This week Mormon Times focuses on smaller institutes across the country, each with its own unique flair, in a series of profiles.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — In numbers, it's one of the smallest institutes in the country, and that's no doubt one of the biggest reasons the students at the Springfield South Missouri Institute of Religion are so close.
One of the results of that tightknit camaraderie has been a high number of engagements — and ultimately weddings — among classmates.
"It's interesting to see how many of the kids end up getting married," institute director John Lawson said. "In just the two years I've been here there have been 15 marriages among students."
With only 38 enrolled at the institute, Lawson says the students have become close with those from other institutes, combining with them for some of their activities and dances.
While some of the institute's students attend school at College of the Ozarks, many of the other students are performers. About half of those enrolled are entertainers in shows in Branson, less than an hour away.
"Branson is kind of like a very clean version of Las Vegas for old people," Lawson said.
Not to be outdone by her students, institute teacher Andrea Brett is a performer in Branson. Brett — along with husband Tom, daughter Briahna and sons Brydon and Garon — are entertainers in a regular show in Branson.
The Brett Family Singers performed as part of a live tribute to the late LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City in 2006.
e-mail: cpeterson@desnews.com