Our Stories of faith:
How We Came to Know the SaviorMember Stories
(Shared With Permission)
Stories About Temples
A Challenge: Prepare for an Unforgettable Temple Trip – By Jacob Ekins and Jose Carlos, 2017 Stake History
In 2017, the youth of the Austin Ward, with the help of parents and family history center workers,...
First Temple Trip – by Jacob Rowse
February 13, 2022: Jacob is 11 years old On January 29th, I had the opportunity to perform...
The Spirit of Elijah and Temple Work – by Sue Wallace
Rochester First Ward – 2012 Elijah’s History and Mission: Elijah was the last Old Testament...
Remembering: Covenants and Temples – by President Thomas Spackman
Elder Maxwell, while he was in South America, asked to visit a young man, Jared Ammon, dying of...
The Temple Ladder – by President Darrell Krueger
While serving as stake president, we had a visit from Elder C. Richard Clark of the Seventy. He...
Serving in the Temple – by Julie and Wayne Woolley
Stake Conference, 26 April 1998, Sunday Session Julie: I am grateful for the opportunity to bear...
How I Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – by Jeff Nutting
Recorded and Transcribed March 2021 Cynde and I were quite active in Resurrection Parish in...
My Conversion Story – by Sherry Kochan
Many times in my life I have looked back with gratitude for the love Heavenly Father and His son,...
My Call to Serve in the Temple Presidency – by Robert B. Dahlgren
Second Counselor, Chicago Temple Presidency La Crosse Ward ● Rochester Stake 1997 Rochester Stake...
Temples in Times of COVID – by JD Rutledge
In an email to the stake dated July 25, 2020, Brother JD Rutledge recently shared an experience...
Nauvoo Temple Experience – by Alex Frandsen
The Nauvoo Temple trip I took a few years ago was a great experience that I and the rest of our...
I Was Healed So I Could Work in the Temple – by Linda Redlin
My testimony of the gospel has been strengthened by many experiences, but one particular...
Tithing Talk – by Paige Larsen
Tithing Talk – Luke 18: 18-25 And a certain ruler asked him (Jesus) saying, “Good Master, what...
Aunt Ellen Scott – by Katie Eberhard
As I was sitting in the baptismal room waiting to be baptized for my great, great, great, great...
It is in the Ordinances that the Power of Godliness is Manifest in our Lives – Carolyn White
In 2001 I had been teaching early morning seminary in the Austin Ward for about a year. This was...
My Temple Calling – Carmen Dahlgren
1997: I truly enjoy working in the Chicago Temple. We started working two weeks a month in...
Family History – John Eberhard
1 Jan 2015 Dear Stake Presidency, I have enjoyed participating in the Stake’s family history goal...
Brother Todd Eckel – by Alan Leonhardt
How do you journal about someone like Todd? We first met Todd in the summer of 2012. His wife,...
Stories About Service
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
Vandalism in Fountain – By David Leske
In June of 2007, several members of the Rochester Stake went to Fountain, Minnesota to the Root...
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was...
The Joy of Service and Moving – By Ray Bessette
From the 2007 Rochester, MN Stake History The Elders Quorum helped a family (the Sivertsons) move...
My Brother: The Story of Love – By Matt Baker
From Bishop Baker, LaCrosse Ward Conference January 22, 2017 My brother, the Saint Paul Stake...
All-Spanish Sacrament Meeting – From Rochester 3rd Ward’s History 2007
On December 16th, we had an all-Spanish sacrament meeting. Bishop Rackham conducted the meeting...
A Man Named Angel – by Kathryn Firl
On the evening of Jan 1, 2023, our son-in-law, Jimmy, called and said he and our daughter Paige...
Thoughts on Being a Bishop – by Devaughn Rackham, 2008
I was released on February 24th of this year after serving as Bishop for almost five and a half...
Flooding in Stockton, Minnesota 2007 – by President Troy Gunnell
Several communities in our branch were affected by the flooding. Saturday evening it rained all...
Blessings of Ministering – by Rebecca Taylor
The following is a letter sent to the Bishop of the La Crosse Ward from one of the members of the...
“Preach the Gospel; Sometimes, Use Words” – by Grant Smith
Nearly 50 years ago I was finishing my mission in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. My Mexican companion...
Help with the Floods: 2019 – by Stephani Price
On the evening of 27 June 2019, record rainfall was recorded at the Rochester, Minnesota airport...
Strengthen and Lift Others – by Bridget White
Stake President’s Challenge 2012 Several summers ago, I was serving as a Stake Youth Camp leader...
My Brother’s Example – by Bridget White
My brother Dan returned home after completing his mission in Germany and Austria when I was in 8th...
Medical Mission to Peru – by Chester Hilton, RN, BSN
In April 2012, a group of medical professionals went to Peru on a medical mission. There were two...
My Conversion Story – by Sherry Kochan
Many times in my life I have looked back with gratitude for the love Heavenly Father and His son,...
Ministering Saved My Life – by Callie Hanks
I can’t talk about Relief Society without bringing up Visiting Teaching (now called Ministering)....
Peanut Butter Pie: How I Hear HIM – by Carolyn Hamblin
Whenever I am going through my day, if something pops into my head, if it excites my heart, I will...
Pine Ridge: To Bless the Lives of Those in Need – by Valerie Guimaraes
In the spring of 2015, six Native American middle-school aged children committed suicide on the...
Scout’s Honor – by Paulo Isaac DeCora Guimaraes
As an Eagle Scout, Paulo rescued a young girl from drowning during Scout Camp at Gooseberry Falls....
Stories About Trials + Challenges
Seurat the Dot – By Quinn Peterson
Bishop Quinn Peterson, Rochester 2nd Ward Conference, April 10, 2022 I remember one of my favorite...
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
My International Story of Faith – By Carol Zoeller
Sacrament Meeting Talk, Rochester 2nd Ward, August 2022 I would like to share an experience that I...
The Joy of Service and Moving – By Ray Bessette
From the 2007 Rochester, MN Stake History The Elders Quorum helped a family (the Sivertsons) move...
A Man Named Angel – by Kathryn Firl
On the evening of Jan 1, 2023, our son-in-law, Jimmy, called and said he and our daughter Paige...
Fractured Lens – by Lisa Fisher
By Lisa J Fisher, April 23, 2022 *Warning: This story contains some potentially triggering...
My Pioneers – by Neil Taylor
I grew up on a farm near Burley, Idaho. Burley is where the "Ida" part of "Ore-Ida" potato...
Not a Stranger, Not a Foreigner – by Grant Smith
A while ago I decided I needed a sabbatical from the Church. I was not in a good place spiritually...
Help with the Floods: 2019 – by Stephani Price
On the evening of 27 June 2019, record rainfall was recorded at the Rochester, Minnesota airport...
The Book of Mormon Reading Challenge – by Ruth Symons
Rochester 1st Ward I came to visit my daughter Amy Ettore and her family for Amy’s birthday at the...
The Death of My First Wife – by President Darrell Krueger
11 January 1998 Rochester 1st Ward I was left alone with a little son when I was first married....
My Broken Foot and Christ’s Atonement – by Michael Haddock
Hymn 125: How gentle God’s commands! How kind his precepts are! Come, cast your burdens on the...
The Lord Blesses Us Through Others – by Jana Frei
In 1997 our family experienced what we call our “Job Year” (as in Job from the Bible). I gave...
My Journey with Cancer – by Keri Bellows
I was being prepared for this trial in the years before by keeping records, teaching seminary and...
How has my Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Helped Me Through this Last Year? – by Emily Fletcher
Stake Conference April 2017 Last July [2016], I was worrying about how I would spend my time...
My Baptism Plus a Chapel for Winona – by Duane Mathias
I was born in Winona in 1933 and graduated from Winona High School in 1952. I guess I have always...
Steve’s Amputation: My Words, My Struggle – by Ann Eldredge
Originally written in 2018 with additions later on My husband, Steven Eldredge, was first...
Liver Disease: Miracles and Tender Mercies – by Bruce Lee
I visited my extended family members with my family (my wife Jae, my children Summer, Jennifer,...
Flood of 2007 – by Janelle Christensen
The Rushford flood in 2007 was a pretty scary time for our little Preston Branch. Then we had...
Burns, Faith, Healing – by Taylor Bly
While I was serving in the Idaho-Twin Falls Mission, I had quite a few unfortunate situations...
Stories About Prayer
The Testimony and Conversion Account of Robert Dahlgren – by Robert Dahlgren
I was born about noon on a Sunday, 27 January 1929, at Walnut Grove, Minnesota at the Gales...
The Calling of a Bishop or a Branch President – by President Robert Foote
The calling of a bishop or branch president is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a...
The Death of My First Wife – by President Darrell Krueger
11 January 1998 Rochester 1st Ward I was left alone with a little son when I was first married....
Remembering Our Stake Apostolic Blessing from Elder Maxwell – by Susan Peek
PREFACE On Sunday, November 12, 1989, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was the...
My Conversion Story – by Sherry Kochan
Many times in my life I have looked back with gratitude for the love Heavenly Father and His son,...
Pine Ridge: To Bless the Lives of Those in Need – by Valerie Guimaraes
In the spring of 2015, six Native American middle-school aged children committed suicide on the...
My Journey with Cancer – by Keri Bellows
I was being prepared for this trial in the years before by keeping records, teaching seminary and...
Prayer – by Elizabeth Flatt
15 March 1998: Preston Branch I have a testimony of prayer. Before we travel out on our stake...
Steve’s Amputation: My Words, My Struggle – by Ann Eldredge
Originally written in 2018 with additions later on My husband, Steven Eldredge, was first...
Camp Testimony – by Nya Rauch
The experience was at Young Women’s camp in 2015, I believe. I had been praying for Heavenly...
Major Life Decisions – by Melissa Konkel
Melissa Konkel from the Winona Branch, Stake Conference, November 15, 1998, Sunday Session It's...
Faith-Building Experiences of the Young Women – by Sherry Kochan
Duluth Young Women Regional Camp. Miracles observed by the Rochester, Minnesota Young Women’s...
Tithing Talk – by Paige Larsen
Tithing Talk – Luke 18: 18-25 And a certain ruler asked him (Jesus) saying, “Good Master, what...
Liver Disease: Miracles and Tender Mercies – by Bruce Lee
I visited my extended family members with my family (my wife Jae, my children Summer, Jennifer,...
Home Teaching and Callings – by Kirt Melton
I have a couple of personal experiences to share and I pray that you will receive these...
The Blessings of My Fall – by John Ferrara with comments by Karon Ferrara
Submitted on June 29, 2020 At 3:10 AM on February 3rd, 2019, I accidently stepped into the...
I Had to Have Pneumonia So They Could Find the Cancer – Valerie Guimaraes
During the Spring of 2010, I developed a serious illness. I remember the day that I fell ill so...
The Miracle of Levi – Doug and Trish Sommers
We moved to Rochester, MN from Florida one month before having our third child. On October 3rd,...
Patriarchal Blessing – Tyler Christensen
A spiritual experience that strengthened my testimony is the time I received my Patriarchal...
A Car Accident and the Miracle of Prayer – Chalane Tanner
One experience that I’d like to share was a couple of years ago – four to six years ago – and it...
Stories About Testimonies + Spiritual Experiences
Seurat the Dot – By Quinn Peterson
Bishop Quinn Peterson, Rochester 2nd Ward Conference, April 10, 2022 I remember one of my favorite...
President Nelson and the Solemn Assembly – By Ann Eldredge
On March 31, 2018, I had the privilege of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as MY prophet,...
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
Jesus Was Missing – By Janet Packer
Janet Packer, Coordinator for The Wonder of the Nativity, 2007 I want to share an experience of...
How to Study the Scriptures: A Guide from Elder Terrance Smith – By Brian Cragun
Notes by Brian Cragun of the Stake Presidency January 16, 2005 This morning the Stake Presidency...
My International Story of Faith – By Carol Zoeller
Sacrament Meeting Talk, Rochester 2nd Ward, August 2022 I would like to share an experience that I...
All-Spanish Sacrament Meeting – From Rochester 3rd Ward’s History 2007
On December 16th, we had an all-Spanish sacrament meeting. Bishop Rackham conducted the meeting...
A Challenge: Prepare for an Unforgettable Temple Trip – By Jacob Ekins and Jose Carlos, 2017 Stake History
In 2017, the youth of the Austin Ward, with the help of parents and family history center workers,...
First Temple Trip – by Jacob Rowse
February 13, 2022: Jacob is 11 years old On January 29th, I had the opportunity to perform...
Fractured Lens – by Lisa Fisher
By Lisa J Fisher, April 23, 2022 *Warning: This story contains some potentially triggering...
In Addition to the Atonement – by Paul Day
Talk by Paul Day, Rochester 2nd Ward - Easter, April 17, 2022 Eight years ago, on August 31, 2014,...
My Pioneers – by Neil Taylor
I grew up on a farm near Burley, Idaho. Burley is where the "Ida" part of "Ore-Ida" potato...
Why Isn’t This in the History – by Grant Smith
When I was in Mexico, I served as the Mission President's personal secretary. I was called to this...
To Know the Doctrine – by Grant Smith
I graduated from LDS Seminary. I faithfully attended all of my Sunday meetings. I was a lousy Boy...
Not a Stranger, Not a Foreigner – by Grant Smith
A while ago I decided I needed a sabbatical from the Church. I was not in a good place spiritually...
The Testimony and Conversion Account of Robert Dahlgren – by Robert Dahlgren
I was born about noon on a Sunday, 27 January 1929, at Walnut Grove, Minnesota at the Gales...
The Calling of a Bishop or a Branch President – by President Robert Foote
The calling of a bishop or branch president is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a...
The Spirit at Scout Camp – by Anthony Voigt
Rochester 1st Ward A few years ago, my Boy Scout troop joined with a bunch of troops from the...
The Spirit of Elijah and Temple Work – by Sue Wallace
Rochester First Ward – 2012 Elijah’s History and Mission: Elijah was the last Old Testament...
“Preach the Gospel; Sometimes, Use Words” – by Grant Smith
Nearly 50 years ago I was finishing my mission in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. My Mexican companion...
Stories About Ministering
Flooding in Stockton, Minnesota 2007 – by President Troy Gunnell
Several communities in our branch were affected by the flooding. Saturday evening it rained all...
The Testimony and Conversion Account of Robert Dahlgren – by Robert Dahlgren
I was born about noon on a Sunday, 27 January 1929, at Walnut Grove, Minnesota at the Gales...
Blessings of Ministering – by Rebecca Taylor
The following is a letter sent to the Bishop of the La Crosse Ward from one of the members of the...
Home Teaching and Brother Carol – by Bishop Stephen Sorensen
Many years ago during a priesthood leadership meeting we were taught that we need to invite all to...
Ministering Saved My Life – by Callie Hanks
I can’t talk about Relief Society without bringing up Visiting Teaching (now called Ministering)....
My Broken Foot and Christ’s Atonement – by Michael Haddock
Hymn 125: How gentle God’s commands! How kind his precepts are! Come, cast your burdens on the...
The Lord Blesses Us Through Others – by Jana Frei
In 1997 our family experienced what we call our “Job Year” (as in Job from the Bible). I gave...
My Farewell – by President Richard Robb
May 16, 2010 I wish to extend my love and support to Brother Barrett, and my own confirmation of...
The Art of Home Teaching by a Handyman – by Lynn Langston
December 9, 2019 Shortly after we moved to Rochester, Francis and I were assigned some families to...
Home Teaching and Callings – by Kirt Melton
I have a couple of personal experiences to share and I pray that you will receive these...
Keeping Faith Amidst Trials – Terry Bernatz
In last month's first presidency message, President Uchtdorf stated, “Faith is more than a belief....
Gratitude – Rachel Soderberg
In 2017, my husband and I went to our 20-week ultrasound appointment for our fourth child. We were...
Ministering Stories – Ann Eberhard
As I have thought back about times people have ministered to me, I have repeatedly thought of two...
A Testimony of Ministering – Brittney Blake
I have a testimony of the program of ministering (formally known as visiting teaching). I know...
Is it Okay if the Neck is a Little Too Large? – by Brent Spencer
Michael Sveen, Elders Quorum President in the Preston Branch, died of cancer on January 6, 2008....
Stories About Miracles + Healing
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
Jesus Was Missing – By Janet Packer
Janet Packer, Coordinator for The Wonder of the Nativity, 2007 I want to share an experience of...
Fractured Lens – by Lisa Fisher
By Lisa J Fisher, April 23, 2022 *Warning: This story contains some potentially triggering...
The Book of Mormon Reading Challenge – by Ruth Symons
Rochester 1st Ward I came to visit my daughter Amy Ettore and her family for Amy’s birthday at the...
The Death of My First Wife – by President Darrell Krueger
11 January 1998 Rochester 1st Ward I was left alone with a little son when I was first married....
Remembering Our Stake Apostolic Blessing from Elder Maxwell – by Susan Peek
PREFACE On Sunday, November 12, 1989, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was the...
Medical Mission to Peru – by Chester Hilton, RN, BSN
In April 2012, a group of medical professionals went to Peru on a medical mission. There were two...
My Father’s Transplant – by Kim Rackham
Years ago, my father was in need of a liver transplant. My husband gave him a blessing at the...
My Journey with Cancer – by Keri Bellows
I was being prepared for this trial in the years before by keeping records, teaching seminary and...
Of Conversion and Priesthood Blessings – by Tom Fleming
Part One The summer after my senior year in high school (1978), Bill and Shauna lived with us in...
How has my Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Helped Me Through this Last Year? – by Emily Fletcher
Stake Conference April 2017 Last July [2016], I was worrying about how I would spend my time...
My Baptism Plus a Chapel for Winona – by Duane Mathias
I was born in Winona in 1933 and graduated from Winona High School in 1952. I guess I have always...
Steve’s Amputation: My Words, My Struggle – by Ann Eldredge
Originally written in 2018 with additions later on My husband, Steven Eldredge, was first...
Kneel Down and Look Up – by Aubri Robinson
December 25, 2021 Having just finished my first semester back in college, I am grateful to have...
Camp Testimony – by Nya Rauch
The experience was at Young Women’s camp in 2015, I believe. I had been praying for Heavenly...
Faith-Building Experiences of the Young Women – by Sherry Kochan
Duluth Young Women Regional Camp. Miracles observed by the Rochester, Minnesota Young Women’s...
I Was Healed So I Could Work in the Temple – by Linda Redlin
My testimony of the gospel has been strengthened by many experiences, but one particular...
Liver Disease: Miracles and Tender Mercies – by Bruce Lee
I visited my extended family members with my family (my wife Jae, my children Summer, Jennifer,...
Burns, Faith, Healing – by Taylor Bly
While I was serving in the Idaho-Twin Falls Mission, I had quite a few unfortunate situations...
The Blessings of My Fall – by John Ferrara with comments by Karon Ferrara
Submitted on June 29, 2020 At 3:10 AM on February 3rd, 2019, I accidently stepped into the...
Stories About Callings + Leadership
President Nelson and the Solemn Assembly – By Ann Eldredge
On March 31, 2018, I had the privilege of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as MY prophet,...
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was...
The Tightrope Walker: Trusting in Jesus – By Robert Foote
Robert Foote, Temple President, Stake Conference, November 5, 2022 My thoughts today have been...
How to Study the Scriptures: A Guide from Elder Terrance Smith – By Brian Cragun
Notes by Brian Cragun of the Stake Presidency January 16, 2005 This morning the Stake Presidency...
The Joy of Service and Moving – By Ray Bessette
From the 2007 Rochester, MN Stake History The Elders Quorum helped a family (the Sivertsons) move...
My Brother: The Story of Love – By Matt Baker
From Bishop Baker, LaCrosse Ward Conference January 22, 2017 My brother, the Saint Paul Stake...
All-Spanish Sacrament Meeting – From Rochester 3rd Ward’s History 2007
On December 16th, we had an all-Spanish sacrament meeting. Bishop Rackham conducted the meeting...
From 4 to 5 Rochester Wards – By Keri Bellows
Keri Bellows served as the 4th Ward Historian for 9 years. These are her notes, both historical...
Thoughts on Being a Bishop – by Devaughn Rackham, 2008
I was released on February 24th of this year after serving as Bishop for almost five and a half...
My Pioneers – by Neil Taylor
I grew up on a farm near Burley, Idaho. Burley is where the "Ida" part of "Ore-Ida" potato...
The Calling of a Bishop or a Branch President – by President Robert Foote
The calling of a bishop or branch president is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a...
On Being the Patriarch of the Stake – by Wayne Barrett
2012: Wayne Barrett, the stake patriarch, spoke at a conference: This 16th Street building brings...
Follow the Stake President – by John Ferrara
Stake Conference, 26 April 1998, Sunday Session I want to express my love for President Krueger...
The Temple Ladder – by President Darrell Krueger
While serving as stake president, we had a visit from Elder C. Richard Clark of the Seventy. He...
The Death of My First Wife – by President Darrell Krueger
11 January 1998 Rochester 1st Ward I was left alone with a little son when I was first married....
Remembering Our Stake Apostolic Blessing from Elder Maxwell – by Susan Peek
PREFACE On Sunday, November 12, 1989, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was the...
My Call to Serve in the Temple Presidency – by Robert B. Dahlgren
Second Counselor, Chicago Temple Presidency La Crosse Ward ● Rochester Stake 1997 Rochester Stake...
The First 17 Years: The Rochester, Minnesota 2nd Ward – by Ray Squires
Summer 2003 The Rochester Second Ward was organized under the direction of Stake President Darrell...
Apostolic Blessing of Elder Quentin L. Cook – by Wayne Woolley and Grant Wheeler
October 2011 Wayne Woolley, Rochester 3rd Ward Bishop: Here are my somewhat brief notes regarding...
My Farewell – by President Richard Robb
May 16, 2010 I wish to extend my love and support to Brother Barrett, and my own confirmation of...
Stories About Youth Activities
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was...
A Challenge: Prepare for an Unforgettable Temple Trip – By Jacob Ekins and Jose Carlos, 2017 Stake History
In 2017, the youth of the Austin Ward, with the help of parents and family history center workers,...
First Temple Trip – by Jacob Rowse
February 13, 2022: Jacob is 11 years old On January 29th, I had the opportunity to perform...
To Know the Doctrine – by Grant Smith
I graduated from LDS Seminary. I faithfully attended all of my Sunday meetings. I was a lousy Boy...
The Spirit at Scout Camp – by Anthony Voigt
Rochester 1st Ward A few years ago, my Boy Scout troop joined with a bunch of troops from the...
Strengthen and Lift Others – by Bridget White
Stake President’s Challenge 2012 Several summers ago, I was serving as a Stake Youth Camp leader...
My Broken Foot and Christ’s Atonement – by Michael Haddock
Hymn 125: How gentle God’s commands! How kind his precepts are! Come, cast your burdens on the...
Scout’s Honor – by Paulo Isaac DeCora Guimaraes
As an Eagle Scout, Paulo rescued a young girl from drowning during Scout Camp at Gooseberry Falls....
Nauvoo Temple Experience – by Alex Frandsen
The Nauvoo Temple trip I took a few years ago was a great experience that I and the rest of our...
The End of Our Rope – by Ann Eberhard
I am always delighted to be with the youth. I grew up in a small branch. Most of the Young Women...
Camp Testimony – by Nya Rauch
The experience was at Young Women’s camp in 2015, I believe. I had been praying for Heavenly...
Faith-Building Experiences of the Young Women – by Sherry Kochan
Duluth Young Women Regional Camp. Miracles observed by the Rochester, Minnesota Young Women’s...
Nya Ruach: The Miracle of Writing Things Down – Ann Eldredge
From Facebook in early January 2021: It is with heavy hearts that the (Nguen) Ruach family offer...
Snakes at Girls Camp – Sherry Kochan
I was asked to be a Young Women's Adult Leader for a couple of nights at Camp Phillips between...
Of Campfires and Connections – Darren Calley
Different from the message of the adversary to withdraw from others, the Savior invites us to...
Never Alone – Noelle Bellows
My number one experience occurred at EFY [Especially for Youth]. I went to it after my...
Seminary Influence – by Alan Leonhardt
One of my students was assigned to speak in sacrament meeting. The topic was: "How the Scriptures...
Two Dollars and Repentance – by Andy Matthews
One time when I was very young, probably six or seven, I was at my best friend Parker's house,...
Stories About The Spirit + Promptings
President Nelson and the Solemn Assembly – By Ann Eldredge
On March 31, 2018, I had the privilege of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as MY prophet,...
Jesus Was Missing – By Janet Packer
Janet Packer, Coordinator for The Wonder of the Nativity, 2007 I want to share an experience of...
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was...
The Tightrope Walker: Trusting in Jesus – By Robert Foote
Robert Foote, Temple President, Stake Conference, November 5, 2022 My thoughts today have been...
How to Study the Scriptures: A Guide from Elder Terrance Smith – By Brian Cragun
Notes by Brian Cragun of the Stake Presidency January 16, 2005 This morning the Stake Presidency...
Thoughts on Being a Bishop – by Devaughn Rackham, 2008
I was released on February 24th of this year after serving as Bishop for almost five and a half...
Why Isn’t This in the History – by Grant Smith
When I was in Mexico, I served as the Mission President's personal secretary. I was called to this...
The Calling of a Bishop or a Branch President – by President Robert Foote
The calling of a bishop or branch president is one of the weightiest responsibilities of a...
On Being the Patriarch of the Stake – by Wayne Barrett
2012: Wayne Barrett, the stake patriarch, spoke at a conference: This 16th Street building brings...
The Book of Mormon Reading Challenge – by Ruth Symons
Rochester 1st Ward I came to visit my daughter Amy Ettore and her family for Amy’s birthday at the...
Strengthen and Lift Others – by Bridget White
Stake President’s Challenge 2012 Several summers ago, I was serving as a Stake Youth Camp leader...
The Temple Ladder – by President Darrell Krueger
While serving as stake president, we had a visit from Elder C. Richard Clark of the Seventy. He...
Remembering Our Stake Apostolic Blessing from Elder Maxwell – by Susan Peek
PREFACE On Sunday, November 12, 1989, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was the...
Serving in the Temple – by Julie and Wayne Woolley
Stake Conference, 26 April 1998, Sunday Session Julie: I am grateful for the opportunity to bear...
How I Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – by Jeff Nutting
Recorded and Transcribed March 2021 Cynde and I were quite active in Resurrection Parish in...
Medical Mission to Peru – by Chester Hilton, RN, BSN
In April 2012, a group of medical professionals went to Peru on a medical mission. There were two...
My Conversion Story – by Sherry Kochan
Many times in my life I have looked back with gratitude for the love Heavenly Father and His son,...
My Call to Serve in the Temple Presidency – by Robert B. Dahlgren
Second Counselor, Chicago Temple Presidency La Crosse Ward ● Rochester Stake 1997 Rochester Stake...
Ministering Saved My Life – by Callie Hanks
I can’t talk about Relief Society without bringing up Visiting Teaching (now called Ministering)....
Peanut Butter Pie: How I Hear HIM – by Carolyn Hamblin
Whenever I am going through my day, if something pops into my head, if it excites my heart, I will...
Stories About Faith
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
Jesus Was Missing – By Janet Packer
Janet Packer, Coordinator for The Wonder of the Nativity, 2007 I want to share an experience of...
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was...
The Tightrope Walker: Trusting in Jesus – By Robert Foote
Robert Foote, Temple President, Stake Conference, November 5, 2022 My thoughts today have been...
My International Story of Faith – By Carol Zoeller
Sacrament Meeting Talk, Rochester 2nd Ward, August 2022 I would like to share an experience that I...
Fractured Lens – by Lisa Fisher
By Lisa J Fisher, April 23, 2022 *Warning: This story contains some potentially triggering...
In Addition to the Atonement – by Paul Day
Talk by Paul Day, Rochester 2nd Ward - Easter, April 17, 2022 Eight years ago, on August 31, 2014,...
Remembering: Covenants and Temples – by President Thomas Spackman
Elder Maxwell, while he was in South America, asked to visit a young man, Jared Ammon, dying of...
The Temple Ladder – by President Darrell Krueger
While serving as stake president, we had a visit from Elder C. Richard Clark of the Seventy. He...
The Mathematical Equation of Tithing – by Patrick Johnson
In my job as a design engineer, we often use mathematical models to help us understand difficult...
My Father’s Transplant – by Kim Rackham
Years ago, my father was in need of a liver transplant. My husband gave him a blessing at the...
My Journey with Cancer – by Keri Bellows
I was being prepared for this trial in the years before by keeping records, teaching seminary and...
My Farewell – by President Richard Robb
May 16, 2010 I wish to extend my love and support to Brother Barrett, and my own confirmation of...
Tithing – by G. Brent Forsgren
I learned to pay tithing through the teachings of my wonderful parents, who wanted me to do...
Of Conversion and Priesthood Blessings – by Tom Fleming
Part One The summer after my senior year in high school (1978), Bill and Shauna lived with us in...
How has my Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Helped Me Through this Last Year? – by Emily Fletcher
Stake Conference April 2017 Last July [2016], I was worrying about how I would spend my time...
Steve’s Amputation: My Words, My Struggle – by Ann Eldredge
Originally written in 2018 with additions later on My husband, Steven Eldredge, was first...
Kneel Down and Look Up – by Aubri Robinson
December 25, 2021 Having just finished my first semester back in college, I am grateful to have...
My Life’s Testimony-Building Experiences – by Richard Robb
Richard Robb served as Bishop, Stake President, and Patriarch in the Rochester Minnesota Stake...
Major Life Decisions – by Melissa Konkel
Melissa Konkel from the Winona Branch, Stake Conference, November 15, 1998, Sunday Session It's...
Stories About Conversion + Missionary Work
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd...
Why Isn’t This in the History – by Grant Smith
When I was in Mexico, I served as the Mission President's personal secretary. I was called to this...
To Know the Doctrine – by Grant Smith
I graduated from LDS Seminary. I faithfully attended all of my Sunday meetings. I was a lousy Boy...
The Testimony and Conversion Account of Robert Dahlgren – by Robert Dahlgren
I was born about noon on a Sunday, 27 January 1929, at Walnut Grove, Minnesota at the Gales...
Blessings of Ministering – by Rebecca Taylor
The following is a letter sent to the Bishop of the La Crosse Ward from one of the members of the...
The Spirit of Elijah and Temple Work – by Sue Wallace
Rochester First Ward – 2012 Elijah’s History and Mission: Elijah was the last Old Testament...
“Preach the Gospel; Sometimes, Use Words” – by Grant Smith
Nearly 50 years ago I was finishing my mission in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. My Mexican companion...
Home Teaching and Brother Carol – by Bishop Stephen Sorensen
Many years ago during a priesthood leadership meeting we were taught that we need to invite all to...
Never Give Up – by Grant Smith
Brother Grant Smith of the La Crosse Ward shares this wonderful story of the conversion of Brother...
Remembering Our Stake Apostolic Blessing from Elder Maxwell – by Susan Peek
PREFACE On Sunday, November 12, 1989, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was the...
My Testimony – by Patrick Vander Kelen
Stake Conference, 15 November 1998, Sunday Session He was baptized in May, 1998. This is his...
How I Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – by Jeff Nutting
Recorded and Transcribed March 2021 Cynde and I were quite active in Resurrection Parish in...
How I Came to Join the Church – by Chester Hilton
I was first introduced to the Book of Mormon in August 1977. I had just gotten married to Susan...
My Conversion Story – by Sherry Kochan
Many times in my life I have looked back with gratitude for the love Heavenly Father and His son,...
One Step at a Time – by Mary Taylor
Due to my mother's chronic illness of asthma, my mother, brother (Bill) and I moved to Salt Lake...
My Farewell – by President Richard Robb
May 16, 2010 I wish to extend my love and support to Brother Barrett, and my own confirmation of...
Of Conversion and Priesthood Blessings – by Tom Fleming
Part One The summer after my senior year in high school (1978), Bill and Shauna lived with us in...
Listening to Our Leaders – by Jennifer Fieck
Sunday Services, Rochester 1st Ward, January 2, 2011 Jennifer Fieck spoke on following our church...
My Baptism Plus a Chapel for Winona – by Duane Mathias
I was born in Winona in 1933 and graduated from Winona High School in 1952. I guess I have always...
Where We All Worship Together – by Rafus Smith
I was born in Mississippi during the Jim Crow Era. My Mom, Magnolia, moved us north when I was...
All Member Stories
Seurat the Dot – By Quinn Peterson
Bishop Quinn Peterson, Rochester 2nd Ward Conference, April 10, 2022 I remember one of my favorite parts of kindergarten was a weekly tradition...
President Nelson and the Solemn Assembly – By Ann Eldredge
On March 31, 2018, I had the privilege of sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as MY prophet, seer and revelator and as the prophet, seer, and...
Life Preservers – By Quinn Peterson
(June 26, 2022, by Bishop Peterson. A send off and a celebration for two long-time Rochester 2nd Ward members. This was after their missionary...
Jesus Was Missing – By Janet Packer
Janet Packer, Coordinator for The Wonder of the Nativity, 2007 I want to share an experience of preparing for the creche displays of the stake...
Vandalism in Fountain – By David Leske
In June of 2007, several members of the Rochester Stake went to Fountain, Minnesota to the Root Prairie Lutheran Church to offer assistance; there...
A Carnival to Remember – By Scott Frei
Scott Frei, Stake YM President August 4, 2007 The highlight of the conference (in my opinion) was the service project on Saturday. I gave a...
The Tightrope Walker: Trusting in Jesus – By Robert Foote
Robert Foote, Temple President, Stake Conference, November 5, 2022 My thoughts today have been inspired by Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all...
How to Study the Scriptures: A Guide from Elder Terrance Smith – By Brian Cragun
Notes by Brian Cragun of the Stake Presidency January 16, 2005 This morning the Stake Presidency had additional training from Elder Terrance Smith,...
My International Story of Faith – By Carol Zoeller
Sacrament Meeting Talk, Rochester 2nd Ward, August 2022 I would like to share an experience that I had about 3 years ago. I was in Tallinn,...
The Joy of Service and Moving – By Ray Bessette
From the 2007 Rochester, MN Stake History The Elders Quorum helped a family (the Sivertsons) move into the ward on February 11th. This was one of...
My Brother: The Story of Love – By Matt Baker
From Bishop Baker, LaCrosse Ward Conference January 22, 2017 My brother, the Saint Paul Stake President, died unexpectedly last Monday. If I were to...
All-Spanish Sacrament Meeting – From Rochester 3rd Ward’s History 2007
On December 16th, we had an all-Spanish sacrament meeting. Bishop Rackham conducted the meeting completely in Spanish, the sacrament prayers were in...
From 4 to 5 Rochester Wards – By Keri Bellows
Keri Bellows served as the 4th Ward Historian for 9 years. These are her notes, both historical and personal, taken from the Rochester MN Stake...
A Man Named Angel – by Kathryn Firl
On the evening of Jan 1, 2023, our son-in-law, Jimmy, called and said he and our daughter Paige had just gotten into a car accident and their car...
Thoughts on Being a Bishop – by Devaughn Rackham, 2008
I was released on February 24th of this year after serving as Bishop for almost five and a half years. Being released was a very bitter-sweet...
A Challenge: Prepare for an Unforgettable Temple Trip – By Jacob Ekins and Jose Carlos, 2017 Stake History
In 2017, the youth of the Austin Ward, with the help of parents and family history center workers, took the challenge to prepare one and only one...
First Temple Trip – by Jacob Rowse
February 13, 2022: Jacob is 11 years old On January 29th, I had the opportunity to perform baptisms for the dead for the first time in the St. Paul...
Fractured Lens – by Lisa Fisher
By Lisa J Fisher, April 23, 2022 *Warning: This story contains some potentially triggering content. Read with care. This is not a story of...
In Addition to the Atonement – by Paul Day
Talk by Paul Day, Rochester 2nd Ward - Easter, April 17, 2022 Eight years ago, on August 31, 2014, my cousin Kent Day bore his testimony at our...
My Pioneers – by Neil Taylor
I grew up on a farm near Burley, Idaho. Burley is where the "Ida" part of "Ore-Ida" potato products come from. My father was called as a bishop of a...
Let’s Connect
We would love to hear from you! If you have stories to include or have questions, please send an email to [email protected].