USA > Idaho > Madison County > Salem > Salem L.D.S. Ward history, 1883 to 1972 > Part 2
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1955
Salem Ward conference was held on October 16 with all of the Stake Presidency and 41% of the Ward members present . October 31 - Funeral services were held for Linden Leslie Shirley, 17 year old son of Leslie and Etellyn Shirley, who shot himself accidently with a pistol.
December 2, 1955 - The west 156 feet of lot 2, block 12 of Salem townsite, was deeded to the Salem Ward. This property belonged to the Bohi estate, but was given to the Ward. The members of the Ward remodeled the house, putting in water and making it more livable for Sarah Bohi who is to have a home there as long as she lives.
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Salem Ward History Beginning January 1956
1956 The Ward finished remodeling and painting the Bohi home so that Sarah Bohi could move in. During January, they built a bathroom on, refloored the other two rooms, installed a pump, and made it a nice, comfortable home for her.
January 8 - A meeting was called to decide what to do with the old Rock Church House -- 50 members were present, and they voted to sell it building and lot.
January 9 - There was a meeting held in the Bishop's Office including the Bishopric and a committee of Edward Rindlisbacher, Grant R. Bowen, and Joseph Ball, to open bids on the old Church House. Bids were Glen Ball, Gordon, and Rodney Shirley. The Shirley bid for $650 was accepted and sent to Salt Lake City for approvel .
March 4 - Bishop Larsen told the Priesthood that the Ward had to raise $2,700 for the new building at Ricks College. The Bishop thought it may be better to rent a farm to raise the money, and said Lowell Luke had offered his for rent to the Ward. The members of the Priesthood voted in favor of renting the Luke farm. Edward Rindlishbacher was appointed Chairman of the farm committee, with Joseph Ball and Forland Mortensen as Assistants.
March 18 - Twenty-one boys received individual awards in the Aaronic Priesthood .
March 23 - The Ward reunion for adults, dinner was served by the Relief Society and the program was under the direction of the M. I.A. with a dance after. The children's reunion was the next day, with the Primary and Sunday School in charge. Both were very fine, and both had a very good attendance.
April 17 & 18 - The Ward members turned out with tractors, plows, trucks, etc., and prepared and planted 50 acres of ground of Ward project. The ladies of the Ward prepared and served dinner both days.
May 16 - Ward prepared and planted 20 more acres on Ward project. June 3 - Bishop Larsen read a letter from the First Presidency stating the Ward could sell the old Church and lot for $650, and that the Ward could keep $487.50 and send the rest to Salt Lake City to the Church Office.
June 30 - Crops look good at this time in the Snake River Valley. August 12 - Bishop Larsen presented awards to Golda Hope and Merle Luke as leaders of the M. I.A. and to 25 girls in the M. I.A. August 27 - Funeral services were held for George Petersen, one of the early settlers of Salem Ward .
September 10 & 11 - The Ward wheat was threshed. There were three threshing machines, 40 men, trucks, and wagons. They did a fine job. The summer has been one of the dryest we have had for many years, but our water supply has been good for which we are glad.
signed Gerald Larsen Bishop Lowell Luke Clerk
1957 January
We have had lots of snow and high winds. January 20 it blew and drifted snow until several families had to walk home from Sunday School. There was no Sacrament Meeting held because of the drifting snow.
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1957
Feb. 3 - There weren't any meetings held because of the drifting snow.
February 17 - Bishop Larsen and Counselors J. Wendell Virgin and J. Max Mortensen and Clerks Lowell Luke and Lamar Mortersen were released at Ward Sacrament Meeting with the Stake President in charge. Sustained as Bishop was Gorden Shirley, with James Max Mortensen 1st Counselor, Edward Rindlisbacher 2nd Counselor, Lowell Luke Ward Clerk and Lamar Mortensen Assistant Clerk. All members of both Bishoprics spoke.
February 17 - Gertrude Wellard passed away. Funeral services were held February 21.
March 3 - The Ward farm committee reported that the Ward crop was completed. After selling the potatoes, they showed a net to the Ward of $2,986.02.
May 19 - A program was given by the Aaronic Priesthood, 15 boys received awards.
The crops look good at this time. There has been lots of moisture and we hope there will be a good harvest. The summer months have hot and dry. We had lots of rain in April and May, but the balance of the year has been hot. We have had plenty of water for irrigation.
September 22 - A Ward conference was held with 223 members present and the Stake President presiding. Members of each organization talked and gave a report.
September 27 - A grave side service was held for the infant son of Bert and Valene Fullmer Withers at the Rexburg Cemetery.
September 28 - Ward members, under the direction of the Ward farm committee, dug the potatoes on the J. F. Belnap farm. Many Ward members turned out to help.
December 17 - The Ward Christmas Party was held and a large crowd attended it.
December 28 - Warren Mortensen, who was 60 years old and had lived his life in Salem, died of a heart attack. Funeral ser- vices were held in the Salem Ward Chapel, December 31, 1957. The year has been good for most of the Ward members. Emma Wasden, one of our good members has been seriously ill and is now taking treatments in Salt Lake City.
There have been many cases of measels and chicken pox among the younger members.
The winter has been mild so far, and we all have been blessed abundantly.
Signed Gorden Shirley Bishop
Lowell Luke Clerk
January 1958 Salem Ward History
1958
February 28 - Emma James Wasden passed away at her home after suffering nearly a year from Cancer. Her funeral was held on March 3, 1958 in the Salem Ward Chapel. She was a wonderful Church worker, and the Chapel and hall were filled with rela- tives.
This has been the best winter that I can remember. There was a lot of snow and very little wind.
There have been a great deal of children's diseases, measels and chicken pox, but nothing serious.
Gorden Shirley Bishop Lowell Luke Clerk
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1958 June 18 - Funeral services were held for Hyrum Bohi who passed away June 15, 1958. He died of a heart ailment.
June 30 - Most of the crops look good in this area. The hay matured early. The season has been dry and the canals are running storage water.
July 14 - Anita Elinora Jensen Mortensen died of a cerebral hemmorage at the Rexburg Hospital. Funeral services were held July 16, 1958 in the Salem Ward Chapel.
August 17 - A Ward conference was held in the Salem Ward. A meeting was held at 6:30 with the Stake President and the Ward officers. All officers present spoke briefly. Conference started at 7:30 with the Ward Bishopric speaking along with President Marvin Meyers speaking for the Stake Presidency. About 54% of the Ward was present .
September 10 - Lorenzo Edward Bagley died of a heart attack at St . Anthony, Idaho. Funeral services were held on September 12, 1958 in the Salem Ward Chapel.
September 13 - The Ward harvested their potatoes grown on the J. F. Belnap farm. There was about 110 people who helped to pick and haul the potatoes. Lunch was served at noon by the Relief Society. The yield was heavy and the type was good. After the rent was paid, the Ward received about $1,100 for its share.
We have had a hot dry year, but there has been enough water to take care of the crops, The reservoirs are holding back very little water and we will need heavy snows this winter to insure us water for next year's irrigation. The prices are not very good -- hay $10, Potatoes $1 at digging time, wheat $1.44 at threashing time.
The Ward has been blessed. We have six Missionaries in the field, there is no one in need, and fairly good health is enjoyed at this time.
November 10 - Joseph Bohi passed away at his home as a result of a heart attack. His funeral was held on November 13, 1958 in the Salem Ward Chapel .
December 23 - The Ward Christmas Party was held with a large crowd in attendence. A program was held and Santa visited the children .
The weather has been mild but dry. We are in need of snow this winter to insure us of water for our crops next year .
Gorden Shirley Bishop
Lowell Luke Clerk
January 1959
1959
Releases January 25 were Lowell Luke as Ward Clerk, Rodney Shirley as Y.M.M I.A. Superintendent, Ted Mortensen 1st Counselor, Joseph Ball 2nd Counselor, Ross Hope as Superintendent of Sunday School, Dean Zollinzer 1st Counselor, H. Blaine Johnson 2nd Counselor, and Veda Mortensen as Secretary. Sustained were Ross J. Hope as Ward Clerk, Austin Price as Assistant Ward Clerk, Lowell Luke as Y M.M. I.A. Superintendent, Rodney Shirley as Scout Master, Layle Bagley as Assistant Scout Master, Dean Zollinzer as Superintendent of Sunday School, with Blaine Johnson 1st Counselor, and Spence
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1959 Harris 2nd Counselor, Marcia Beazer Secretary, February 1 - Phill Worlton Ist Counselor in Y.M.M. I.A., and February 15 - Lavell Hirschi 2nd Counselor in Y.M.M.I.A.
March 13 - The Ward Chapel was cleaned by Ward members. The Ward reunion was held with a large crowd attending.
The Ward has been blessed, there is no serious sickness in the Ward. The winter has been very mild and with very little snow. There is some concern felt because of the lack of moisture during the winter, but most of the farmers have been able to work in the fields by the last week in March. We will hope and pray for rain, as the daily wind is drying out the fields quite rapidly. Gorden S. Shirley Bishop
Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
During this quarter, the Ward leased ten acres of ground from J. F. Belnap to raise potatoes. A farm committee was set up consisting of Austin Price, Blaine Johnson, and Ross Hope, and with the help of Ward members the potatoes were planted. Culti- vation was performed by various Priesthood Quorums. Despite the cold spring and its lack of moisture at first, most all crops are growing well. The Ward has been blessed with no serious frost damage. There is no serious illness in the Ward, and no members have passed away.
July 27 - Members of the Ward weeded the Ward potatoes on J. F. Belnap farm. There was a large turn out, and afterwards every- one enjoyed a watermelon bust .
During this quarter, the parking lot in front of the Church House was oiled and each family was assessed to pay the cost of oiling. September 30 - At this time there is considerable grain to harvest. It has been quite wet and thus made the harvesting rather slow. Some potatoes have been harvested, but the majority is still left to do .
October 16 - The Ward dug their potatoes. A good number of the Ward members were there and the nine acres were dug in one day . November 30 - Funeral services were held for William Jensen, a life long member of the Salem Ward. There was a large turn out. Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
Salem Ward History Beginning January 1, 1960
1960 Again it is the time to set our house in order. Face yourself in the mirror. Have I really done the best that I know how? Have the Lord and I been pleased with my efforts? Let us try each day to do a little better so we may sleep well tonight. I hope that I can glean from these records those things most worthwhile. Don't blame the typewriter for the mistakes I confess. After all, the teacher and I are one. (Happy New Year) I guess we better get to work. J.F.B.
It appears that the Ward started out in a normal way this year of 1960. It appears that the Primary was the only one that didn't make any change of at least one Officer or teacher The Bishop and the Ward Clerk report has the following: The Ward has been blessed. There has been no serious illness of any kind among the Ward members. The winter has been very mild, with not much snow. Some concern has been felt over the lack of moisture
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1960
during the winter. The weather has been extremely nice during most of March .
Gorden L. Shirley Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
1960 April 3, 1960 - The Primary got back into the swing and June Davidson was released as teacher in Primary, and Shirley Lewis was sustained as a teacher in Primary .
April 11, 1960 - Funeral services were held for Estel Mortensen, another life long member of the Ward .
June 1 - The Ward planted their potatoes as a Ward project. There was a very good turn out .
Again the report says no serious sickness in the Ward at the present time. The summer thus far has been very windy and dry causing some concern. However, no serious damage has been noted as yet .
August 21, 1960 - Ward conference was held in Salem Ward with President O. P. Mortensen presiding. There were 202 members of the Ward present .
October 22, 1960 - The Ward dug eight acres of potatoes. A good crowd turned out to help with the project.
Again we come to the end of the year and give our best wishes to everyone.
Gorden L. Shirley Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
January 1, 1961
1961
Well, did you improve? We have had the usual turn over of officers and teachers .
February 15 - Funeral services were held for James George Willis, a long time resident of Salem Ward.
March 25 - The Salem Ward Reunion was held in the Ward Church House with a very large turn out of members and former members We have had a very dry winter, however, we received a fairly large amount of rain and snow in March. Things look favorable for the summer - moisture wise .
May 27 - Ward members met with trucks, shovels, rakes, and etc., for the purpose of hauling dirt on the ball park south of the Ward Chapel. There was 130 loads of choice dry farm soil hauled, dumped and leveled on the ball park. During the following week grass was planted and a sprinkler system, donated by Fay Wasden was installed to irrigate the grass. It has grown very rapidly. Members of the Priesthood Quorums and Bishopric have taken turns running the sprinkler, and twice thus far, several members of the Ward have met with their lawn mowers and mowed the lawn. A very nice park is anticipated for next summer .
June 30 - It has been an extremely hot, dry, and windy spring and summer thus far. Some crops are showing results of lack of water. A special Stake Fast will be held in connection with the regular Fast Meeting in July for the purpose of Fasting and Prayer for rain®
Gorden L. Shirley Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
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1961 August 27 - Ward conference was held with President O. P. Mortensen presiding. The Bishopric and other officers and teachers were called on to give short talks. There was 54% membership in atten- dance.
September 30 - We have had a fairly good summer. There was some water shortage, however no one was hurt badly. During September we had above normal rain fall and the water situation looks brighter. December 31 - We had a very wet fall, however, nearly all crops were harvested.
Gorden L. Shirley Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
1962 March 31, 1962 - Ward History There has been no deaths in the Ward . In February, the area was hit by the worst flood in its history. However, despite the seriousness of the situation, there was no loss of life. Some Some damage was done to property and it was noted that a large amount of hay was flooded out and is being reseeded.
May 20, 1962 - Members of the Priesthood Quorums voted to rent some ground from J. F. Belnap and plant potatoes. The ground was prepared and the potatoes were planted this week.
The Ward has been blessed. There is no serious sickness among the Ward members, the crops look good, and we have been blessed with plenty of moisture this year.
The ball park started last summer looks very nice. This spring small trees were planted along the south and west sides, this will make a very nice hedge. A ball diamond was set up at the south west corner of the lot. Junior and Senior baseball teams were started, thus giving a lot of young boys and girls the chance to play on it, also the opportunity to play in competition baseball with other Wards in league play.
August 26 - Ward conference was held with President O. P. Mortensen presiding, and a total of 255 members in attendance.
The weather this fall has been very favorable. All harvesting of crops is completed.
Gorden Shirley Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
November 18, 1962 - The Ward was reorganized. The present Bishopric, Gorden L, Shirley, J. Max Mortensen, and Edward Rindlisbacher, the Ward Clerks, Ross J. Hope and Austin J. Price along with all officers and teachers in the Ward were released.
Phill A. Worlton was sustained as Bishop, Rodney J. Shirley as 1st Counselor, Reo A. Archibald as 2nd Counselor, Ross J. Hope as Ward Clerk, and H. Blaine Johnson as Assistant Ward Clerk.
December 17 - A Ward Social sponsored by the Relief Society, was held in the recreation hall. It was in honor of the retiring Bishop- ric. They were each given a lovely gift in appreciation of their service.
We have had a lovely fall. All of the crops were harvested with very little bad weather.
Phill A. Worlton Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
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1963 February 16, 1963 - Funeral services for Charles L. Hansen were held. He was a long time member of the Ward.
March 8 & 9 - The Ward reunion was held with a large crowd attend- ing.
May 19 - The Ward planted six acres of potatoes for a Ward project . July 31, 1963 - Funeral Services were held for David Hirschi Jr., a very large crowd attended from near and far.
August 1 - Funeral services were held for Sister Emma Jensen, a Very faithful Ward member and worker.
August 2 - Ward members met at Frank Belnap farm to weed the Ward potatoes.
October 16 - The Salem Ward dug their potatoes. A large crowd turned out for the digging. The six acres were completed by 12:30 p.m. The Relief Society served lunch to all those who came to help. Winter arrived very early this year. We have had very cold weather, and more snow thus far than I can remember for many years . Phill A. Worlton Bishop Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
1964 March 6 - The Ward reunion was held for members and former members of the Ward over 12 years. Those under 12 had a reunion the fol- lowing day. The Relief Society prepared the meal for the adults and the Sunday School set up the tables. The Primary and Junior Sunday School took charge of the children on Saturday, March 7, 1964 . June 5 - The Ward members met as a group and planted potatoes on the Ward Welfare Farm.
June 22 - Ward members completely cleaned the Church House . October 17 - The eight acres of potatoes on the Ward Welfare Farm was dug. A large attendance turned out and the potatoes were all dug in one day .
October 25 - Ward conference was held with President O. P Mortensen presiding. A testimony meeting was held prior to Sacrament Meeting for all officers and teachers. There were 43 in attendance at the testimony meeting and 275 at the Sacrament Meeting which amounted to 64% .
December 18 - Mrs. Lucy Jensen Bowen died of a heart attack, a life long member of Salem.
December 22 - The Ward Christmas Party was held with a large crowd and a good program.
Phill A. Worlton Bishop
Ross J. Hope Ward Clerk
Ward History for 1965
1965 During this quarter, one Missionary returned from a Mission, and four went into the Mission field. They will be listed in the Mission - ary section.
February 28 - James and Eulala Worlton were presented a gold award for doing 96 names in the Temple.
March 16 - Fred Bagley died of a heart attack.
March 19 - The Ward reunion was held for all Ward members and former members over 12 years of age. The Mutual prepared the meal and served, the Sunday School set up tables, and the Relief Society arranged the program.
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1965 March 22 - The reunion for those under 12 was held. The Primary and Junior Sunday School took charge .
March 23 - The Green and Gold Ball was held. The hall was beau- tifully decorated and a large crowd attended.
April 24 - Funeral services for Darrin Mack Sommer, infant son of Mack & Rachael Sommer.
May 26 - The Ward served the Alumni Banquet at Ricks College as a fund raising project.
May 26 & 27 - The Ward members worked the ground and planted the potatoes on the Ward farm.
June 14 - The Primary officers and teachers served a pancake breakfast as a fund raising project.
July 16 - Funeral services were held for Sister Alice Roylance, the wife of Heber Roylance who had preceeded her in death. She was an early Pioneer of Salem.
September 19 - Ward conference was held with the North Rexburg Stake President's Ist Counselor Edwin Flamm presiding, and 67% of the Ward in attendance.
October 5 - Funeral services were held for Ralph Rowberry who died of a heart attack.
October 9 - The eight acres of potatoes on the Ward Welfare Farm were all dug in one day. There was a large turn out.
November 21 - The quarterly conference was held. Salem was honored for having the highest percent in attendance at their Ward confer- ence ®
December 21 - The Ward Christmas party was held. A large crowd enjoyed a good program and a visit from Santa Claus
December 30 - The Green and Gold Ball was held. The hall was beautifully decorated, and a large crowd enjoyed an evening of dancing .
This year has been good for most of the Ward members. The winter has been mild so. far, and we all have been blessed abundantly.
Phill A. Worlton Bishop
Austin Price Ward Clerk
Salem Ward History for 1966
1966
March 10 - The Ward reunion was held with a large crowd attending. May 15 - A special program was presented by the Aaronic Priesthood . May 16 - The Ward potatoes were sorted and sold.
June 1 - Beets on the Welfare Farm were thinned .
June 11 - Funeral services were held for Myrna Kay Jensen . June 14 - An early morning breakfast was served by the Primary officers and teachers for all Ward members .
June 15 - Funeral services were held for Wray Walker Hegsted, a life time member.
October 23 - Ward conference was held. Phill A. Worlton as Bishop, Kenneth Phillips as 1st Counselor, Layle Bagley as 2nd Counselor, J. Austin Price as Ward Clerk, and as Assistant Clerks, Gorden L. Shirley and Edward Rindlisbacher, were all sustained, along with other officers and teachers. President Marvin Meyers presided . A testimony meeting was held before Sacrament Meeting with 33 in attendance, and 348 attending Ward conference, which is 85% of the Ward .
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1966 October 29 - The Ward's eight acres of beets were dug, A good yield was harvested.
November 18 - The Relief Society bazaar and supper was held. A large crowd attended.
November 28 - Funeral services were held for a Ward member, Sister LaVeve Harris Ball.
December 20 - The Ward Christmas party was held. The large crowd enjoyed a program consisting of a one act play and a visit from Santa. Claus .
Salem Ward History 1967
1967
March 24 - Salem Ward reunion was held. A large crowd enjoyed a good supper and program. Dancing was held the rest of the evening. March 31 - The Relief Society annual party and fashion show was held. A large crowd enjoyed the show and the refreshments. February 26 - Sacrament Meeting was held with Dorthy Larsen as the speaker prior to her departure for the Canadian Mission.
June 14 - The Primary Officers and teachers served an early morning breakfast as a fund raising project.
June 19 - The Ward started to paint and redecorate the Church House .
September 25 - Funeral services were held for Sister Clarissa Esplin Luke, a senior member of the Salem Ward.
November 17 - A Relief Society Bazaar was held. A delicious turkey dinner was served to a large crowd and bazaar items were sold. December 19 - A large crowd attended the Ward Christmas party. A good program was enjoyed, and then Santa made a visit and gave gifts to all.
December 27 - The Gold and Green Ball was held in the hall. The hall was beautifully decorated to carry out the theme "Winter Won- derland. "
Phill A. Worlton Bishop
Austin J. Price Ward Clerk
I do not find any thing recorded of historical value from December 31, 1967 until June 30, 1968, other than the changes of officers and teachers.
1968
June 30, 1968 - The Ward was reorganized and Bishop Phill A. Worlton and his Counselors and all Ward officers were released. Sustained as Bishop of Salem Ward was Gaylin Fuller, 1st Counselor Verd Mortensen, 2nd Counselor - Glade Wasden, Ward Clerk - Hans W. Jensen, and Assistant Clerk - Thon Powell. The Bishopric were Sep apart by John H. Vanderberg.
Historical events for the year of 1968
1968
January 31 - A farewell for Brother Melvin Luke was given. A nice program and tribute to Brother Luke was enjoyed by a large crowd and a gift was presented to him.
February 16 - Funeral services were held for N. Gilbert Jensen, a lifetime member of Salem Ward.
March 17 - The Relief Society annual Birthday party was enjoyed by a large crowd.
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1968 April 18 - A Dime-A-Dip supper was given by the Primary as a fund raising project.
April 26 - The Cub Scouts held their Pine Wood Derby .
May 26 - A meeting was held in honor of Dale Shirley who was leav- ing for a mission to Southern Brazil.
June 2 - The Priesthood Seminar was held in our Ward beginning on March 10 and continuing to June 2. At the meeting we had a lesson and a social with refreshments.
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