Yorkshire Family History Fair at York Racecourse

Members of the York Stake recently returned to participate again in the annual Yorkshire Family History Fair, held at the Knavesmire Exhibition Centre at the York Racecourse.  This is one of the largest family history shows in the UK, with exhibitors from all over the UK and Ireland.  There are many family history societies plus lots of local history from the York area too.

Members of the church from the York area took part and had a stand representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the church's family history centres, FamilySearch and other resources that the church has available.

Elder and Sister Buglass did an excellent job arranging, setting up and running the stand for the day.  There were assisted by Cathy Dick, Merrill Hird (York Family History Centre) and Elder and Sister Smith (full time missionaries).  Between them they assisted visitors with questions and queries.  With the computers on the stand they were able to do hands on research which proved popular.

The event was very popular, there has always been a great interest in family history, which was clear by the number of stands and visitors.

Bridlington Branch Open House Sees Past and Present Branch Presidents Reunite

The Bridlington Branch of the church recently welcomed the public to its meetinghouse for an Open House which spanned three days.  There were over 150 people that came to the church.  Some of those attending came back twice – including one of the local town councillors.  Another lady came back every day and asked when it would be open again!  As well as being welcomed to the building and the church, visitors were able to learn more about family history and even carry out some research into their own genealogy with the volunteers on hand.

There were a number of members from the East Yorkshire Family History Society who attended.  The chairwoman came twice, she received some help from church member Paul Buglass and was able to solve a family history mystery she had been trying to solve for a number of years.  She was very impressed and couldn’t thank us enough.  She has asked if the society can hold their monthly meeting at the chapel when their current contract runs out with a local hotel.

Many success stories that can only do good for the church in Bridlington, a town that has seen a lot of opposition in recent years.

This Open House was also a wonderful occasion where all but one of the previous eight Bridlington Branch Presidents still living – were able to meet.  The one missing was Michael Gregory who should slot between Ken Kearsley and Duncan Maclean. The period of service for those in the photo spans about 40 years beginning with President Skelton in the 1970's.

(From left to right: Brian Skelton (presently Bishop at Hull); Eric Briggs; Ken Kearsley; Duncan Maclean; Ross Pooley; Robert Stevens; Steven Gregory)

You're invited to a Stake Fireside 'The Healing Power of the Saviour'

You're invited to a Stake Fireside 'The Healing Power of the Saviour' with guest speakers Terryl & Fiona Givens.  Friday 13th June at the York Stake Centre, Acomb, York.  Everyone welcome.

York International Festival

Saturday the 26th of April saw a vibrant and colourful explosion of smiles, music, faith and friendship erupt in York City Centre. The second annual York International Festival of faith and culture was a huge and positive success. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in York presented an international presence with Elder and Sister Smith and Bill Kimberling from the USA manning the Church exhibition, along with English members including the Siddall's, Hayden Beaumont, and Meryl Hird, plus Sister Wu from China and Sister Cabrejas from Spain. We also had Elder Oriheula singing Catalan folk songs on the main stage and receiving warm applause. 

Elder Orihuela performs for the Lord Mayor and guests

Throughout the day, local Church members also came along to support and to say hello and were among some 7,000 people flowing through the marquis on Parliament Street.

The Lord Mayor of York & the Indonesian Ambassador join in the applause    

Most of the other exhibitors and community leaders (from most of the other faiths and groups in attendance) engaged in polite and positive conversations with Church members and missionaries. Gospel conversations were had, respect and friendship was fostered, some great missionary experiences.

Members and missionaries at the Church stand

Church member Mark Cosens was asked to address the festival with a brief impromptu speech. Later the Indonesian Ambassador and Lord Mayor of York met Church members and took time to take a look at our exhibitions.

Along with the Church exhibition, there was also a family history ‘Family Tree’ exhibition, which proved very popular. We were able to share all of the introductory cards that we had prepared to people interested in starting their family tree.

Next year we hope join in the York International Festival again. The event has been a really positive way to share our faith in the Jesus Christ, as well as foster respect and understanding with others in our community. 

A youth choir from Rwanda perform a traditional song and dance