Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2 The New York LDS Historian Spanish Saints in the City The first Spanish-speaking LDS Church members in New York City

By Sara Anderson Spanish-speaking members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints account for almost half of all ward and branch units in the five boroughs of New York City.1 The two Span- ish-speaking units in Manhattan have strong, long-built traditions of active youth programs and dedicated worship. Members of the Manhattan 4th and Worldʼs Fair, impressed by the spirit Inwood 2nd Wards juggle their identi- they felt, Sister Pacheco decided to get ties as Latinos, Spanish-speakers, New baptized soon after the missionaries Yorkers, and Latter-day Saints. But only began teaching her. forty years ago, New York City was home to only a few Hispanic Saints, As an early response to the influx many of whom were first introduced of newly baptized Spanish-speaking Lírio Pacheco and her two sons at the to the gospel while visiting the 1964 members around the time of the Worldʼs Mormon Pavilion Worldʼs Fair in Queens. Fair, a small Spanish group was formed in the Brooklyn Branch with interpre- tation available for Sunday School and Priesthood.3 In the Churchʼs building at The Worldʼs Fair and the 142 West 81st Street, a similar group of The New York LDS Historian Spanish-American Branch Spanish-speaking members also met with is the quarterly newsletter of the New the Manhattan Ward. In the mornings, York New York Stake LDS History Com- The Worldʼs Fair brought the world to Sunday School, , and Pries- mittee. This newsletter contains articles New York City. It also brought many thood classes were held separately in both about and notices of the research of the New Yorkers to see the Mormon Pavil- languages. Later in the afternoon, the Committee. ion, the LDS Churchʼs landmark exhibit, members returned for one joint Sacra- More detailed research results will be featuring a large replica of the Salt Lake ment Meeting in English. published in our monograph series. Temple. A short time later, the Brooklyn group Monographs will be announced in future “When I saw the building, I saw a was disbanded when the mission formed issues of this newsletter. man with a trumpet, and it grabbed the New York Spanish Branch in Man- my attention,” recalls Lirio de Belén hattan. Members from all the boroughs of Cruz Pacheco (Inwood 2nd Ward) who New York City, New Jersey, and West- Current research projects: remembers how the pavilion-temple chester met with the Spanish Branch in Latter-day Saints in Midtown impacted her. Manhattan—some at considerable time The Manhattan Temple After Two Years “I said, pointing, ʻDo you see that man and expense. in the Urban Diaspora there on top? It seems like heʼs calling Missionaries served as leaders Please let us know of any information me. Letʼs go there.ʼ Now I understand in the branch, since none of the newly relevant to these projects that you have. that this was the Holy Ghost guiding me baptized members had the Melchizedek towards the building. After that, the Priesthood. But the first Relief Society missionaries came to my apartment two President was Sister Maria Marrero, a If you are interested in volunteering for or three times until they found me at local woman baptized soon after her research, writing, archiving, translating or home and started to teach me the discus- experiences at the Worldʼs Fair. historical activity planning, please contact sions.”2 Like many other visitors at the Kent Larsen at (212) 568-3909. Continued on next page New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Spanish Saints in the City (continued from previous page)

Another early member of the branch was of its proximity and attend sessions as a Manuel Nieto, who joined the Church branch.6 Consistent temple attendance shortly after emigrating from Uruguay. is an honored tradition of the New York Over the years, he would serve as Branch City Spanish-speaking saints. President, Bishop, member of the Stake Presidency, and Patriarch. But he remem- Another tradition of the Spanish units has bers that in the beginning, “we didnʼt been consistently large youth programs, know anything or have any experience.”4 starting with the earliest days of the Spa- With time, however, the new members nish-American Branch at the 81st Street gained experience and were able to serve building. The teenagers would gather at in the branch. Early branch presidents the church building Sunday mornings at included David Smith (a missionary), 8 AM, when Sunday School started, and Bob Farmer, Lorin Walker, Peruano stay until the evening, when Sacrament Cordova, Ralph Figueroa, Dagoberto Meeting ended. Parents and leaders were Garces, and Manuel Nieto. grateful because “this way, they didnʼt wander off in unknown paths,” recalls By 1968, with close to 50 people atten- President Nieto.7 Bishop Dagoberto Garces ding the New York Spanish Branch each week, the supervision of the branch was Frequent and well-attended activities shifted from the mission to the stake, and gave the youth the chance to make its name was changed to the Spanish- friends with similar values and stan- American Branch. dards. The participated in the scouting program, and Jaime Mir (a One of the early challenges of the Spa- new convert originally from Cuba) was nish-American Branch was the division called as the first Scoutmaster. The first between different regional and national campout for the young scout group was groups. Branch Presidents Garces and during the winter at Camp Alpine in New The New York LDS Historian Nieto and their counselors worked hard Jersey. New to the scouting program and to unify the members who came from to the Church, the five boys and Brother Published by the New York New York Stake LDS History Committee of the Church of Jesus all over Central and South America and Mir were somewhat unprepared. Frank Christ of Latter-day Saints. the Caribbean. Another challenge for the Miller, who at the time was a stake young branch was getting to the temple, Young Menʼs leader (he later became the New York New York Stake President the closest being in . stake president), recalls that “when we Brent J. Belnap got there, these guys just had their san- “It was very difficult to go to the temple,” Committee Chairs Richard Bushman dals on, in the snow. They had brought a Claudia Bushman recalls Manuel Nieto. “The temples were whole chicken to cook . . . using a woo- very far away, and it was expensive to Editor Scott Tiffany den rack.” But “the kids had a lot of fun, get there. We dreamed of going to the 8 5 and they learned, and survived.” Editor of this issue Sara Anderson temple.” With the completion of the Washington, D.C. temple in 1974, howe- Publisher Kent Larsen ver, Spanish-speaking members of the Committee members: stake began to regularly take advantage Nathan Bowen Maria Hunter Continued on page 12 Sarah Jane Bowen Anne Knight Allison Clark James Lucas America Cruz Glen Nelson Nelson Diaz Elena Nieves Book Tells History of Beverly Diaz Jenny Reeder Todd Flyr Joanne Rowland Mormons in New York! Al Gamez Toronto The New York Stake LDS History Committee recently Mark Holden Melissa Valentine published City Saints: Mormons in the New York The authors of each article herein are solely Metropolis. This is the first book to cover the history of responsible for their work. The views the LDS Church in the New York City region. expressed are those of the individual authors 284 pages. Many, many photos! and are not necessarily those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the sponsors and editors of this publication. Just $19.95 The articles in this newsletter are copyright by Get Your Copy Today! their respective authors. Call 800-796-9721 (M-F 11-5EST) For further information contact Kent Larsen at 212-568-3909. Profits benefit further research into the history of the LDS Church in our . 2 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

A Glimpse into the Lives of New York’s Spanish-Speaking Church Members By Sariah Toronto and Sara Anderson Romulo Macías Former Branch President of the Manhat- tan 5th Branch, Romulo Macías recently Romulo Macías first encountered the moved to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania with LDS Church in 1969, at the age of 11, his wife Arleen and their children. when his brother gave him a . It wasnʼt until 13 years later, however, that he would be baptized. Juan Osvaldo Gonzales On a rainy day in 1982, Romuloʼs father was taking the bus home from work Juan Osvaldo Gonzales was 82 years when he decided to get off at 65th Street. old when he first visited the Hill Cumo- Taking shelter from the weather at what rah pageant and Church history sites in turned out to be the church building, he upstate New York. Father was invited to a baptism that was taking of 4th Ward member Yanet place at that moment. He accepted, and Tapia, Juan had resisted after the baptism the missionaries invited invitations to hear the gospel Juan Osvaldo Gonzales was 82 him to learn more about the gospel. He for 17 years. Finally, in 1999, declined the invitation, but asked them to Yanet and her husband Arturo years old when he first visited please teach his 24-year-old son, Romulo. convinced him to come along the Hill Cumorah pageant. on the Fourth Wardʼs yearly Romulo began meeting with the mis- trip to Palmyra. As was the sionaries and learning the gospel. When custom on these ward trips to the missionaries challenged him to read upstate New York, they drove in a bus the Book of Mormon, he did so in one all night Thursday, spent Friday and night. He attended church meetings for Saturday touring historical sites, and nearly 6 months, but he had a difficult watched the pageant before returning to time committing to be baptized, and the Manhattan late Saturday night. missionaries finally gave up on him. But in the summer of 1982, one of mission- One of the sites they visited while upstate aries, Elder Ismael Mayans, prayed and was the Sacred Grove, where Church asked God for a baptism as a birthday founder was visited by present. Soon after, Romulo announced God the Father and Jesus Christ. Brother to the missionaries out of the blue that Gonzales had his own remarkable Acknowledgements he wanted to be baptized on August spiritual experience in the grove, which Our deep thanks to those who made th 11 —Elder Mayansʼ birthday. convinced him he needed to be baptized. special contributions to this issue: In October 1999 he became a member of the Church, and until his health began Sara Anderson (issue editor) to fail, was as persistent about attending Elena and Geraldo Nieves church as he once was about not listening (translation and interviews) to Yanet and Arturo. America Cruz (interviews and Today, Juan Osvaldo Gonzales is a mem- photographs) ber of the Manhattan 4th Ward. Álvaro and Genny Gamez (transla- tion, interviews and photographs) América Cruz Anny Filion (translation) Interviewed by Al and Genny Gamez Iris Boyle (translation) While visiting the Worldʼs Fair in Queens Yovanka Jones (translation) in 1965, América Cruz was particularly Nelson y Beverly Diaz (translation) impressed by the Mormon Pavilion. She Marci Stringham (translation) felt what she later called the Holy Spirit at the Pavilion, and spent some time Arturo Tapia (translation) talking to the missionaries there about Victoria Cabeza (photographs) Romulo Macías Continued on next page Marco Antonio Vargas (translation) 3 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Glimpse (continued from previous page)

the gospel. Her sister decided to be bap- tized soon afterwards, but América was not so eager: she was reluctant to give up an old habit – a good cup of coffee. It took years of her sisterʼs patience, the Relief Society sistersʼ diligent help, and Sister Blumʼs invitations to before América finally decided that she wanted to be baptized in 1977. “I know that the gospel changed my life,” says America, “I know that I could have gone down a wrong path without it. I feel very happy to be a member of this church, and I know that Jesus Christ América Cruz lives, and that His church is the means to return to the Father.” were teaching were the true principles of Today, América Cruz is a member of the the gospel and the true church of Jesus Inwood 2nd Ward. Christ.” José went back to shortly thereafter, and the subject of the Church Geraldo Nieves was dropped until the following spring when José came to visit again. Talking at Geraldo Nieves first set foot inside an length with Geraldoʼs mother about the LDS Church in 1979 when he was 15 Church, they persuaded her to meet with years old. His uncle, José Quinones, was the missionaries again. The whole family visiting from Puerto Rico and asked Ger- listened to the missionary discussions aldo to go with him to and was baptized on April 20, 1980. find the church. At that time, the building at 65th Today Geraldo Nieves and his wife Elena and Columbus housed a attend the Manhattan 4th Ward where he visitorsʼ center. Geraldo is a member of the bishopric. was not quite sure what to think of the displays about Church history Manuel Nieto and paintings of Biblical Interviewed by Al Gamez and Book of Mormon prophets, but a week Manuel Nieto moved to the later he found himself from Uruguay in 1965. He attended back at the building with church meetings with a Mormon friend his uncle, his mother, and was soon baptized. his brothers and sisters. “My testimony is immense,” he says. “I This time they watched wish I were younger so I could con- the Joseph Smithʼs First tinue with the work. I feel proud to be a Vision filmstrip, and Geraldo Nieves with his family Mormon. If I were not convinced that the made arrangements for Church is true, I would still have been the missionaries to visit part of the Church so that my children them at home. The missionaries came a could be raised in a pleasant, healthy week later and taught the family about environment.” the Church and Joseph Smith. He was called as branch president of “I had a very weird feeling inside,” the Spanish-American Branch and was Geraldo recalls about the first meeting bishop of New Yorkʼs first Spanish Ward. with the missionaries, “as though I knew He later served as a member of the stake about this before…Back then I was not presidency and a patriarch. Today Bishop sure what I was feeling, but I know now Nieto lives in Uruguay. that it was the Holy Ghost confirming to me that the things the missionaries Continued on page 10 4 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

From Haunted House to New Home North Manhattan’s Spanish-Spaking Unit

By Sara Anderson In September of 1993, the New York New York Stake split the downtown Spanish Ward and created the 5th Branch for Spanish-speaking members north of 155th Street. The change made some members feel a little like castaways, especially since they had no chapel of their own until several months later.1 During the subsequent years of meeting staircase between the five floors had to be in a rented school building, however, the climbed several times during the course branch strengthened in unity and size. of Sunday meetings. Sacrament meeting By the time a permanent chapel was was three flights down from street level; constructed in Inwood, the 5th Branch Primary was two floors up. The bath- had grown in numbers, developed its own rooms were on the top identity, and was ready to become the floor; chairs had to be Inwood 2nd Ward. set up and taken down; and there was no heat or The branch was formed before it had a air conditioning. Fans home, at first holding Sunday services in the summer blew in the 65th Street building while lead- so loudly that people ers looked for a meeting place uptown. sitting near them (and Antonio Cruz served as Branch President most preferred this cool during this time. In February of 1994, spot) couldnʼt hear the the Church rented the Herbert L. Birch speaker at the pulpit.5 Manhattan Early Childhood Center at 554 Fort Washington Avenue, but the Despite the difficulties building was not at all ready to be meeting at the school, occupied.2 Romulo Macías, who became the branch flourished Branch President after President Cruz during those years and moved, remembers that it “looked like a started to see itself not The Herbert L. Birch Manhattan Early Childhood Center, 3 haunted house.” Members of the branch as a splinter group, initial home of the Manhattan 5th Branch worked hard to clean up the mess and but as its own unit. the cobwebs, and eventually, contractors The number of those came in to finish the job of making consistently attending Sunday meetings it usable. grew from 120 to around 300; the Relief Society had to split into two groups for However, the workers worked all week, classes. The Elders Quorum, the , including Sundays, and the noise and and the youth programs had also grown dust were an irritation and a serious considerably and were very cramped distraction during services. It was so bad in the small spaces at the school. Sofia that the branch suspended Sunday School Soriano gives some of the credit for this and held only Sacrament Meeting, Relief growth to President Macíasʼs hard work, Society, Priesthood and Primary meet- friendliness, and his excitement for mis- ings. After three months, however, Presi- sionary work and the gospel. David Jones dent Macías insisted that the construc- suggests that the growth also coincided tion work had to stop on Sundays, and with rising immigration rates from the the branch resumed its normal meeting Dominican Republic, where the Church schedule. is increasingly well known and respect- Meeting in the school was a mixed bless- ed. Romulo Macías himself points to the ing. While it was much closer to branch sixteen full-time missionaries serving membersʼ homes, many members say in the unit at the time, and the branchʼs 4 it was uncomfortable. The one narrow Continued on next page 5 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

From Haunted House to New Home (continued from previous page)

determined efforts to search out people youth to continue going to seminary. ready for the gospel. He also nurtured relationships with the neighborhood through ward participation President Macías relied on his Relief So- in community service.9 Sofía Soriano, ciety Presidents, first Sister Sofía Soriano who at the time was Primary President, and then Sister Teófila Marte, to be his organized an annual project for the older “right hand” managing the needs of the 6 primary children to sew sleeping bags for members. Sister Soriano recalls work- the homeless with a local organization ing closely with César called the Fresh Youth Initiative.10 Riofrío (the Elders Quorum President), to As the branch grew in unity with the solve whatever prob- prospect of a new chapel, it dealt with lems came up in their one more division during the three-year auxiliaries, and then period while the chapel was constructed. taking their solutions to In December of 1997, the stake split the President Macías. branch and sent 40 families who lived between 155th and 173rd streets to meet President Macías with the Manhattan 4th Ward in the 65th focused intensely on Street building. It was hard for many of the teenagers, and the those members who were asked to attend branchʼs youth programs downtown, since they could no longer were some of the largest walk to church and some felt isolated in the stake, which at from their LDS neighbors in the nearby that time still included 11 Two sisters from the 5th Branch look at plans for the branch building. However, when the Westchester County. new Inwood chapel was dedicated in Inwood Building at the buildingʼs groundbreaking The almost 50 youth March of 2000 and the 5th Branch be- enthusiastically per- came the Inwood 2nd Ward, the families formed in road shows and many prepared who had been meeting downtown with for missions. They went on frequent the 4th Ward were asked to become a temple trips, as did the adults, continuing part of the new ward. the tradition started in the Spanish Ward downtown. Every month they would rent Continued on page 9 a bus, leave at midnight on Friday, arrive in Washington, D.C. around 5 AM, spend all day Saturday at the temple, and come home exhausted late Saturday afternoon. During the summers, instead of going to the temple, the ward took a trip to the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra and visited the nearby Church sites and Ni- agara Falls.7 The branchʼs frequent activi- ties gave members opportunities to grow together and share a sense of belonging. To the great excitement of Church mem- bers in the 5th Branch, in June of 1997, the stake broke ground on a new chapel to be built at 1815 Riverside Drive in Inwood. Members were thrilled that soon they would soon be leaving the school and would have a chapel of their own.8 Six months after the construction started, President Macías was released; Francisco Sandoval, one of President Macíasʼs counselors and a convert of almost 3 “Faith, Hope and Free Cookies” years, was called to be the new branch flyer announcing president. President Sandoval worked to activate members who had stopped Inwood Building Open House coming to church and to encourage the 6 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

General history of the LDS Spanish-speaking units in Manhattan

1964-65 The Mormon Pavilion at the Gilberto Perea is called as Worldʼs Fair generates interest the new bishop of the Spanish in the LDS church Ward.

1965 Spanish groups (with Spanish 1978 The revelation on Priesthood is classes for Sunday School, RS, received by President Spencer and Priesthood) form in the Kimball. Spanish-speaking Brooklyn Branch and Manhat- members of color can now tan Ward. receive the priesthood.

19661 The Brooklyn Spanish-speaking 1978 A Brooklyn Spanish branch is group disbands. The mission created. forms a Spanish-speaking branch in Manhattan: the New 1979 A Bronx York Spanish Branch. Spanish branch is 1968 The Spanish-American Branch created. is organized in Manhattan as part of the stake rather than the 1980 Manuel Nieto mission. is called as a stake patri- 1974 The Washington, D.C. temple arch. is dedicated. Spanish-speaking members of the church from 1982 Jaime Mir New York City make regular is called as bus trips to the temple and visi- bishop of tors center. the Spanish Ward. 1975 The Spanish Branch (and other Manhattan units) moves to the 1982 At the Span- Cub Scouts of the Spanish-American Branch, 1960s new stake center on 65th Street. ish session of stake confer- 1977 The Spanish Ward is created ence, President Thomas Monson with Manuel Nieto as the first promises the Spanish-speaking bishop. As the only Spanish saints that if they are faithful, a unit in the area, Spanish-speak- Spanish-speaking stake will be ing members from all over the organized in New York City. metro area attend this ward. 19842 Luis Gallegos is called as the 1978 Elder Robert Hales reorganizes Manhattan 4th Ward bishop; he the stake. The new stake presi- serves for nine years. dent of the New York City New York Stake is Frank Miller with 1985 The stake is divided again. counselors Al Woodhouse and Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Bishop Manuel Nieto. Island become a stake separate from Manhattan and the Bronx.

Continued on next page 7 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

General history of LDS Spanish-speaking Units in Manhattan (continued from previous page)

Sept 26, 1993 The 5th Branch is cre- November 1997 The stake is divided; ated for Saints in Washington the Bronx becomes part of the Heights and Inwood. Antonio Westchester Stake. The New Cruz is the first branch presi- York New York stake boundar- dent. The Spanish Ward be- ies include exclusively units in comes the Manhattan 4th Ward. Manhattan for the first time.

1993 Albis Gomez is called as the 1997 Francisco Sandoval is called as Manhattan 4th Ward bishop. the branch president of the 5th Branch.

1997 Felix Pichardo is called as the Manhattan 4th Ward bishop.

1999 Kurt Wickham (Manhattan 1st Ward) is called as the Manhat- tan 4th Ward bishop.

March 2000 The Inwood chapel is dedi- cated. The 5th Branch becomes the Inwood 2nd Ward.

August 2001 Matthew Day (Inwood 1st Ward) is called as the new bishop of the Inwood 2nd Ward. President Romulo Macías with his Branch Presidency 2002 Construction begins on the temple at 65th Street and part 1994 The 5th Branch begins to meet of the stake center closes. The in a rented school in Washing- Manhattan 4th Ward starts to ton Heights in February. Later meet with the English-speaking that year, Antonio Cruz moves 5th Ward in the fall. away from New York, and Ro- mulo Macías is called as branch Feb 2003 David Skouson (Inwood 1st president. Ward) is called as the new bishop of the Manhattan 4th 1994 Amadeo Durante is called as the Ward. Manhattan 4th Ward bishop. June 2004 Dedication of the Manhattan June 1997 At 1815 Riverside Drive in New York Temple. Inwood, ground is broken for a new chapel to house the uptown July 2004 Scott Higbee (Manhattan 1st Spanish- and English-speaking Ward) is called as the bishop of congregations. the 4th Ward.

1 Date is approximate. 2 Date is approximate.

8 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

From Haunted House to New Home (continued from page 6)

The opening of the new building “trans- In his nearly 4 years as bishop, Matt formed the ward,” recalls David Jones, Day has focused on organizing the ward the former executive secretary for the and lovingly encouraging its members ward. Diplomats and city officials at- to fully live the gospel principles they tended the open house and made the know. He sees their tremendous potential displaced members feel legitimate. and the deep spirituality evident in the Members buzzed with ex- citement, and José Gomez remembers thinking “great things are going to come out of this chapel here.” People speculated that some day there would be a temple in New York.12 The new chapel gave members uptown a sense of belonging and a place to call their own. Now they could be baptized in the same building where they would attend church. They could more easily have parties and use this neigh- borhood church for wed- The Inwood building ding receptions and other occasions, which had been prayers they offer and the testimonies difficult to schedule in the very busy they bear. He hopes that soon the ward stake center on 65th Street. Members felt will be strong enough to divide again and a connection to the chapel and ward that create a second uptown Spanish-speak- they did not feel in the school and even ing ward.16 in the downtown building.13 Finally, the ward had its own home. In August of 2001, Bishop Sandoval was 1 Namiana Filión, phone interview with Sara Anderson 2/2/04 released; Matthew Day from the Inwood 2 1st Ward was called as the new bishop. Romulo Macías, phone interview with Sara Anderson 1/18/04 With a renewed focus on growth, Mis- 3 Rolmulo Macías sionary work has thrived as ward mem- 4 Sofia Soriano, interview with Sara Anderson bers invite their friends to church and 1/24/04 fellowship new members. In each of the 5 David Jones, phone interview with Sara Anderson last two years, more than 30 people have 2/9/04 been baptized in the Inwood 2nd Ward. 6 Romulo Macías 7 Most still attend church, filling the cur- David Jones, Namiana Filión 8 rent congregation with recent converts.14 Romulo Macías, phone interview with Sara Anderson 4/4/04. While fellowshipping so many new con- 9 Francisco Sandoval, interview with América Cruz, verts and teaching them leadership and December 2003 administrative skills is a challenge for 10 Sofia Soriano, 1/24/04 the ward, these new members are excited 11 Sofia Soriano, phone interview with Sara to learn about the gospel.15 Many are Anderson, 4/2/04 preparing to go to the temple, attending 12 José Gomez, phone interview with Sara Anderson, 2/13/05 the temple preparation class in Sunday 13 At his baptism, Brian Romero School and doing baptisms for the dead David Jones 14 Matt Day, phone interview with Sara Anderson stands next to Bishop Matt Day on frequent ward temple trips. One recent 2/14/05 convert, Argelis Peñaló, returned in Janu- 15 Matt Day, phone interview with Sara Anderson ary 2005 from his mission in Anaheim, 2/23/04 California. In April, 2004 long-time 16 Matt Day, 2/23/04 ward member Edward Felix left on his mission to Las Vegas, Nevada. 9 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Glimpse (continued from page 4) Andrés Nieto Gilberto Perea Interviewed by Genny Gamez Interviewed by Al Gamez “At the age of 7 years, I came to this Gilberto Perea was baptized into the country, and from that time forward, LDS Church in Colombia in 1971 and I started to attend the Spanish Branch moved to the U.S. a few months later. (meeting on 81st Street). My father had arrived in 1965, and I went every Sunday “I believe that the Church is like a fam- with him. The branch was small and ily, and our wards are like homes for our the feeling that it had in this time was families, he says. “We have to respect very special for me, since I came from each other and not hold resentments; we a different country – in language and in should forget other brothersʼ errors. We culture. Being in the Church and with should have sweet words for our brothers people of Hispanic cultures I and sisters. We should open our hearts felt surrounded by a family, to and give love to others, and treat them and I could hide a little bit of well, and we will receive [it] back.” the sadness I had from leav- Gilberto Perea was bishop of the Spanish ing my country, where my Ward in Manhattan from 1978-1982 and family had stayed. was later called as Stake Patriarch. He is I had the opportunity of now a Stake Patriarch in Missouri. being in the young men and in Boy Scouts, and to share with people from different Al Gamez places, for example, South America, Central America, Alvaro Gamez was born in Bogotá, the Caribbean. We had lots Colombia and came to the U.S. when of activities, and I enjoyed it he was 20 years old. Living with his very much since there were a Mormon auntʼs family in New Jersey, large number of youth. he began attending church with them. Although interested in what he learned at I think that the youth were church, he lost contact with the Church a strong engine in that time. when he moved to New York City. Gilberto Perea with his wife and former stake Many completed missions president Frank Miller and came back later to be- Twenty years later, Al saw a Church come leaders of the Church. commercial on TV and started to think These people would have families, and about what he should do spiritually for they would grow up within the Church. himself and his daughter Katharine. He called the phone number from the I think that the Spanish wards are im- commercial, and a week later, the mis- portant since there are many immigrants sionaries came to teach him about the who arrive in this country seeking to gospel. Converted over the course of feel at home with people of their same the next 8 months, Al was baptized on culture. And I have had the opportunity May 27, 1998. On December 20th of that to see how these people grow spiritu- year, he baptized Katharine, who had ally, and they are strengthened and enjoy turned 8 years old. His first calling in everything that the gospel brings. I think the Manhattan 1st Ward was to prepare that if the Church had not had the vision the . He was later called as of organizing the Spanish wards, many a Stake missionary, as Ward Mission of us perhaps would not be here. Leader, and then as teacher for the Gospel Principles class. My testimony of the truth of the gospel is great. I know that it is important that “I know with all clarity of the love of we read the Book of Mormon, apply its my Heavenly Father for us. Jesus Christ teachings, and teach our families about is the most important thing in my life, the principles of the gospel. I believe that and improving my relationship with the priesthood brings blessings to our Him is part of my daily life. I know with families.” certainty that the church of Jesus Christ Andrés Nieto, son of Bishop Manuel Nieto, now lives in New Jersey. 10 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

is restored to the earth, and that only me to read the lesson, fast and pray, one voice calls us to Zion – Gordon B. and on Sunday I would give the lesson Hinckley. The Holy Ghost guides me in as a Sunday School teacher. I became my life. Holding the priesthood makes absolutely convinced of the power of the me happy, and helps me to make other Holy Spirit, as that Sunday I noticed its people happy.” effect on me. It was at that time that I began to learn the gospel, and Recently sealed in the Washington, to understand that the Holy D.C. temple, Al and his wife Genny are Spirit was what helped me to grateful for each other and for and their search for the truth in the first daughters Katharine and Laura. Today place. Al Gamez is a member of the bishopric of the Manhattan 4th Ward. ʻSince I worked and lived in New Jersey, it was difficult for me to attend Church activi- ties, but when I had to do my Luís Antonio Rojas Rodriguez home teaching, I would come Interviewed by Al Gamez from work in New Jersey by “In June 1974, a month after we were bus, then train, then an- baptized, I traveled to the United States. other bus, to meet up with my I came to New Jersey by myself. The teaching companion, who had branch president in Bogotá counseled a shoe store in Queens. Some- me to look for the Church when I arrived times I would get there, and in the United States, because many Mor- it would be too late to visit mon families go inactive and fall away people who lived in Brooklyn, Al Gamez and his family when they come from another country. the Bronx, and Manhattan. I did exactly what my branch president ʻI began to learn how the Church counseled me to do and only once did I functions when I was called to the high miss a sacrament meeting in the fifteen council. That helped me to see the way years that I spent in New York. Americans manage Church affairs. ʻWhen I arrived I went to Queens, and Then I was called as a counselor in the that very week I found the Church in stake presidency, which turned out to Manhattan. When I went to live in New be difficult, as I did not know how to Jersey, I could not find a Spanish-speak- speak English. Meetings were hard, ing branch, so I came into Manhattan for for I did not want somebody to have to church. I went to 81st Street on the west translate for me. But Brother Raymond side every Sunday. The first people I met Rivera, who was so dear and such a were Brother Garces, who was the branch good worker, offered to translate. He president and Brother Nieto. Brother was executive secretary of the Spanish- Garcesʼ wisdom and Brother Nietoʼs speaking ward and a great man. diligence were very valuable to my ʻIf I hadnʼt been introduced to the gospel, growth in the Church. my life would have been frustrated like ʻI received my first calling the Sunday the lives of my parents. Instead my chil- after attending the branch for the first dren are the great people that they are. time. Brother Nieto asked me to help in All my children have served missions, Sunday School. I thought he wanted me and we are all sealed in the temple. Even to move a desk or something like that, my wife and I have served as missionar- but then he gave me a manual and asked ies. If I had not been introduced to the me to give the next lesson. I was barely gospel, perhaps I wouldnʼt have had a familiar with the and the Book of family. I could have lost it upon coming Mormon, and felt I did not know alone to the United States if I hadnʼt anything about the gospel. followed the counsel of my branch president in Colombia.” ʻBrother Nieto told me that I had the best teacher, the Holy Spirit. He told

11 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Spanish Saints in the City (continued from page 2)

Change and Progress council, President Nieto was able to interpret for him.12 In May of 1975, the branch moved to the LDS Churchʼs new building at West In another example of divine interven- 65th Street and Columbus Avenue, along tion overcoming language barriers, with the other units of the Church in President Miller remembers an occasion Manhattan. Moving to in the Manhattan Spanish Ward when his the new building was help was solicited. “As they were telling a “joy for everyone” me the story [in Spanish], I understood according to Améri- what the problem was. I didnʼt need ca Cruz (Inwood 2nd the interpreter. My response had to be Ward).9 President Spen- interpreted, but I experienced the gift of cer W. Kimball presided comprehension at that time.”13 over the dedication of Linguistic inspiration continued as stake the new building, and leaders worked to run the stake in two President Nieto had the languages. They memorized interview opportunity to speak questions in both languages14 and made at the meeting along an effort to call Spanish- and English- with the bishops of the speakers to auxiliary presidencies and Manhattan First and Se- the High Council.15 The stake Relief cond Wards. President Society Board had a Spanish Ward Nieto remembers that liason. During the summer of 1979, Paul the prophet “was a very Gunther organized Spanish language exact man, and he said Bishop Neito and his Bishopric classes for stake leaders, taught by an to me, ʻPresident Nieto, Anglo Spanish-speaking returned missio- you have 5 minutes to nary using materials from the Missionary speak.ʼ I was very careful to speak only 10 Training Center. The six or so pupils met for the 5 minutes that he had given me.” weekly. Brother Gunther remembers that On July 24, 1977, with President Nieto athough he never became fluent, by the called to be its first bishop, the Spanish- end of the summer, he was able to read American Branch became the Spanish his High Council talks in Spanish.16 Ward of Manhattan. The following Besides the language gap between the year when the stake was reorganized to Spanish Ward and the predominantly include Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten English-speaking stake leaders, Presi- Island, most of Brooklyn, and a small dent Miller and his predecesor George part of Queens, Bishop Nieto was called Watkins were concerned about the as the second counselor to Frank Miller, generational language gap within many the new Stake President. Gilberto Perea Hispanic families. 17 Speaking English at became the new bishop in the Spanish school, Hispanic children in the Spanish Ward. Former ward member Luís Rojas Ward learned English quickly and many describes President Perea as “the worker preferred it to Spanish. Their parents bee; he worked nonstop. If something generally learned English much more needed to be done, he did it. He would do slowly. Stake leaders worried that this whatever needed to be done for the well 11 language disparity within families exclu- being of the [ward].” ded parents from their childrenʼs English- Upon receiving his call to the stake presi- speaking lives. They saw this trend as dency, President Nieto worried about his devastating to the families who attended ability to communicate with the English- the Spanish Ward and began an intensive speakers in the stake. He asked Elder drive to teach English to help parents Robert Hales (who had grown up in communicate with their children. Queens and was back in New York to In regular classes in the new building on reorganize the stake) for a blessing to 65th Street, the stake strongly encoura- help him with the language. The blessing ged members to learn as quickly as possi- he received had an immediate effect. ble.18 Meanwhile, youth who had become That night, when President Nietoʼs more fluent in English than Spanish former counselor Luís Rojas came to be interviewed to serve on the stake high Continued on next page 12 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

attended seminary classes in the English and was both welcomed into the ward wards so that they could be taught the and sustained as the new teacher that gospel in the language most comfortable same day. Although he thought it was for them. “a little crazy” to teach so soon after his baptism, Brother Macías credits the The late 1970s brought more organi- calling with keeping him involved in zational changes to the Church across the Church from the beginning. He calls the New York City metro region. As Bishop Mir “the best man that could ever the Church grew, the Spanish Ward in come across my life.”23 Manhattan was divided to create Spa- nish-speaking units in Brooklyn and the Namiana (Anny) Filión (Inwood 2nd Bronx. In the 1980s, the Caldwell New Ward) remembers that Bishop Mir Jersey stake also formed Spanish units, treated people kindly – especially calling unit leaders from the Spanish the young people. He made them feel Ward in Manhattan.19 In addition, the loved, and made them want to come youth in the Spanish Ward were prepa- to church. He worked closely with the ring to serve missions and become future youth, who loved him in return, and he Church leaders in and out of Spanish encouraged them to invite their friends units. Two young men of that era who to church. She recalls that many people left on missions from the Spanish Ward started attending church because of his and returned to become local leaders warm, gentle manner, and some were are Alejandro Soffiantini, the current later baptized.24 stake president in Brooklyn, and Jorge Ordonola, who became the Queens West In the 1980s, integration of Spanish- district president. speakers in the stake was a focus among members and leaders. During Broader changes in the Church also the Spanish session of a 1982 stake affected the Spanish Ward in Manhattan. conference at which President Thomas Bishop Luís Gallegos at his farewell In June of 1978, President Kimball recei- S. Monson spoke, President Monson ved the revelation “extending Priesthood “promised the saints that if they would and temple blessings to all worthy male be faithful, there would one day be a members of the Church.”20 For Brother Spanish-speaking stake in New York. Raymond Rivera, the announcement was When he sat down, he said that he hadnʼt particularly significant. A black Hondu- planned on saying that,” recalls Presi- ran living in Brooklyn, Brother Rivera dent Miller. “But, he is . . . very close to had been baptized in 1956 and had the Lord, [and he] depends on Him for attended the Spanish-American Branch inspiration and guidance.” The Spa- for years. Although he could not hold the nish ward leaders were delighted at this priesthood, he had served faithfully as promise, and committed to work towards the ward clerk with special permission this goal.25 from Harold B. Lee. When the revela- tion was announced, Brother Rivera was By 1985, the stake was ready for a ordained a priest in the Aaronic Pries- division. Perhaps remembering President thood the following Sunday. Three weeks Monsonʼs comments, stake and area lea- later, he was one of three men ordained ders considered the creation of a Spanish- an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood.21 speaking stake with the nine Spanish- speaking units in Manhattan, the Bronx, América Cruz remembers that his “hap- 26 piness was overflowing.”22 Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey. Feeling that the time wasnʼt right for In 1982, Jaime Mir, the former novice such action, however, Elder Franklin D. Scoutmaster, became bishop. Romulo Richards (the senior president of the Se- Macías (Inwood 1st Ward), a new con- venty) and Paul Thompson (the regional vert at the time, met Bishop Mir before representative) made the decision to divi- Sacrament Meeting on the Sunday after de the stake geographically. Manhattan his baptism in August of that year. He re- and the Bronx remained the New York, members that the bishop shook his hand, New York Stake, and Brooklyn, Queens, handed him the manual for the youth and Staten Island became the New York Sunday School class, and called him to East Stake. teach the class. Brother Macías accepted, Continued on next page 13 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Spanish Saints in the City (continued from previous page)

A Flourishing Ward of which were in the Carribbean, but which also included Central and South The bishop of the strong and growing America. After the food, different groups Spanish Ward in Manhattan for most performed typical music and dances from of the 1980s and the early 90s was Luís their homelands. Some years, the party Gallegos. Sofía Soriano (Inwood 2nd would go on from the early evening until Ward) describes him as the best bishop past midnight.32 she ever had. He knew everyone in the large ward – each family member, not Activities like this one helped resolve just the parents. He learned everyoneʼs the cultural divisions between the many name and what everyone did for work. different nationalities within the ward, The young people loved and respected which had been a challenge since the him, and he was aware of the activities earliest days of the branch. Lynda Gun- of each auxiliary. “He was an incredible ther remembers a homemaking activity man, very blessed,” she recalls.27 Lynda she attended as the stake relief society Gunther (Manhattan 2nd Ward) remem- president about different word usages in bers that although he carried a heavy different countries, and words that might burden during the long, sometimes diffi- be offensive in one country, yet innocuo- cult years he was bishop, he was cheerful us in another. She recalls that it got the and “cool as a cucumber.” He always sisters laughing and more comfortable had a smile or funny look to lighten an with one another, helping them unders- 33 anxious moment or relieve the stress of a tand their differences. Members perform in the Spanish Wardʼs 28 annual Día de la Raza party too-long meeting. Regional linguistic differences aside, During the nine years with Bishop Spanish-speakers in the stake were often Gallegos, members of the Spanish Ward grouped together and sometimes did not enjoyed the fellowship of frequent activi- feel integrated with the rest of the stake. ties together. Every summer, they looked Youth from that era remember the fun they forward to a picnic at Lake Liahona, had at institute dances, but also remember a camp the Church owned in Upstate that the Spanish- and English-speakers 34 New York.29 The active insitute program didnʼt interact. In the late 1980s, as the strengthened young sisters and brothers stake and area presidencies evaluated the in the ward, and every Friday night after growth and increasing cultural isolation of class, the 15 – 20 institute students went the Spanish units, they considered integra- out together.30 The large primary had ting them with the English wards. quarterly activites with scripture games Elder Loren Dunn, then the area and crafts for the children. The annual president, was a strong proponent of primary program in Sacrament Meeting integration in the interest of unity. But was a much-anticipated production with stake president Michael Young finally children memorizing and rehearsing their 31 concluded that the Spanish units provided parts for weeks. essential service opportunities for older, The youth attended seminary taught by first-generation immigrants who would Ross Burningham, Fiorella Horna, and be less comfortable serving in an English Elena Nieves. Ross was a single member ward. In addition, President Young felt who joined the ward in 1985 when he it was essential to have all the members was called to lead the Scouts. He was hear the gospel regularly taught in their a mentor to many youth; José Gomez own native language, and so the stake 35 (Inwood 2nd Ward) credits Ross with continued to operate in both languages. being a powerful influence in helping In the early 1990s, the much loved him decide to serve a mission. Ross former bishop and patriarch Jaime Mir served in a variety of capacities in the developed cancer and became very sick. ward, including in the bishopric as a Although he had moved to New Jersey by counselor to Bishop Gallegos. that time, the Spanish Ward had a service One annual activity that always streng- honoring and thanking him in the chapel thened membership was the ward party on 65th Street shortly before he died. for Día de la Raza (Columbus Day). His wife María brought him – pale, thin, Members brought food and wore costu- and weak – from the hospital, where he mes from their countries of origin, many was receiving chemotherapy. After she 14 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

had helped him to the pulpit so he could to Texas, and Felix Pichardo was called speak, he told the members of the ward to serve as the next 4th Ward bishop. that he was just waiting for God to take him home.36 Former bishop Gilberto The years with Bishop Pichardo were Perea composed a song for him which particularly productive for temple work, was performed at the service. Anny both for living and vi- Filión remembers that she cried through carious ordinances. Arturo the whole service, as did many of the Tapia and Manuel Vera ward members. “The whole world turned took a group of 20-25 sad” when Bishop Mir died.37 people to the stake geneal- ogy library every Sunday to research family history. As they had for years The 4th Ward previously, the ward regularly attended the As the Spanish Ward continued to grow Washington, D.C. temple during the 1990s, stake president John together, filling a bus Stone felt it was time to divide it and nearly once a month. They create an uptown Spanish-language unit. would spend all day Satur- In September of 1993 the 5th Branch day at the was created for those members who lived temple, arriving around north of 155th Street (see article From 5:00 in the morning and Haunted House to New Home on page leaving late in the after- 5). The downtown ward was renamed the The Washington D.C. Temple noon. Guests and new Manhattan 4th Ward and was led for a members who could not short while in the 1990s by Bishop Albis Leaving behind his hopes of living in the participate in the temple sessions would Gomez, a small, polite, and humble man states, he returned to City and spend their time at the Visitorsʼ Center who posessed a quiet power.38 When received his mission call to Mérida, or walking around the grounds; youth Bishop Gomez moved to North Carolina Mexico. The 4th Ward paid for his did baptisms for the dead. Arturo Tapia in 1994, Amadeo Durante was called mission entirely from ward member estimates that of the as the next Bishop. He was a hard-wor- contributions, even though he would endowed members currently attending king man with a friendly smile and a not be returning to the ward. The first the 4th Ward, the majority went to the warm, accepting manner. He led by the missionary called from the 4th Ward in temple for the first time several years, Juan Carlos was an exam- during this era. ple to other youth. Shortly after he left, In December of 1999, Juan Luís (Luiggy) Peguero, left for his Kurt Wickham, a mem- mission in Oakland, California (Spanish- ber of the Manhattan speaking), and Mónica Paulino served in 1st Ward, was called as the Temple Square mission. the new bishop of the With the many new members joining the 4th Ward. During his 4th Ward, fellowshipping and nurturing more than three years as new testimonies became a large part bishop, the ward enjoyed of the membersʼ work. Under Elders tremendous growth, Quorum President Ignacio Medel, the 4th with sometimes as many Ward began using what Bishop Wickham as 10-15 baptisms each 40 calls “home teaching blitzes” to make month. One of these sure all the members were cared for. The new converts was a 24- priesthood “would meet every week on year-old from Mexico a certain night and blitz a neighborhood Young Women from Manhattan 4th Ward dance at named Juan Carlos Especially for Youth event doing home teaching visits,” remembers Ortiz. Juan Carlos had Bishop Wickham. “Many members were met the missionaries on reactivated, and the brothers who partici- book and strictly (and good-naturedly) the street in New York City and had been pated had really neat experiences. It was followed Church policies. José Gomez enthusaistic about the gospel ever since. really an amazing effort by the priest- remembers that Bishop Durante joked After his baptism, he began preparing to hood holders.”41 with Sacrament Meeting speakers that he serve a mission as soon as possible, but didnʼt want to have to pass them a note learned that since he was in the US ille- When Bishop Wickham moved to San telling them that they had gone over their gally, he would have to return to Mexico Diego in February of 2003, David time.39 In 1997, Bishop Durante moved in order to be called on a mission. Skouson, from the Inwood 1st Ward, 15 New York LDS Historian Fall 2005; Volume 7 Issue 2

Spanish Saints in the City (continued from previous page) was called as the new bishop. When he experiences strenthened their testimonies continue their faithful temple worship, was called, the 4th Ward was meeting and their resolve to live the gospel.44 attending as a ward once a month and with the 5th Ward (an English ward) for taking the youth to do baptisms for the Sacrament Meeting because of temple Home from Utah, the youth found that dead. In addition, an unsually high pro- construction at the stake center. The joint one of the greatest challenges for the portion of 4th Ward members volunteer Sacrament Meetings alternated wee- ward continued to be managing its in the temple. Temple President John kly between Spanish and English with growth. In a congregation where the Stone says he is grateful for the many 4th headset interpretation for members who majority of members were first genera- Ward sisters and brothers who run the were not bilingual. Though difficult for tion converts, teaching new members Temple laundry and staff the appoint- members of both wards, this experience about living the gospel day-to-day ment desk.46 helped English- and Spanish-speaking became an increasingly large task. One members develop a sense of cameraderie important tool for that job was some- From its small beginnings in the original as they reached out to communicate with thing at which ward had always excelled Spanish groups of the Manhattan Ward each other in a way that had not happe- – temple attendance. Instructed that new and Brooklyn Branch, the Manhattan 4th ned before.42 members who visit the temple within two Ward has grown tremendously. As the months of baptism are far more likely parent of many other Spanish-speaking In August of 2003, several Young to remain active,45 Bishop Skouson and units in the New York area, it trained Women from the Manhattan 4th Ward the 4th Ward worked hard to make sure generations of leaders. Over the years, (accompanied by a few other youth from that newly baptized members went to the it welcomed many new converts to the the Manhattan 1st and the Inwood 2nd temple (in Boston or Washington, D.C.) church and many new Latter-day Saint Wards) were able to go to Especially For to do baptisms or just to walk around the immigrants to the country. The members Youth at the University grounds. of 4th Ward and its predecessors built a Provo campus together. The group, which strong tradition of faithful temple work included one young man and 23 mostly In June of 2003, shortly after the dedica- and now rejoice in the blessings of a Spanish-speaking young women, was tion of the Manhattan, New York Temple, temple in the heart of Manhattan. As for conspicuous at BYU. At the EFY talent Bishop Skouson and his family moved to the old replica of the Salt Lake Temple at show, they were a sensation when they Las Vegas, Nevada. Scott Higbee—the the Mormon Pavilion—only a few mem- performed a dance number in “I ❤ NY” 4th Wardʼs High Council representative bers remain who remember the exhibit at t-shirts. They had the opportunity to sit and a member of the Manhattan 1st Ward the Worldʼs Fair. But the influence of that on the stand with the Church President —was called to be the new bishop. Since exhibit on the Hispanic pioneers of New Gordon B. Hinckley during a Sacra- the dedication of the temple, the ward has York City is felt today in the testimonies ment Meeting, meet the General Young continued to re-activate many families of the Spanish-speaking Saints in and Women President Susan Tanner, and hear with improved home teaching, and sacra- beyond the Manhattan 4th Ward. the Mormon .43 These ment meeting attendance has increased by more than 50%. Members of the ward

1 In Queens, 8 out of 17 units were Spanish speaking 16 Paul Gunther, phone interview with Sara 34 Tati Dominguez, phone interview with Sara in 1999; in the Bronx 4 of 6; in Brooklyn 5 of Anderson 2/2/04 Anderson 2/2/04 12; Manhattan 2 of 9; and in Staten Island 1 of 17 Lynda Gunther 35 Michael Young, interview with Sara Anderson New York 18 2 (James Lucas, chapter in the book, Lynda Gunther 2/15/04 Glory: Religions in the City, p. 201). 19 36 2 Frank Miller Namiana Filión Lirio de Belén Cruz Pacheco, interview with 20 37 Sofia Soriano, phone interview with Sara Elena Nieves, December 2003 , Official Declaration 2 3 21 Anderson 3/30/04 Frank Miller, interviews with James Lucas, Frank Miller 38 22 América Cruz José Gomez, phone interview with Sara Feb/March 1997 Anderson 2/13/05 4 23 Romulo Macías, phone interview with Sara Manuel Nieto, interview with Al Gamez, 39 José Gomez December 2003 Anderson, 1/18/04 40 24 Kurt Wickham, phone interview with Sara 5 Manuel Nieto Namiana Filión, phone interview with Sara 6 Anderson 2/22/04 Romulo Macías, phone interview with Sara Anderson, 2/9/04 41 25 Kurt Wickham, email 2/23/04 Anderson 4/4/04 Frank Miller 42 7 26 Frank Miller Kurt Wickham, 2/23/04; Laurel Dougall, email Manuel Nieto 3/15/04 8 27 Sofia Soriano, interview with Sara Anderson Frank Miller 43 Melissa Puente, phone interview with Sara 9 América Cruz, interview with Al and Genny 1/24/04 28 Anderson 2/24/04 Gamez, October 2003 Lynda Gunther 44 10 29 Melissa Puente; Kurt Wickham, phone interview Manuel Nieto Sofia Soriano, interview with Sara Anderson, with Sara Anderson 2/22/04 11 Luís Rojas, interview with Al Gamez, December 1/24/04 45 30 Mission president Nelson Boren, as recalled 2003 Tati Dominguez, phone interview with Sara by David Skouson, phone interview with Sara 12 Frank Miller Anderson 2/2/04; Arleen Macías, phone Anderson, 3/2/04 13 interview with Sara Anderson, 2/26/04 46 Frank Miller 31 John Stone, interview with Sara Anderson, 14 Sofia Soriano 2/9/05 Frank Miller 32 15 Lynda Gunther Lynda Gunther, phone interview with Sara 33 Anderson 2/25/04 Lynda Gunther 16