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Show HEVJ5 OF omm ernon I. Johnson, a native of Bear River City, recalls early days of community. 1 - CHURSMI-- S i $ : wlrM of fhf AltocUlfd hf RtliQloul Ntwt Strvlco ond Pros tod tN United Prm InljrnaLotni.) (From Baptismal Rite Roman Catholics and Lutherans, meeting in their fiist Canadian national consultation, suggested a common format for baptism, counselling by pastors of both faiths In mixed marriages, and a study on Joint prayer and action by local congregations. Twenty-onpriests and pastors, a nun and a layman conferred at Queen of the Apostles Retreat House in I'ort Credit, Uni. In addition, there were two Catholic from Washington, D.C., and a Lutheran pastor from St. Louis. In a prepared statement, the group declared our concern to manifest the unity which Christ meant llis church to have." This meant a common commitment to the mission of Christ and not organizational union. e By J M. HiESLOP Church News Editor s Mosque Planned The United Nation? Ambassadors of 25 predominantly Islamic nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East announced plans to build a mosque and cultural center in New York City. Dr. Muhammad Rauf, director of the Islamic Center of New York, said the ambassadors would serve as members of the board of truslees. The center Is seen as "a bridge to building a better understanding among Americans and the Islamic civilizations which persisted m the dominant force In the Western world for more than half a millennl-urIslamic culture at one time prevailed in Spain d much of Eastern Europe. two-wa- He's Devoted His Life n Endorses Fellowship The Counrli of President of the Lutheran-ChurMissouri Synod will recommend a formal declaration of fellowship with the American Luther- To Service In The Church BEAR RIVER CITY, UTAH down the wet blue clay of the Sliding of the Bear River and splashing into the vater is a fond memory of Vernon L. Johnson, former bishop of Bear River Ward. Bom here in 1903, Mr. Johnson has devoted his lifetime to activitiy in the church and community of this historic northern Utah town. There has been Inand a person busy plenty to keep terested in here at Bear River, Mr, always Johnson said. I enjoyed herding cows when I was a young fellow, I had my own horse and I can remember some real adventures with those cattle. The Church was the center of our activity. My father was bishop from 1917 to 1926. Going to Church just came naturally," Mr. Johnson said. I remember as a deacon we had the Church. In walks. We had middle of the plenty of wood to be carried in. You never knew where it would be best to sit, next to the stove or far away, he added. lots of duties around winter we cleaned the a large stove in the chapel and there was singing with the choir as a young boy and has been singing ever since. When I was 12 years, old, I sang I Am A Mormon Boy with a friend, LeGrand Hansen. We got a little frightened and a little mixed up and kept singing the same verse over and over. It was embarassing to us, but quite humorous to the audience, started he related. Social life at Bear River Ward tered around drama and dancing. cen- Folks came from all over the area to our dances. My brother, Henry C., had an orchestra that attracted many people, Mr. Johnson said. Mr. Johnson's singing brought him invitations to sing on the radio during a visit to California. I wanted to go on a mission so I and gave up the idea of radio singing was called to the Eastern States Mission," he said. I enjoyed meeting the people and teaching the Gospel. We baptized only a few but we made a lot of friends. In West Wlmmers, N.Y., we built a all hay rack for a man. We took it over the county showing it to the peoof doing ple. That was one way we had Johnson Mr. work, missionary recalled. Bear River Ward used to put on a lot of plays. We would do two or three a year. I took the part of the father In Singing has always played an imporJotim-inHe rno of the plays. A young lady named tant part in the life of Mr. Wanda Jenson took the part of my daughter. A pleasant courtship followed and we were married In May 1934, Just before school ended for the season. She ch an Church (ALC) at the Missouri Synod's biennial convention in July. Decision on the recommendation was reached In St. Louis by the Council, composed of the denomination's president, five vice presidents and 35 district presidents. The vole was IS to 13. Dr. Oliver R. Harms, Missouri Synod president, will present the proposal to the convention set for July 1U9 In Denver. The Missouri Synod has 2.7 million members. Die ALC Is a church of 2.5 million. was a school teacher, he said. Mr. Johnson not only got a wife but also lie got a fine accompanist for his im- singing. Music continued to be an portant part of their lives and they have performed together at many programs, funerals and anymusic Is performed. where place so- cials, The Johnsons turned their attention to MIA activities until August 1915 when Mr. Johnson became bishop ol the ward. He served for 13 years. The biggest satisfaction was "working with the people," he said. "When you are close to poojl titere are many Inspiritual experiences. 1 depended on he most of did," what I for spiration added. Mr. Johnson advises, Stay dose to the Church. If we are close to God, we are entitled to Inspiration and that Is the tiling we need. Since his release as bishop, music has again become Important. Mr. Johnson Is busy in the ward and stake choir and is often called on to ting for spedal occasions. Life in Bear River City has been pleasant for farmer, rancher, musician, Churchman, Vernon L Johnson and his family of three boys. 'Decency Rally1 Leaders of New York Cliy religious, labor civic organizations have given their support to a "decency rally." No specific plans have yet been formed, however, although one spokesman Bald Sunday, May 11, Mother's Day, has been proposed as a dale. The spur for the New York rally plans was a "Down With Obscenity" rally which drew some 90,000 persons to Miami's Orange Bowl. The Florida rally was organized after a rock 'n roll singer allegedly exposed himself during a public performance in Miami. Four clergymen representing Morality Media (formerly operation Yorkvlllc) have sent a telegram to President Nixon urging him to commend the organizer of the Orange Bowl event for taking a strong stand on positive values In American communities. and( 4 Jewish Student Conscience Foundation, an in New organization with headquarters York, has won Soviet government approval for a Russian Jewish student to study for the rabbinate in The Appeal of s Budapest Rabbi Arthur Sehneler, president of the foundation, said the development marked the first time the Soviet Union had ever agreed to let Jewish youth train for the rabbinate In another state. He also reSoviet en- ported that the foundation had received by Russian dorsement of a proposed visit to the church and synagogue leaders. U-- WEEK ENDING APRIL 19. 1969 CHURCH-- 11 |