TORONTO — The Toronto Ontario Stake celebrated 50 years with a Jubilee meeting on Aug. 15, which capped a year of special events from celebrating the anniversary.
The stake was organized by President Thomas S. Monson — the Canadian Mission president at the time — on Aug. 14, 1960, in the Odeon Carlton theater. Elder Mark E. Petersen presided and William M. Davies was sustained as the stake president of the LDS Church's 300th stake.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown dramatically in the Toronto area during the past 50 years, and the local membership is a microcosm of the world. Members in Toronto come from more than 100 different countries. There are Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and Korean wards or branches, as well as many members from the Philippines, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Africa. There is a Farsi-speaking Sunday School class for Persian members from Iran and Iraq. The current stake presidency reflects this mosaic with brethren coming from Hong Kong, Canada and Jamaica.
At the Jubilee Meeting, all eight former stake presidents either spoke or had comments read to the congregation, including memories of visits by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Elder Petersen, President Spencer W. Kimball, President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Monson.
Former Stake President Robert C. Morrison said, "Many of our members made their way here after having to overcome open ridicule and sanctioned persecution, often putting their lives in jeopardy, to join the Lord's church. I was often moved when I would sit in counsel with them and hear their stories of incredible sacrifice."
Other Toronto "pioneers" who attended included Alberta Smith, the first activities committee chairwoman (her late husband, Sloan Alma Smith, was on the first high council ); Byron Palmer, who served on the stake's first young men president, his wife Irene Palmer, the first Young Women president; and Everett Palin, who served as a counselor in the mission presidency to President Monson.
With the theme "True to the Faith" (see Doctrine and Covenants 82:14), other Jubilee year events include:
Open house reunions at each of the meetinghouses where people with previous "ties" to each building could come and enjoy special services and connect with old friends and previous leaders.
Mormon Helping Hands service project in April devoted to tree-planting and reforestation efforts in the local Rouge Valley area.
Participation in Doors Open Toronto in May, an annual citywide event characterized by a large number of public and private buildings being opened for a weekend for public viewing. The stake was able to feature its Ossington chapel, the first LDS meetinghouse in eastern Canada, dedicated in 1939 by President Heber J. Grant. More than 500 people walked through the building, observing its unique architectural features and related church history. It also included a special exhibit of Mark Mabry photos titled "Reflections of Christ."
Mormon Tabernacle Choir organist Clay Christiansen joined local performers for a special concert in June at the Toronto Stake Center.
The stake hosted an LDS Scouting Camporee in July on Center Island, immediately south of the downtown area. Scouts from upstate New York joined with those in the local area.
Stake picnic held in August at Toronto's High Park with more than 2,000 in attendance.
"Read the Book of Mormon" challenge was issued to all members of the stake, to have it read in time for the August Jubilee meeting.
"Savior of the World" dramatic musical production, recounting the historical events surrounding his birth and resurrection. Seven performances were held during two weeks in August to highlight the year's celebrations, involving cast, orchestra and crew all taken from the local Toronto area.
Through these events, community leaders and the public have formed connections with the Toronto Stake in unprecedented numbers. Local mayoral candidates, politicians and leaders from other faiths have joined in helping mark this milestone year.
Bruce Rae is the director of public affairs for the Toronto Ontario Stake.