Hi, I'm John

I'm a Mormon. My grandparents joined the church in eastern North Carolina in 1935.

About Me

I am now 77 years old. I grew up on a farm in Pasquotank Co., North Carolina and after high school attended and graduated from N. C. State University with BS and MS degrees in the Agricultural Sciences. Over the years I was employed by N. C. State University, Coker Seed Co., and Elanco Products Co, a Division of Eli Lilly and Co. I was involved primarily with field research and development of Agricultural products. My family and I haved lived in Raleigh, N.C, Hartsville, S.C., McAllen, TX, Atlanta, GA and Indianapolis, IN. I retired in 1992 and moved back home to N. C., but continue to consult with farners in the area. My wife, Lillian and I have 4 children, 12 grandchildren and to date 2 great grandchildren.

Why I am a Mormon

I was fortunate to have been born of goodly parents and grandparents. My grandparents were baptized and became members of the church in Pasquotank Co., N. C. in 1935. Thus, I was raised in the church. After age 12, I went through a number of years of inactivity until after I married and our first son reached the age of eight. Through the efforts of full time missionaries, my nonmember wife came to believe that the church was true. My father baptized her and our 8 year old son at the same time. Even though, I was raised in the church, I did not gain a testimony until after that time. Good home teachers, the example of others and through sincere prayer, I had the kind of spiritual experience that all who are truly converted experience and came to know without any doubt that the gospel as it existed on the earth at the time that the Savior was on the earth had been restored as a consequence of Joseph Smith's prayer, vision and subsequent experience. I believe that it has been restored fully and that all of the keys that Joseph Smith held are posessed by a modern day Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Of that I have no reservations or doubt.

Personal Stories

Why do Mormons do family history or genealogy work?

Family history is both a hobby and a doctrine of salvation for those who departed this life without having had the opportunity to be taught about Jesus Christ, nor the opportunity to participate in the required ordinances outlined in the scriptures such as baptism. Members of the church spend time searching for the names, birth, marriage and death records of their kindred dead, especially direct line ancestors, and then submit their names and the required dates to one of our many temples where the necessary ordinances are performed by proxy for them. They then have their agency, after being taught in the spirit world, to accept or reject the things that they are taught. If they accept the doctrines so taught, then they will be judged accordingly. This work is an unselfish work of love that one generation can provide to previous generations.

How I live my faith

The church is a church of service, both to other members as well as to non-members. I try to follow the Savior's example and do the things that he taught and did in both the New Testament as well as in The Book of Mormon. Over the years I have served faithfully as a home teacher wherever we have lived. I have accepted callings to serve in the church as they have come to me. Over time, I have served as a teacher, on scout troop commities, as a leader in the various organizations of the church and for about 20 years now as a "Patriarch", one who has the special privilege of giving spiritual blessings to other members of the church to help them set goals and to provide spiritual guidance and direction. I have made an effort to help the poor and needy through visits and where necessary have helped to provide food, clothing and financial assistance to family members and others.

Can you tell me about Mormon customs: how you dress for church, what holidays you celebrate, etc.?

John answered...

Members attending Sunday services will most likely be wearing their “Sunday best,” which may include suits, sport coats, and ties for the men and modest dresses or skirts for the women. Children also typically dress up for Sunday.
Members of the Church celebrate Christmas and Easter, regarding these two events as the most spiritually significant days in history because of the birth, suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Church members also celebrate the regional and national holidays of the countries where they live. Church members also celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and similar events.
Graeme answered...

Mormon customs throughout the world do not vary widely. In fact in my travels around the world, the church is one big family which welcomes you as one of their own. Most of the major national and Christian holidays are celebrated Christmas, Easter, New Years when ever oit occurs, and nation's founding, and personal birthdays. Mormons dress up for Sunday services. When traveling, casual, modest clothing is normal. For other activities, any modest attire is acceptable. There are occasional "theme" activities with approprite dress.

Do Mormons practice polygamy?

Clayton answered...

No, we don't. People typically mix up Mormons with their reformed break offs. Several of those groups practice polygamy, even though historically the commandment from the Lord to have plural marriages has been repealed.