Last Sunday was my turn to teach the LP2 Ward Family History class. I chose to depart from our focus on NewFamilySearch. I decided to talk about our new family "tradition" of involving grandchildren in a Reader's Theater during our Family Reunion, to help them learn about their ancestors.
Kathie has a theory that getting people involved at the level of reading and writing histories is the most effective way to "turn the hearts of the children to their fathers". Once we are hooked we may advance to genealogical research, but it is not required. Since that is what happened to me, I must agree.
On occasion, in our classroom setting, I like to recognize those individuals who actually got me started. Norm Barber is at the top of the list, but he was the type who was persistent to a fault. Austin and Gwen Haws were our Ward Family History Specialists; they were less zealous in their approach and they always deserve special mention.
The story is as follows: The Bishop decided to have a Sacrament Meeting dedicated to Family History and assigned Gwen and Austin to speak. Unfortunately they were involved in a terrible accident over at Bear Lake, by Paris, Idaho, and could not participate. Gwen was badly injured and has never been the same physically. The Bishop assigned Doug Hart to substitute for Austin and Gwen on short notice.
Those who know Doug Hart, know that he is NOT a dynamic speaker, so I'm afraid I was not expecting much. But it is a testimony to me that the Lord can use anyone to touch our hearts during a Sacrament Meeting.
Doug's concluding message was simple. It was "Do Something!...Do something related to Family History...anything...just get started." It was a remarkable meeting. Of course we were all concerned for Gwen and Austin, but I committed right there to get started on the transcription of my father's voice tapes. That was the beginning of my involvement in Family History. And I have not stopped...I'm hooked. The Preface to my Dad's memoirs actually tells this story.
So knowing that Gwen Haws would likely be in attendance at our Family History class, (in her motorized wheelchair), I decided to honor her for her role in getting me (and others) started. After telling the story of her terrible accident and Doug Hart's remarkable presentation in Sacrament Meeting, Gwen said..."Thank you...But do you know what is interesting Tony...That Sacrament Meeting occurred exactly ten years ago today!"
Well...I was speechless...I had no idea...but I do know who is in-charge...and we all love Gwen Haws. So I'm honored to have been able to spotlight her. Gwen has published dozens of family histories for her own family and for others. She is the "Mother of Publishing Histories"...no-one comes close to her accomplishments... and she is still at it...from her wheelchair.
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