The Presiding Bishopric held a Q&A session on Monday, March 25, 2024 reporting on the completion of the Bridge of Hope Retirement Commitment.

The presiding bishops were very clear that the retirement responsibility was completed in February 2024, before the sale of the historic properties and that none of the proceeds from the sale were a part of the retirement commitments. 

The property sale goes to endowment fund for on going mission of the church.

They were also clear that ongoing contributions to Bridge of Hope would be allocated to the endowment fund as well.

It was noted that ongoing tithing contributions will continue to be extremely important for the life of the church as at its peak the endowment fund is predicted to supply about 35% of the church's budget. This is significant but certainly not all that is needed.

There was much appreciation expressed for the generous contributors of the church as well as the need for encouraging ongoing contributions especially in a younger demographic to sustain and grow the important work of Community of Christ in the world.
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We are very thankful for our bishops and the complicated, important work they do!

In my thought process our "Responsibility for the retirement fund" is cared for. NOW  begins the "Hope" portion of the Bridge of Hope. Hope for the continuing mission of Community of Christ going into the future!

This issue of Historians Corner is coming to you a week later than I had planned. Leading up to last Wednesday my attention just seemed to get consumed by continuing discussions of the announcement on March 5 by church leadership of the sale of significant historic assets. I simply did not get back to drafting this column at that time.

Quick review: this is Part 3 of what will now be at least a 4-part series of columns about how the leaders of Community of Christ were designated and approved in the Prophet-President role. We are going in reverse order from the present and into the past. In part 1 we dealt with the appointments and approval processes for Stassi Cramm, Stephen Veazey, Grant McMurray and Wallace B. Smith. In part 2 we dealt with W. Wallace Smith and Israel A. Smith. That was a rather “extended” column. I hope readers clicked on the button labelled: “Click Here to Read Full Article” to get the full story for both presidents. Both previous columns (along with all other previous Historians Corner columns) can be found in the archive here: Historians Corner.

Frederick M. Smith (Prophet-President 1915 to 1946). Of all the Prophet-Presidents of RLDS/Community of Christ, the designation of Frederick Madison Smith to succeed his father in that office was the clearest – and were understood for a long time! Richard Howard, Church Historian Emeritus, has written: “Frederick M. Smith, born...in 1872, from earliest memories could recall the Saints’ expectation that one day he would be RLDS Church president.”[1] He must have understood what this meant for him as he watched his father, Joseph Smith III, perform his leadership tasks and responsibilities. It did not take long for these traditional and social pressures to begin to be made real. He was called into the First Presidency by his father through the recounting of an experience of a revelatory dream for the annual General Conference of the church in 1902.[2] Then four years later, a subsequent revelation through Joseph Smith III included this very clear declaration:

…in case of the removal of my servant now presiding over the church (Joseph Smith III) by death or transgression, my servant Frederick M. Smith, if he remain faithful and steadfast, should be chosen…[3]

Further, lest there be ANY doubt, in a document titled “A Letter of Instruction,” written by Joseph Smith III and published in the “The Saints’ Herald” on March 13, 1912, among other very important things stated about presidential succession, it is proclaimed:

I, Joseph Smith, the present incumbent of the office of president of the Reorganized Church, definitely designate my eldest living son, Frederick Madison Smith, as the proper person to be chosen by the church as my successor in office, believing as I do that the Spirit of revelation and wisdom has manifested to me that such choice should be made as directed by the Spirit of the great Masterbuilder.[4]

​There was no question as to the designation of Fred M. as the successor to Joseph III. There was also no question about Fred M.’s desire to serve. And yet – there was still drama in the transition (what else would you expect!).

Joseph III grew increasingly ill during 2014. At the same time Fred M. applied for and was accepted into a prestigious Ph.D. program at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. He, along with his wife and two small daughters, moved there in the late summer. He was undertaking a two-year program consolidated into one year and he had a very serious program supervisor. Fred M. received word in November that his father was failing quite quickly. His program supervisor allowed him to return to Missouri, but only for a short time. A matter of days after his father’s passing on December 10, he was back at his studies.

The annual General Conference at which Fred M. was to be approved as Prophet-President was scheduled for April 2015. As the conference approached both he and his wife became ill from the stress of the work they were undertaking. The conference began with the hope that Fred M. could get there sometime during the week. He ultimately could not. His call was approved by the Conference late in the week. His ordination was delayed for a month. On May 5, in a Stone Church, filled to capacity, Frederick Madison Smith was ordained as Prophet-President of the church.

Next time – in two weeks (maybe three?!) we will learn about Joseph Smith III’s acceptance as Prophet-President. And I just have this feeling it will require another column to deal with how Joseph Smith, Jr., became the first Prophet-President of the church.

Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions.

A Change in Seasons
 
I know it may not feel like it everywhere in Western Canada yet, but this past weekend I decided spring is definitely here! I was out for a walk without a jacket and enjoyed the feeling of sun on my face. Looking out at my patio I see bulbs coming up and leaves coming out on my little willow tree. And at work a client reminded me that our Iranian or Persian friends celebrate Nowruz this week – their new year festival that falls on the spring equinox.
 
This year Easter feels like it is arriving at just the right time as “Now the green blade rises” seems to be happening right outside my window!
 
This Lent I have spent time journeying with some church companions and exploring Psalms of lament. What has struck me most is the way the Psalmist writes of both sorrow and joy, right next to each other, in all of these beautiful poems. It has been beautiful to see how similar our human struggles of today are with those of the ancient writer. They write of the difficulty of finding connection and community and long for God’s presence.
 
And while I’ve enjoyed this journey into the depths with these Psalms, they’ve made me very excited for Holy Week and Easter. The breadth of experience from sorrow to joy are all encapsuled in this week that is so central to the Christian story. And just as the bulbs in the cold ground that have been asleep are waking up, so too do we awaken to Christ’s living presence.
 
As the words of hymn 482 share:
When our hearts are wint’ry, grieving, or in pain,
your touch can call us back to life again,
fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been;
Love is come again like wheat arising green.
 
May your wintry heart find its awakening in the coming week as you gather in community. Even if you cannot see the green blades yet, I assure you, they will arise again.

Darwood Morley Shepherdson
July 1, 1953 – March 2, 2024

Peacefully and surrounded by family, Darwood passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the age of 70. He faced multiple health challenges, particularly in the last months.

He was born July 1, 1953 in New Liskeard, Ontario, the oldest son of Morley and Frances Shepherdson. He grew up in Dymond Township, attended Dymond Public School, New Liskeard Secondary School, and graduated from the New Liskeard College of Agricultural Technology. He then entered into a partnership with his dad, Morley, at Sunny Ridge Farms for 19 years, where they raised Charolais and Simmental cattle. When he left the farm, he went back to school at Georgian College. After graduating with a business degree, he worked at Honda in Alliston for 19 years. He retired in 2014, but not for long, as he then worked for Community of Christ as Bishop of Canada until his death.

Dar always cared about, and contributed to, the communities he was part of. He served on the Dymond Township council, was president of the Ontario Charolais Association, and served on the Board of Directors for the Georgian Bay General Hospital and Grace-Carman Senior Citizen’s Home. In his role as Bishop of Canada, Dar served as a director for Zerin Development Corporation, Sionito Community Development Corporation, and Encounter World Religions.

Darwood is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Shari, his children Aaron, Kateri and Joe, his step-children Stacey, Kelly, Cory and Michael, 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by his mother Frances, brothers Lew (Carol) and Ed (Donna), sister Keri (Cindy), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Morley (2011) and his oldest son Marc (2017).

Dar loved “living the dream” with his family, children, and grandchildren at his home on Georgian Bay, and playing golf with his many long-time friends. If desired, a donation in his name to Encounter World Religions or Community of Christ would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Shari Shepherdson, 112 Mitchell's Beach Road, Victoria Harbour, ON L0K 2A0.

Family will gather for a private ceremony. A public memorial service to honour Dar will be held in-person at Scarborough Community of Christ on April 13 at 4:30 pm ET. The service will also be broadcasted. Click the button below to register and receive the link.

World Accord invites nominations from qualified candidates to serve as a Board Director for an initial three-year term.

​We welcome applications from people across Canada and are committed to a governance board that models diversity, equity and inclusion.

On March 5, 2024 the First Presidency announced the sale of the Kirtland Temple and The Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo as well as some other historic items. The sale was to the LDS Church for 192.5 million USD. More details can be found at cofchrist.org/faithfully-funding-our-future

The church's announcement regarding the sale of the historic sites in Nauvoo and the Kirtland temple came to the body of the church pretty much simultaneously. This to me is transparency. Anyone in business knows discretion is key until an agreement has been reached. 

Ongoing decrease of funds especially tithing is what precipitated the sale. The aftermath of the announcement revealed sadness and yes, even anger on the part of some, but excitement and hope for the future on the part of others.

These sacred historic sites are and will continue to be accessible to each of us as individuals on an ongoing basis and as a corporate body for many years to come. We still have the historic connection. We don't have the expenses of upkeep to these sites. We do have the asset value which will help to insure the continuation of mission endeavors for the future.
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Sounds like a win, win to me!

Friends, we are saying goodbye to our beloved Dar this week. When we met with Dar as a leadership team here in BC in January, he was full of stories about his beloved grandchildren and his beloved pups (well, Shari’s beloved pups!). With so much in his life he could be proud of, it was the fact that his grandkids wanted to spend time with him and weren’t shy about expressing love in public that lit up his face with joy. He got it right!

​It's easy to say that he held the whole church in Canada but hard to understand. Four years ago when I became co-pastor in Vancouver, I ‘held’ more concern and care than before – perhaps you’ve had this experience too. Then three years ago joining the Mission Centre President Team: more concern and care – a continuous call to attention and response. Dar not only served as financial officer for both Mission Centres and as bishop of Canada, he also carried the Canadian Corp and was financial officer for at least five congregations. What a scope of care and concern and ministry! He encouraged us at our last meeting to increase our vision too so that we are not limited by local concerns but turn our gaze to supporting the mission of Christ wherever it may be arising – the big picture of service.

We are all touched by his passing. He was of invaluable service and support to us in the CWM, and as Gwyn just said, it’s hard to imagine him not in the picture with us. He kept the following words in his wallet to share in moments of grief. It is only fitting that we remember him through these words in our moment of loss.

​Welcome to the inaugural edition of Creating Connection Corner, where we aim to keep you connected with upcoming events and much more each month. Discover effortless ways to amplify your voice within your congregation or community. We will furnish links to national and international interfaith events, climate and social justice activities, and walks that you and your community can effortlessly join.

Consider initiating a Creating Connection group within your congregation or community, and we'll share inspiring success stories along with step-by-step guidance on commencing with the unwavering support of Creating Connection. Furthermore, delve into valuable tips and tutorials on harnessing the power of social media platforms integral to Creating Connection.

Keep an eye out for Creating Connection Corner features in the Weekly Wire, and don't forget to explore our dedicated Creating Connection Corner page on the CWM website. There, you'll find our blog with an archive of all our Creating Connection Corner posts.
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In this edition, we are excited to guide you through the process of setting up a Meetup account, allowing you to stay informed about our diverse range of events. Our five Meetup pages cover online and in-person activities in Vancouver, Calgary, Chilliwack, and Edmonton, in addition to our Nurturing Spirit Meetup page. Join us on this journey of connection and community-building!​

​​​Written by Stephen Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre Historian
[email protected]

Here is Part 2 of what is going to end up being at least a 4-part series. There is just too much good stuff to share! Please click on the button below to read the full article. Enjoy!

W. Wallace Smith (Prophet-President, 1958 to 1978): W. Wallace Smith was the Pastor of Portland, Oregon’s, First Street Church when he was ordained as an Apostle at the 1947 General Conference.[1] His call came through his older brother, President Israel A. Smith. In April of 1950 he was ordained into the First Presidency as a Counselor to his brother.[2] There is a significant and interesting backstory to his call into church leadership. Time and space constraints do not permit sharing that here.
 
Israel A. experienced some significant health challenges in 1947 and 1948. He was to undergo surgery that could prove to be risky. He was aware of the confusion caused when his brother, and his predecessor as Prophet-President, Frederick M. Smith, died suddenly in 1946 without clearly and intentionally identifying his successor. Before he underwent his surgery, he drafted a letter identifying W. Wallace as his successor in the event of his death. The letter was witnessed and authenticated by the President of the Council of Twelve and the Church Secretary and was left in the hands of the Secretary to be brought forward in the event it was needed. It was not needed at that time.[3]
 
In 1952, Israel A. set off on a tour to the mission fields of Europe and Great Britain. Again, he was concerned about the possibility of an untimely death during his travels (note: he was 76 years of age), and he revised his letter. This time he had it authenticated by one of his Counselors and the Presiding Bishop and left it with his Counselor (President F. Henry Edwards) to bring forward if it was needed. He travelled safely on this tour and returned home without incident.[4]
 
However, on Saturday, June 14, 1958, the direction provided in the letter was finally, and sadly, required.
 
On that date he was driving from Independence to a ministerial commitment in Lamoni, Iowa. Just south of the Town of Pattonsburg, Missouri, on Highway 69, he was involved in a head-on collision. Although he survived the crash, he was fatally injured and died in hospital shortly after.[5]

From that point on, all the intended processes to identify and approve the next Prophet-President of the church kicked into gear. There was a meeting of the Council of Twelve Apostles on Monday morning – presumably to go over all that would happen in the next few months. The funeral for Israel A. Smith was held on Tuesday. On Wednesday a meeting of the “formal council of church officers” was held including the remaining members of the First Presidency, nine members of the Council of Twelve, the Presiding Bishopric, the presiding evangelist, the senior president of seventy, and the President of the Quorum of High Priests. The letter drafted by Israel A. in 1952 designating W. Wallace to succeed him was read. They agreed to present the letter and W. Wallace Smith’s nomination to the General Conference scheduled for October of that year. F. Henry Edwards and W. Wallace Smith were sustained as the Presidency to preside over the church until that conference. Finally, a formal letter to officially inform the church of the death of Israel A. and the processes to follow was drafted, signed by Edwards and Smith, and sent to all Pastors of the church.[6]
 
On Monday, October 6, 1958, the General Conference was convened. Following the ceremonial opening processes and the initial call-to-order requirements of the business meeting, the announcement of the recommendation to approve W. Wallace Smith as “President of the High Priesthood and of the Church,” was read. Votes were taken (first, of delegates, then of all persons present) and they were deemed unanimously in favour. Then Israel A. Smith’s letter from 1952 was read. It was then approved to be added to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants as section 144. The business meeting was adjourned, and the ordination service was held that evening.[7]
 
And that is how W. Wallace Smith became the fifth Prophet-President of the church.