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 History, 2008.
Historian Notes: On December 28th, 2008, a special four ward meeting was held to divide the four Rochester wards and create a fifth Rochester ward. The fourth ward was dramatically changed by boundary changes. A large section of the ward was moved to the new fifth ward and a section of the third ward was moved into the fourth ward. Members of the fourth ward were released from their callings when they were moved to the fifth ward.
Personal Notes: As I close out this year’s history, it is with mixed emotions. Today, December 28th, 2008, when the wards were reorganized, I found myself in the new fifth ward. I was released from this calling (4th ward historian) after serving for 9 years. I’ve had the opportunity to share my testimony of the purpose of writing with many of the auxiliary presidents over those years. I am so grateful for members who never wearied of my asking them to write. My testimony of the purpose of writing history has deepened. I was once told that writing in our journal will only benefit the person, but I believe differently. It will benefit all who read it. One of my favorite scriptures to share is found in 2 Nephi 25: 23, 26.
“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do.”
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
Please continue in keeping the record of the 4th ward. I know that you will be blessed as a ward as you keep this record.