The Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation welcomed Sherry Mesle-Morain to her first board meeting November 14.
     Mesle-Morain, who lives in Lamoni, Iowa, said the favorite job in her career was working as director of Financial Aid Services for Graceland University.
     She said her favorite period in church history was the mid-20th century, when the church struggled to transition from the one and only true church to a world church.
     In a biography she presented to the board, she wrote: “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in finding stories to tell that add to visitors’ understanding of our church history at our historic sites.”

     Former Apostle Andrew Bolton will provide a bonus for the Autumn Lecture Series by exploring the story behind the Community of Christ peace seal.
      The event will begin at noon (Central Time) November 21. It will conclude with the Daily Prayer for Peace at 1:00 p.m.
     The church seal, beloved by members and used all over the world, has helped the church transform from a past that included violence to a people pursuing peace.
    Andrew will examine Isaiah 11:1–10 and a hymn that inspired the seal. The presentation will include art, color, and design.
      To register, visit the Autumn Lecture Series tab under Latest News on this website.

The Kirtland Temple in Ohio and the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation took a major hit at the end of September when Site Director Seth Bryant took his energy and creativity to the VA. 
During his four years as site director, he oversaw numerous improvements and maintenance projects. He also designed a new website, started an online museum store, and began the project to offer virtual reality tours. 
In addition, he served as an ex-officio board member of the foundation, participated in numerous Storyteller events, and more. Foundation Executive Director Barbara Walden referred to him as a “minister of church history.” 
Because of the pandemic, all Community of Christ historic sites will remain closed until at least March 2021. This will provide time for leaders to search for a replacement. ​

Lovers of church history lost someone special Saturday, October 10.
Tom Morain, who made a huge impact on church history sites, church education, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation, and more, passed away.
He was passionate about sharing church history. Besides serving on the foundation board, he contributed at Storyteller events, educational and fundraising sessions, reunions, and more.
He led history classes, hymn festivals, and worship services. He wrote grants and talked to potential donors.
We’ll all miss him.
​

     The Summer Lecture Series was a hit, so it was only natural that leaders would follow with a Fall Lecture Series.
     Beginning October 1 The eight-week series will run at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Thursdays. The theme will be “Church History Without Boundaries” with speakers focusing on the global history in Community of Christ.
The speakers:
October 1--John-Charles Duffy, “A Global Family”
October 8--David Howlett, “The Story of Community of Christ in India”
October 15--Dima Hurlbut, “The Story of Community of Christ in Southeastern Nigeria”
October 22--Barbara Walden, “Community of Christ History in the Holy Land”
October 29--Andrew Bolton, “Latter-day Saint British Isles Missions, 1837–1863”
November 5--Steve Shields, “The Church Encounters Asia. Beginnings: Korea”
November 12--Seth Bryant, “1830s Latter-day Saint Missiology
November 19--John Hamer, “R.C. Evans of Canada: From the RLDS First Presidency to Schismatic Church Leader”
     For more information, visit www.historicsitesfoundation.org/autumn-lecture-series.html.

​     It was a decision everyone wanted to avoid. But leaders, concerned for the welfare and safety of staff members, volunteers, and visitors, felt it had to be made.
     Historic Sites Director Lachlan Mackay and directors of each historic site recently announced that because of the COVID-19 pandemic the properties would be closed until the end of the year.
     Among the properties affected are the Kirtland Temple in Ohio; the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; Liberty Hall in Lamoni, Iowa; Heritage Plaza in Independence, Missouri; and the Plano Stone Church in Illinois.
     Despite the closure, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation continues online efforts to promote church heritage while performing maintenance of the sites. Your financial support is appreciated.

     The COVID-19 pandemic made it an inconvenient time to join the board of the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation. Nonetheless, Sherry Mesle-Morain already has made an impact.
     Executive Director Barbara Walden recently praised her work in reviewing campaign and lecture materials for the editorial team. Also, Walden credited Mesle-Morain for helping build the relationship between the foundation and the John Whitmer Historical Association.

     If you’re a student of Community of Christ history, this is perfect for you.
     The Summer Lecture Series will resume July 2 and continue each Thursday through August 13.  Each week at 7:00 p.m. (CDT) experts will deliver a lecture followed by a question-and-answer session.
     The schedule:
     July 2—Lachlan Mckay: “Life, Legacy, and Lessons from Joseph Smith RLDS Prophet/President, 1860–1914”
     July 9—David Brock: “Life and Legacy of Edward Ellsworth Guy: Smoke Jumper and Humanitarian”
     July 16—Seth Bryant: “(Non) Violence: Lessons from Community of Christ History”
     July 23—Barbara Walden “The Annual Reunion Tradition in Community of Christ: Share Your Object; Share Your Story”
     July 30—David Howlett: “The Story of Community of Christ in the Philippines”
     August 6—Wendy Eaton: “The Story behind the Preservation of the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois”
     August 13—Barbara Walden: “Life and Legacy of Marietta Walker”
    For more information and to register, visit www.historicsitesfoundation.org/summer-lecture-series.html. Participation is limited.

    If you like to sing but are missing the opportunity to lift your voice with others, the Emma Smith Hymn Festival will be just what you need.
     Friday, July 10, will continue an annual tradition of celebrating Smith’s life with hymns, which she so loved. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will be online instead of in the Lower Court of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio.
     The event will be co-hosted by the Kirtland Temple; the Joseph Smith Historic Site in Nauvoo, Illinois; the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation; and Beyond the Walls. Donations received during the hymn festival will help preserve Community of Christ historic sites.
     Participants will join by helping record nine hymns, which will be streamed live at 7:00 p.m. (CDT). See this website for further information.