Millet replaced Lincoln Barlow as second counselor to serve with President Richard Chapple and first counselor Charles Madsen. President Barlow was called to preside over the Quitman Branch. In addition, Elder Jay N. Lybbert—the first president of the Tallahassee Florida Stake and regional representative for the Tallahassee area—was reassigned to the Miami region.

A special Area Conference took place in Lakeland on June 28-29. 12,500 attended to hear Elders Spencer W. Kimball, LeGrand Richards, Eldon Tanner, Marion Romney, and Paul Dunn.

Stake conferences for the year were held April 5-6, August 12-13, and September 13-14.

Festivities abounded in April—the stake Gold and Green Ball took place on April 18 at the stake center, and the Tallahassee Florida Stake Sesquicentennial Ball was held on April 19.

May and October were the months for camping, with Blazer boys in the stake attending Day Camp on the 9th. On May 30-31, the stake’s fathers and sons camped out at Cherry Lake outside Madison. Then in October, from the 9th through the 11th, the Young Women attended stake camp at Piney Woods outside Thomasville, Georgia.

The White Springs Branch was created on July 27.

The stake’s 4th Annual Married Couples Seminar and Social was held February 13 for couples and adults over 18. Classes addressed many topics ranging from the spiritual to the temporal and practical.

On February 27-28, Tallahassee Stake conference was held. Visiting General Authority Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the First Quorum of the Seventy presided.

Stake Youth Conference took place March 5-6. On March 20, Stake Priesthood and Auxiliary meetings were held; and on March 27, Stake Women’s Conference convened for sisters 12 and over.

On April 17, both the Gold and Green Ball and the Stake High Priest Social were held.

The 8th Annual Single Adult Spectacular was held for members in the Tallahassee Region April 23-25 at the Tallahassee Hilton. Entitled “Mormons in a Modern World,” the Hawaiian-themed conference included many fun-filled and spiritual activities. 215 single members attended, representing 21 stakes in six states.

Stake Primary Boys Camp was held May 1 and included all-day activities.

On May 4-7, the largest temple excursion to date occurred; during it, members completed the most work ever done in one week by the Tallahassee stake—650 endowments and 2000 other ordinances were completed.

A father-and-son outing took place May 14-15 at Cherry Lake.

Dr. Garth Allred—a family counselor now practicing in Utah but formerly Institute director in Tallahassee and member of the Tallahassee stake presidency—held a seminar at the stake center on June 10. Topics were “The Secret of Staying in Love” and “The Gizzmo Game: Learning to Listen.”

On June 11, a Cultural Arts Festival took place at the stake center featuring member performances and artwork.

During June 18-19, advanced Young Women campers took a canoe trip that included demonstrations of survival techniques and sleeping on a sandbar.

A youth temple trip to the Washington DC temple took place July 11-16; and on July 24, many stake activities were held to commemorate Pioneer Day.

Stake Girls’ Camp occurred August 3-7. Also in August, from the 15th through the 21st, was a temple trip to Washington DC.

On an unknown date—possibly in August or September—Pres. Richard Chapple presided at the dedication of the new Thomasville Ward building. Mayor Pro-tem Burgess represented the city of Thomasville at the event.

A regional Single Adult conference was held September 10-12.

Elder Willard T. Brannen, regional representative for the Tallahassee Region, presided at stake conference on September 18-19. William Paul Nicholson of Quincy was sustained as a new second counselor in the stake presidency to replace Robert L. Millet, who moved from the area. Brother Millet presented a farewell fireside program on September 17.

Sometime in late summer or early fall, the stake extended a welcome to new Institute Director Arnold Garr, a veteran of the Church Education System who came to this area from Utah with his family.

On October 25 at Leon High School auditorium, the Tallahassee Florida stake hosted a performance of renowned Polish concert pianist Wladimir Jan Kochanski. A member of the Church since 1978, Brother Kochanski averaged around 120 concerts a year throughout Europe and the U.S. and was known as “The People’s Pianist.”

A stake temple excursion occurred October 17-23 to Washington DC.

From November 5th through the 7th, a multi-region Single Adult conference was held. Also in November, on the 6th, The annual Tallahassee Stake Priesthood Preview was held in honor of 11-year-old boys preparing to receive the priesthood.

November 13 was a special day for the Cairo Branch when Brother Charles Butler Sr., who had been the first branch president, broke ground for a new chapel. The branch was formed in 1946 and land for a building was bought in the 1950s. The branch was closed, however, in 1966, then reestablished in 1979. The long-awaited moment was enthusiastically celebrated by Cairo members.

Sometime in the fall of 1982, missionaries throughout the Florida Tallahassee Mission convened for a special conference presided over by Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve. He and his wife, Sister Colleen Maxwell, addressed the missionaries with encouraging and inspiring messages.

The Florida premier of the movie “The Life of Camilla Eyring Kimball” was presented on January 8 at the Tallahassee stake center for Relief Society sisters and Young Women. Special guest for the event was Dr. Ruth Brasher, associate dean of the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. 225 women attended the fund-raising effort, which generated a donation of over $3000 to BYU’s Camilla Eyring Kimball Chair of Home and Family Living.

A stake temple trip to Washington DC also occurred sometime in January; over 450 endowments and almost 60 baptisms were done, together with over 80 sessions of sealing and initiatory work.

Early in 1983, several stake callings were announced: Cherie Garr as stake Relief Society president, Maureen Webb as stake Young Women’s president, Sharon West as stake Primary president, and David Salisbury as stake Sunday School president.

The semi-annual conference of the Tallahassee Florida Stake was held February 26-27, presided over by Elder Robert L. Simpson of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

On April 16, talents of stake members were displayed at the Stake Roadshow festival. The intriguing theme of “The Trouble with …” led to interesting presentations on, for example, the trouble with allergies, the trouble with boys, and even the trouble with roadshows.

During the week of May 15-21, the stake completed its 34th and final excursion to the Washington DC temple before the dedication and opening of the new Atlanta temple. Five hundred forty-one endowment sessions, 880 sealings, and 570 initiatory ordinances were completed.

On May 29, the Madison Branch chapel was dedicated. Pres. Richard Chapple offered the dedicatory prayer.

An exciting and much-anticipated occasion took place on June 3, when members of the stake attended the dedication of the Atlanta temple in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The temple opened for ordinance work a month later.

Occurring sometime around June, the Gold and Green Ball took participants to an underwater world of enchantment. Seventeen young women were presented and honored as they stood framed by a large, beautiful pink shell.

The dedicatory service for the Quincy Ward chapel was performed on July 10. The stake presidency—Richard Chapple, Charles Madsen, and Paul Nicholson—attended, with Pres. Chapple offering the dedicatory prayer.

The first youth temple trip to the new Atlanta temple took place July 11-13, with 117 youth and chaperones attending. Over 1000 baptisms and confirmations were completed, and the youth were complimented on their conduct. The group also visited Six Flags over Georgia and the Atlanta Cyclarama.

Troy State University in Alabama was the site of the Tri-Stake Youth Conference on June 16-18. The three stakes participating were Tallahassee, Marianna, and Pensacola, with the Tallahassee stake hosting.

“Knocking Down the Walls of Jericho” was the memorable theme of girls’ camp held July 26-30. Fifty young women participated in the activities held at Camp Morningstar.

A temple excursion was held August 15-19, and members were enthusiastic about the ease of working within the compact spaces of the new Atlanta temple. It was noted that Atlanta really could replace Washington in the hearts of members!

A combined Tallahassee First and Second Ward sacrament meeting was held Sunday, September 4, to announce the creation of the Tallahassee Third Ward and reorganization of the ward boundaries. The change was made under the direction of Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve and by the First Presidency, and the action was unanimously approved by members attending the Sunday meeting.

On September 17-18, stake conference was held, with Elder Willard T. Brannen, regional representative for the Tallahassee Region, presiding.

A Priest and Laurel conference was held October 7-8 in Tallahassee. “Reach for Tomorrow” presented several classes designed to help youth prepare for spiritually and temporally successful futures.

On October 26, stake Young Women leaders were treated to a training seminar held in Marianna by Linda Palmer, secretary to the General Young Women Board in Salt Lake.

In the fall, probably November or December, Santa Claus and Uncle Sam were masters of ceremony at the “Parade of Holidays,” the stake Cultural Arts Festival in which each holiday was represented with food relevant to that season.

On February 11, the annual Marrieds Seminar was held at the stake center for all stake adults, married or single. Workshops were taught by many in the stake—including professional practicing counselors—who were experts on communication, relationships, and child-rearing.

Elder Robert E. Wells of the First Quorum of the Seventy presided over the semi-annual Tallahassee Florida Stake Conference on February 25-26. Elder Wells also spoke at the Blue and Gold Banquet on February 24, which was held to honor the establishment of the Cub Scouts. Over 280 people attended, representing the Cub Packs of three wards.

Several hundred attendants entered a “Blue Bayou” on March 10 during the stake Gold and Green Ball. The stake cultural hall was decorated with trees, Spanish moss, and a fishing dock.

Stake roadshows were presented April 13-14, with 11 units participating and adding their talents based on the theme, “It’s a Small, Small World.”

On April 14, 11-year-old Boy Scouts in the stake attended the Stake Blazer Day Camp at Moore Lake to work on their skill awards in hiking, cooking, and first aid.

“A Season for Strength” was the title of the Stake Women’s Conference held April 21.

NOTE: The March/April 1984 issue of the Stake News newsletter contains several personal stories of stake interest concerning the Peddie, Bone, and Sasser families, as well as a highlight of four sisters on temple missions at the same time in the same temple (Washington DC)—Dora Turberville, Daisy Smoke, Maggie Smoke, and Gertrude Cutchen.

“Let Your Light Shine” was the theme of the 10th annual Tallahassee Stake Single Adult Spectacular weekend conference May 4-6. Over 300 participants came from Miami, Tennessee, North Carolina, and even Louisiana to attend workshops on effective ways to develop their spiritual and temporal talents.

On May 7, The Showtime Company performed at the stake center. A well-known and much-loved song-and-dance troupe from Ricks College, the group presented a varied program ranging from barbershop singing to humorous melodrama.

At the end of June 1984, the mission presidency changed hands. President Joseph F. Horne and his wife Barbara returned to their home in Salt Lake City after three years of service in Tallahassee. Taking their place were Floyd L. Packard and his wife Alice of Carlsbad, California, who moved to the area with the four youngest of their 14 children.

On July 26, three buses filled with 132 eager youth and chaperones began a trip to Palmyra, New York, and other significant Church sites. They attended the Hill Cumorah Pageant and visited several memorable places—Niagara Falls, the Peter Whitmer farm, the Martin Harris farm, and Joseph Smith’s home. Many described the sacrament and testimony meeting in the Sacred Grove as a highlight of the trip. Returning through Atlanta, the group performed 1064 baptisms at the Atlanta temple.

Sixty-five young women and 20 leaders attended Stake Girls’ Camp, which was held August 14-17 at Camp Indian Springs, the YMCA Camp in Wakulla County. The theme was “Make Your Vote Count in ’84,” a reference to the fact that each person decides daily for or against Heavenly Father’s path.

The second semi-annual conference of the Tallahassee Florida Stake was held September 15-16. Elder James O. Mason, regional representative and visiting general authority, presided over the meetings.

On October 13, women of the stake participated in a Relief Society Visiting Teaching Convention whose theme was “Bee a Honey of a Visiting Teacher.” The importance of honeybee to the Lord was a focal point of the instruction, as sisters were encouraged to emulate its industriousness and dedication.

An open-air sacrament meeting was held October 21 in a field at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City. The occasion was the Tri-Council Boy and Girl Scout Camporee, attended by over 50 scouts from Tallahassee to Pensacola and Panama City, and including parts of southern Alabama.

After much preparation and practice beginning in September, the stake’s musical production, “My Turn on Earth” by Carol Lynn Pearson, was held November 9-10 at the stake center. The program dramatized the plan of salvation through songs and dialogue.

Throughout December—from the 9th through the 31st—the Tallahassee wards of the stake hosted a Festival of Music and Lights to celebrate the Christmas season. The grounds of the stake center were dazzling with over 50,000 miniature lights decorating the trees. Gates were open for drive-through viewing from dusk to midnight each day. During the outdoor musical performances, of which several were scheduled for the month, a live nativity scene was presented; and after each program, the film “Mr. Krueger’s Christmas” was shown in the chapel.

On January 5, the Stake Standards Night took place at the stake center. All young women ages 12-18 and their mothers were invited. Lighted trees surrounded a large replica of the Salt Lake Temple, and wedding dresses were displayed around the “transformed” cultural hall.

Joining with the Marianna Stake, the young men and women of the Tallahassee Stake participated in a Mini Youth Conference January 6. They enjoyed tacos, a movie, dancing, and a fireside program.

Appropriately scheduled just after Valentine’s Day, the annual Stake Marrieds Seminar was held February 16. The focus was on developing love and communication. NOTE: The March/April 1985 issue of the Stake News newsletter contains detailed summaries of several excellent talks with their wise counsel.

A great blessing to our stake was the visit of Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, who presided over Stake Conference on February 23-24. A member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, he was appointed president of the North America Southeast Area during the summer of 1984. The theme of the meetings was “Obedience and Sacrifice Bring Forth the Blessings of Heaven.”

“An Evening in Paris” was the theme of the Gold and Green Ball held March 8. A French street scene—complete with lighted street lamps—delighted participants, who also enjoyed French cuisine at dinner. All appreciated, and many commented, on the memorable beauty of the ball.

Stake Women’s Conference was held on March 23 and featured a catered luncheon and fashion show. The event covered spiritual and practical ways to achieve the goal of becoming “A Lovelier You.”

On March 24, two building dedications were held in our stake—the Cairo Branch chapel and the renovated Thomasville chapel.

Tallahassee Stake Roadshows took place April 12-13. This much-anticipated annual event was a highlight of the year, spotlighting the many talents of Tallahassee Stake members.

A special occasion occurred May 3 when sisters in our stake were honored by a visit from Sisters Joy Evans and Wylene Fotheringham of the Relief Society General Board.

Career Day was held for the stake youth on May 18, during which workshops were given to help the youth learn about their future employment.

The largest seminary and institute graduation in the stake’s history to date was held on June 2. Seventeen seminary students and four adults received recognition.

The stake youth combined the spiritual with fun during a trip July 10-12 to Atlanta. They spent an evening at Stone Mountain, a day at Six Flags, and a final day at the Atlanta Temple performing around 1200 baptisms and confirmations.

Dedication of a new building for the growing Bainbridge Branch was held in August; construction had begun in December 1983.

According to newly called Stake Young Women Secretary, Teresa Bliss, “We had an absolute blast at girls’ camp…” Held August 13-16, “Camp Superchallenge” included a haunted house activity, lots of rain, an official “prank committee” to promote enjoyable antics, and “sincere and beautiful” testimonies.

Stake Conference took place on September 14-15. Regional Representative James O. Mason presided over meetings that focused on the Savior’s Atonement and the effect of justice and mercy on our lives. Newly called Stake Patriarch Lincoln Barlow also spoke during conference.

Also in September, the Stake Young Men / Young Women enjoyed a joint sports activity at Forest Meadows Athletic Club in Tallahassee.

The Stake Primary prepared a Priesthood Preview program and dinner for the Blazer A boys on November 12. Its purpose every year is to strengthen each boy’s commitment in readying himself to receive the priesthood.

On November 17, an Annual Service Film Festival was held to present slides, songs, and narration depicting inspiring service projects performed by the Young Men and Young Women in the stake’s nine units. They had been challenged to plan and carry out service in and out of the Church, which they did with a creative, enthusiastic spirit amply displayed in the festival presentation.

From early December through January 2, the 2nd Annual Christmas Festival of Music and Lights took place at the Stake Center on Stadium Drive in Tallahassee. Around 70,000 lights illuminated Church grounds while Christmas music filled the air from dusk until midnight. In addition, live musical performances were presented every Sunday evening through December 22. Drivers were invited to park their cars and walk around to experience the peace and beauty of the nativity scene and lights display.

In a pleasing coincidence, Valentine’s Day this year (February 14) fell on a Friday—perfect for The Stake Gold and Green Ball. With the appropriate theme “Sweethearts Forever,” the event took place in the stake center, which was decorated with … hearts, of course!

The stake was fortunate to have a General Authority present for Stake Conference on February 22-23. Ronald E. Poelman, counselor in the North America Southeast Area presidency, presided over the meetings.

Sometime in March (date not available), the Relief Society Women’s Conference was held, offering a special presentation to the sisters (and later to the brethren at the High Priests Social June 20). Entitled “Because of Elizabeth,” it was a program of narration and song telling, in the viewpoint of British immigrant Elizabeth, of the hardships and triumphs typical of early Saints crossing the plains.

Elder James O. Mason, Regional Representative, presided at a stake conferenced held in Panama City on March 9 and conducted the business of reorganizing stakes in this area. New stakes created were Lake City Florida and Dothan Alabama; the name of the Marianna Stake was changed to the Panama City Stake (since the Marianna Ward was now included in the new Dothan Alabama Stake); and finally, the Appalachicola Branch was moved from the Tallahassee Stake to the new Panama City Stake. Also on March 9, another stake conference was held for the new Lake City Florida Stake. Elder Robert E. Wells, counselor in the North America Southeast Area presidency, presided and conducted business in which the Valdosta Ward was moved from the Tallahassee Stake to the Lake City Florida Stake.

The 8th Annual Marrieds Seminar took place on March 15 and offered assorted “How To’s” on topics like appreciating one’s spouse as a best friend, teaching family values in a secular world, personal growth, and dealing with loss.

An activity always much anticipated—and for which much time, energy, and talent was expended by adults and youth alike—was the annual roadshow production. This year’s theme was “Love Makes the World Go Around, and the presentations were held April 18-19.

Latter-day Saint Single Adults from across the southeast gathered in Tallahassee for fellowship and fun on May 2-4 at the Annual Multi-regional Single Adult Spectacular. With the uplifting theme “Onward and Upward in Pursuit of a Steady Course,” activities comprised movies, workshops, dances, and a concluding testimony meeting.

On May 19, the popular and successful BYU International Folk Dancers performed at Leon High School in Tallahassee. The group, which included a former member of the Tallahassee Student Ward, LaVona Jenks, presented “an adventure in world folk performance through an authentic array of colorful costumes and flawless formation.” At the time, the group had toured the world for more than 25 years.

The Tallahassee Stake seminary graduation was held on May 25 in the stake center. Nine students received graduation diplomas or certificates of achievement signed by President Ezra Taft Benson, along with a gift from the stake presidency. Special recognition was given to those students who read from the scriptures daily for the school year, and a total of 62 students in the stake received seminary credit and a certificate of achievement.

“MAGIC: Making A Greater Individual Commitment” was the theme of the annual Regional Youth Conference at Troy State University, June 26-28. It was attended by 98 youth and chaperones from the Tallahassee Stake, who were among the 450 participants enjoying sports, a picnic, an ice cream social, contests, dances, a banquet, and spiritual meetings and testimonies.

Eighty-two of our stake youth ages 12-17 traveled to Atlanta On July 9 for a Stake Youth Temple Trip. They completed 1054 baptisms. After several productive and satisfying hours in the temple, they headed to Stone Mountain for a laser light show.

The first Tallahassee Florida Stake Regional Single Adult Conference—exclusively for singles age 31 and over—was held August 15, 16, and 17 at the Tallahassee Hilton (note: another citation said it might have taken place at the Ramada Inn). “Being Single: A Time To Prepare” included varied activities for the weekend: dancing, swimming, a talent show, a banquet, keynote speakers, a testimony meeting, and a specially held Sacrament Meeting with addresses from the stake presidency.

In accordance with Church guidelines issued at the time regarding student and singles wards, the Tallahassee Student Ward was dissolved on August 24. Reflecting on past experiences, many members mentioned the great sense of unity and strong missionary spirit within the student ward. They expressed appreciation for many occasions to serve and lead—together with opportunities for romance! Student Ward members were dispersed throughout the stake to make their significant contributions in other units.

The Tallahassee Florida Stake Conference was held September 13-14, with Elder Dean L. Larsen, Senior President of the First Quorum of the Seventy, presiding. Regional Representative James O. Mason was also in attendance. During Sunday’s session, Richard Chapple, Charles Madsen, and Paul Nicholson were released from the Stake Presidency. Sustained as the new Stake Presidency were W. Paul Nicholson, president; Loran C. Anderson, first counselor; and Arnold K. Garr, second counselor.

When the new Stake Presidency was called in September, the wives of Pres. Anderson and Pres. Garr were released from their stake callings—Sister Renee Anderson as Stake Relief Society President and Cherie Garr as Stake Young Women President. At an October 28 leadership meeting, Dena Hall was sustained as the new Stake Relief Society President and Suzanne Chapple as Stake Young Women President.

In October (exact date not available), in honor of the “Worldwide Celebration” of the Church’s Young Women, around 115 young women of the Tallahassee Florida Stake gathered on the steps of the new Capitol building in Tallahassee. Joined by parents, leaders, teachers, and friends, the celebrants tied messages of love and peace to helium-filled balloons. A letter of commendation was shared which had come to the young women from Adele Graham, wife of Governor Bob Graham.

During the winter of 1986-87, groundbreaking for a new chapel on Thomasville Road in Tallahassee took place. The long-awaited building was designed to accommodate the Tallahassee II and III Wards.

The semi-annual Tallahassee Florida Stake Conference was held February 21-22. Meetings were presided over by Regional Representative Elder James O. Mason.

A regional conference took place in Jacksonville March 14-15. Among the speakers were Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency, Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Hartman Rector, Jr. of the First Quorum of Seventy. President Hinckley spoke on several ways to strengthen, fortify, and teach our families.

During General Conference in October 1986, President Ezra T. Benson disbanded all Stake Seventies Quorums in a reorganization of the Churchwide missionary program. At this point, Seventies began to exist on the general Church level only. Affirming his top priority of missionary work, new Stake President Paul Nicholson called Charles H. Madsen, Jr., as Stake Mission President, with J.N. Lybbert as First Counselor, Winfield Broadhurst as Second Counselor, and Marvin Goldstein as Executive Secretary. President Nicholson charged the Stake Mission Presidency to coordinate the missionary program throughout the stake. (Exact date not available.)

Following the outstanding three-year leadership of Mission President Floyd L. Packard and his counselors Dale Dransfield, Wilford Jordan, and L. Blain Vorwaller (for a short time, R. Malone Peddie also served as a counselor), a new president for the Florida Tallahassee Mission was called—John H. Tanner of Phenix Arizona.

On May 15-16, about 200 men and boys of all ages from nine wards and branches traveled to Ochlocknee State Park for the annual Stake Father/Son Outing and Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration.

Commencement exercises honoring 12 Seminary and five Institute graduates took place in the stake center on May 17.

On May 23-24, the Tallahassee Florida Stake Regional Singles Conference kicked off at the Holiday Inn on Apalachee Parkway. Attendees came from as far away as Virginia and Missouri to enjoy a sock hop, formal ball, testimony meetings, workshops, and great food and fellowship.

As a result of substantial growth in the stake, the Tallahassee wards were reorganized on September 6. A fourth ward was added, and changes were made in the leadership of two of the others.

Presenting the themes of temple work and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Tallahassee Stake Conference was held September 12-13.

A special presentation was given on October 22 as part of the “Know Your Religion 1987-88” series. Held at the stake center, the event was highlighted by a speaker from BYU who was well-known in Tallahassee—author and professor Robert L. Millet. While attending graduate school at FSU, Brother Millet had served as Institute Director, bishop, and counselor in the stake presidency.

The joy of being Americans was celebrated at the Constitution Bicentennial Ball on November 7 at the stake center. The evening of entertainment and dance featured a variety show with guitar music, banjo playing, and juggling.

The Annual Christmas Festival of Music and Lights was even more spectacular this year, with over 130,000 miniature lights of all colors adorning the stake center and surrounding grounds. The light display won first place in the non-resident category in the City of Tallahassee’s first annual “Light Up Tallahassee” contest. Fundamentally a missionary/outreach effort, the festival featured nightly videos and special activities, including an appearance by Atlanta Braves baseball star Dale Murphy, who signed autographs. Around 46,000 cars toured the grounds throughout the Christmas season.

The year began with several special events, starting with a “Famous Couples Evening” on February 12. Participants enjoyed various activities, including a dance in the “French Riviera,” a film festival, and a rousing game of Pictionary.

“A Time To Love” by Carol Lynn Pearson and Lex DeAzevedo was presented on February 14 at the stake center. Written for young people—and presented by the stake youth—it is a musical celebrating the joys of romantic love and warning against the pitfalls of immorality.

Elder Hartman Rector, Jr., of the First Quorum of the Seventy presided at all sessions of the semi-annual conference of the Tallahassee Florida Stake on February 27-28. The theme was “Turning the Hearts of the Children to Their Fathers: Building Eternal Families.”

On March 18, the stake Gold and Green Ball and Laurel Presentation took place. The theme was “Through the Looking Glass.”

The interesting theme for this year’s roadshows was “Where Have All the ________ Gone?” Each ward or branch was challenged to fill in the blank creatively and base their roadshow on it. The event was held on April 30 to a standing-room-only audience.

On May 27-29, single adults from across the southeast gathered for their annual singles’ conference whose theme was “To See His Face.” Activities included a street dance and carnival, a formal ball, workshops, testimony meetings—and, of course, good food, music, and fun.

Single adults in the Tallahassee Stake took a temple/pageant trip during July 20-24. Attendees went to the Washington Temple and the Palmyra pageant, made a side trip to Niagara Falls, and returned via Kirtland, Ohio, for a glimpse into Church history.