THE LETHBRIDGE HERALD AUGUST 17, 1942

President Edward J. Wood Retires At After 39 Years Service; Action Is Taken At Stake Conference

Dean of Stake Presidents of Church — Willard L. Smith His Suc­ cessor

(From Our Own Correspondent)

CARDSTON, Aug. 17. — President Edward J. Wood, 76, dean of stake presidents of the L. D. S. (Mormon) Church, retired Sunday as president of the stake after oc­ cupying that position for a period of 39 years. He retains his position as president of the Alberta Temple. The well known and dearly loved churchman was released from his du­ ties as stake president at his own request.

The action was taken Sunday at the sessions of the Alberta stake conference with Elder L. Richards of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Salt Lake City, and Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin of Salt Lake, present. Elder Richards officiated, paying high tribute to the long and notable ministry of President Wood, not only in Alberta but also in the South Sea Islands, where he served as a missionary for many years. Bishop Wirthlin also joined in paying tribute to the retiring stake president.

New President

President Wood is succeeded by Willard L. Smith, member of the stake high council and former president of the Samoan Mission, and his counsellors are H. G. Jensen and Gordon Brewerton. President Wood's counsellors, Z. W. Jacobs, K. C. and John S. Smith, also retired along with the president after many years of faithful service. The stake high council was reorganized.

The conference, held in the tabernacle, was largely attended, the chief addresses being delivered by the visiting church leaders. Pres. Wood was also a speaker. General and stake authorities of the Church were sustained by vote of the people assembled. , missionary, farmer and community builder, was honored here last night on the occa­ sion of his thirtieth year as head of the stake. The beloved church leader heard expres­ sions of praise, confidence and esteem from every section of the L. D. S. Church in Al­ berta and with Mrs. Wood, his companion and support during his long and distinguished ministry, received handsome presentations from his people. The stake tabernacle was the setting for the function and President Wood's counsellor, Z. W. Jacobs, presided. Among those on the rostrum decorated with flowers, ferns and sheaves of the harvest, were President Heber S. Allen of the Taylor stake and former president of the Alberta stake, and President A. E. Palmer of the Lethbridge stake. In the audience were people from almost every ward in the three Alberta stakes who, de­ spite the busy season, journeyed to Cardston to honor the veteran leader whose wise counsel, optimistic outlook and inspiring words have influenced every phase of Mormon development in this province.

Period of Growth

The invocation was pronounced by Elder Joseph Ellison, only remaining member of the original stake high council when President Wood's administration began in 1903. Elder Jacobs, who recounted some of the growth and achievements of the stake in the past 30 years, instanced the building of the temple, churches, social halls, organization of wards and branches and missionary enterprises, a record of progress traceable to the vigorous leadership of President Wood.

Mrs. Armenia Lee, matron of the temple, spoke of President Wood as head of the tem­ ple; Mrs. Elizabeth Low, in an eloquently phrased tribute, referred to Mrs. Wood as "the president's best helper"; Rulon E. Hicken described the president's active support of education; while John S. Smith, counsellor to the president, declared the secret of President Wood's success as a leader was his unvarying faith in God and his love for his fellowmen. Elder Sterling Williams, temple recorder, paid tribute to the pioneer leaders of the church, and Elder David H. Elton of Lethbridge added a further expres­ sion of gratitude for the life and influence of such a worthy counsellor and guide.

Recalls Early History

President Allen of the Taylor stake recalled some of the early history of the Alberta set­ tlements and the formation of the three ecclesiastical stakes. President of the parent stake was released at an historic conference in Magrath. He was succeeded by President Allen, the late Theodore Brandley of Stirling, and President Wood becoming his counsellors. A year later at a conference also at Magrath and at­ tended by the late President Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, John W. Taylor, Reed Smoot and other church leaders, the stake was divided. President Allen went to Ray­ mond, where the sugar factory was drawing large numbers of settlers from Utah, as head of the new Taylor stake, President Wood being set apart as head of the Alberta stake. President Allen spoke in highest terms of the ministry of President Wood and of his success in every field of activity in which his varied interests carry him.

President Palmer

President Palmer of Lethbridge took occasion to refer to President Wood's enthusiasm and leadership in the industrial field, citing the United Irrigation District as an example of "Those tired, dejected and discouraged faces took on a new light and they went home determined not to complain but to be thankful to the Lord and to make a success of a difficult period that was testing their faith and their powers of endurance.

"He was a beacon light that never dimmed nor cast a shadow above or below the de­ sired path of his people." (Pp. 604 -5; italics in original.)

At his death, President David O. McKay said to Elder Hugh B. Brown, who was asked to represent him at the funeral: "We have never had a greater President of a Stake than Edward J. Wood." (P. 725.)