Members of the Pensacola Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated the 50th Anniversary in June 2019. Missionaries and new members came to live in the area in the 1930’s. Church membership started with 3 families and grew for about 30 years. At that time, in 1969, Church Authorities organized the local churches ranging from Mobile and Atmore, AL east to Ft. Walton Beach into the Pensacola Stake.
1969 Pensacola, FL Stake building
Took a Walk Through Local Church History
Over 250 members gathered at the current Stake Center on Fox Run Road, June 29th. They took a walk through history to refresh memories and energize their missionary activities to spread the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Family members of two now deceased stake presidents shared memories of their dad’s experiences as Church leaders and fathers. Past Stake President, Carl McArthur traveled from Arizona to share highlights of his tenure. Other Stake presidents unable to attend were represented by members of their council. All shared the message of love for the members and The Lord that these leaders had expressed during their times of service.
Talks were interspersed with musical talent from the Primary choir, adult Stake Choir, Seminary (high school aged) singers, and violinist, Ingrid Roberts, from Ft. Walton Beach. The Institute (young adult) group provided a swing dance demonstration.
2019 Pensacola Stake Presidency L to R: 1st Councilor John Taylor, President, Kevin Curtis, and 2nd Councilor, Linwood Harper
Current Stake President, Kevin Curtis, then concluded the event by reminding us that The Church’s growth continues as we do small and simple things. Home-based prayer and scripture study builds strong homes where family members can feel save and inspired to work together. From this base, members reach out to serve others in their communities, sharing their love of family and Jesus Christ, whom they strive to emulate.
Left to Right Standing: Dale Braddock, Bill Phillips( USAF RET), Kathy Phillips (USAF RET), Alexa Braddock, William Braddock (USMC RET), Rob Carleen, Frank Emond (USN RET), Patricia Emond, Hunter Echols, Ray Engel, Fay Harter, Betsy Echols Seated: Robert Nicholson, Billie Nicholson, Rick Carraway, Teresa Carraway and Angie Engel (also a PHS)
Frank Emond, born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and a long time Pensacola, Fl resident, gathered with friends to celebrate his 101st birthday. Friends present at the party were all involved in the 2011 Pearl Harbor Honor Flight Initiative. At that time the Pensacola community and volunteers worked tirelessly to arrange and fund a trip which took 6 Pearl Harbor Survivors on a trip to Pearl Harbor for the 70th commemoration of the Japanese attack in 1941.
Currently, Pensacola has two remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors that we know of, Frank Emond, CWO4, USN (RET.) and William Braddock, Sgt. Maj., USMC (RET.).
Frank was assigned to the band on the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). On the morning of December 7, 1941 his band was positioned on the stern of the dry docked vessel, preparing to play morning “colors” when the attack began.
“The day of the attack, everyone knew what they were supposed to do, and it all got taken care of,” recalls Frank. “We lost 21 killed on our ship and about twice that wounded.”
Frank has been active in music all his life as well as serving as a volunteer working at the Navy Hospital, NAS Pensacola. He finally retired from his volunteer position on the day he turned 101!
Thank You, Frank Emond, for your service.
Pearl Harbor Honor Flight, The Last Goodbye, a book created to honor military veterans of the Greatest Generation for their courage and personal sacrifice during the attack on United States military forces at Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. Billie and Robert Nicholson have assembled a photographic journey of six Honor Flight veterans from Pensacola, Florida during the week long 70th year commemoration of the attack, the last and final organized annual reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors. Available: Barnes & Noble
The Bell Ringer, newsletter for the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pensacola Chapter was selected to receive a Judges Award by the Pensacola Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge chapter members proudly accept award. Left to Right: Mike Clapsadl, Connie Brown, Melinda Beckett, Billie Nicholson, Dr. Jacqueline Young, and Robert Nicholson.
Billie and Robert Nicholson work together to produce the quarterly newsletter, capturing the activities of the Pensacola Chapter and adding historic details to enhance the content and entertain their readers.
Jeffrey and Kathleen Bradshaw interview upon return from two year senior mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to The Democratic Republic of Congo, June 25, 2018.
The Lord’s work continues around the world. There is a great need for missionaries. The influence you make in the lives of others will extend for more than your life-time. Learn more here.
Community welcome home dinner
Couple Returns from Mission to Democratic Republic of Congo
Former Pace, FL residents, Jeffrey M. Bradshaw and his wife, Kathleen, have spent the last two years serving in the Mission office for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. They lived in an apartment within walking distance of the mission office, paid all their living expenses and had a full-time work schedule.
Senior Mission Assignments
Elder Bradshaw worked as the financial secretary handling the day to day expenses of the mission. Sister Bradshaw worked with the young full-time missionaries, women and men, serving in the Kinshasa region. Her tasks involved arranging travel, Visas and monthly supplies for them. When on missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, missionaries have the Sabbath day for attending church services and a personal day each week.
Working closely with the younger missionaries, the Bradshaws spent many of their personal days visiting the young missionaries. They made sure the young sisters and elders had plenty of charcoal for outdoor cooking, and Books of Mormon, among other things. The young missionaries come from Europe and other countries within the African continent. Making arrangements can become very complicated when they are coming to DR Congo or returning home. Sometimes there may be political unrest in an area between where they were serving and where their home is. The Church takes great care to keep all their missionaries safe.
In addition to their office assignments in the mission, they also had the opportunity to gather information for oral history of church members and family history of some of the village chiefs in the area. On one such trip, the village chief could only remember back to his grand parents. He needed to rely on other village elders for help.
Church History
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been in DR Congo since 1986, There are over 60,000 members. About half of these members are men who are long term, active members. Missionaries are baptizing between one hundred sixty-five and one hundred eighty-five members per month. Churches are growing rapidly there and the need for missionaries is great in this region of Africa.
Baptism class
The city of Kinshasa has about 15 million inhabitants. They have life styles from living in a tin-roofed shack with no electricity or running water to apartments and homes with modern conveniences. There is enough enthusiasm about The Church that a temple is being built in the city. Since the time of Solomon, temples have had the same purposes, including bringing people closer to God.
Holy Temples
Holy temples are as necessary today as they were anciently when they served as sacred locations to make covenants, perform holy ordinances, and to be taught by God. Today in over 140 temples worldwide, Mormons do those same things. In these temples, faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find opportunities for peaceful reflection and for learning more about God’s plan of happiness for His children.
Every person who has lived on the earth is entitled to the opportunity to receive the blessings of eternal life and eternal family relations. Through the power of the priesthood, members are married for time and eternity. They perform proxy baptisms for their ancestors who died without enjoying the blessings of this saving ordinance.
Kinshasa Temple in progress
“Our apartment was right across the street from where the new temple is being built,” said Elder Bradshaw. “We got to see daily progress.”
“The people there are very friendly. We felt very safe while we were on our senior mission,” said Sister Bradshaw. “And there were children, lots of children. They are darling. Most families have very little. Families are precious to them.”
When we started working with the Pensacola Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association back in 2011, there were 7 active members. They are our local heroes! Since that time we are down to three still with us and only two of them here in Pensacola. We have had a request for recordings of the stories of those who have passed.
George Mills USN Veteran retired after 30 years USAF Civilian
James Landis SCPO, USN (RET.)
Myron Jay Carraway ETC USN (RET.)
Jacob Gallawa SCPO USN (RET.)
We honor the service and sacrifices these “every day” guys gave to our country. We love and miss you all.
Subject parallel to film plane – improves focus, avoids key-stoning
Simplify composition, simple backgrounds
50/50 focus distance around subject
Tips for Close Up Photography
Photographing everyday items extremely close will reveal a world of color, form, texture and shape often overlooked. “Macro” in photographic terms used to mean life-sized images. Most of us know it as that special focus setting found on some zoom lenses. Using this setting puts the lens well forward of the camera body and this allows very close focus. Close focus may not necessarily create life size images, but they will be awesome. Here are some things to remember when photographing up close.
To take close ups you need equipment designed to increase the distance between the lens and the sensor.
Macro lenses or zoom lenses with a macro feature
Extension tubes fit between the lens and the camera body. They add the needed space for image focus on sensor
Close up filters can be added to the front of the lens to “magnify” the image and can be added together to increase magnification
Use your zoom lens – set up at a distance that will allow you to zoom in close and keep the subject in focus
The main technical problems are the difficulty focusing a sharp image and the very shallow depth of field.
Use a tripod and wear knee pads
Select the A or Av setting on your camera and you choose the aperture; the larger the number, like f11 or f16, the greater depth of focus or use the M (manual) setting and control both the aperture and shutter speed. Note the exposure meter showing in your viewfinder (a bar that has markings from -2 thru 0 to + 2) – move either the aperture or shutter speed control to move this setting to 0.
To avoid movement of the subject (if it is alive or outside in the wind), shoot at a fast shutter speed; you may also want to secure subject with a clamp
Use your in-camera meter – pick a spot that simulates 18% gray or use an 18% gray card. Record the meter setting and then switch to manual
Remember to add exposure to compensate for extension rings; whenever the subject is closer than about five times the focal length of the lens. Work out the magnification (image height divided by subject height, add one and square the result). This is the factor you must multiply exposure time by. So for an image the same size as the subject give four times the normal exposure.Extension tubes are usually marked with the exposure correction required.
Focus on some part of your image 1/3rd of the way into the scene to get the maximum field of focus.
Bracket your exposure (less than 1-stop intervals is best) for best results, setting the camera to auto exposure bracketing.
Use a “Multi-Focus” program like Helicon Focus (www.HeliconSoft.com)
Backgrounds can be distracting. Make them as plain as possible
Use a fabric sweep to eliminate the breaking line of a horizon
Use a contrasting color
Common fabrics are: black velveteen, white polyester, blue or bright green for video or to “drop out” the background easily; white shower curtains work well, too.
Make sure the surface is super clean of lint or other flecks. They’ll look like logs later.
Make a light tent to soften light and reduce shadows
Lighting is critical in close up photos.
Early morning and late in the day will provide naturally oblique light to cross over your subject and help create a third dimension in the image. Avoid direct sun or partial sun and shade mix.
Arrange studio lights to create dimension (add appropriate shadows)
Use reflectors to fill in shadow areas
White fabric or white cards (scrap foam-core works great – cut one side to create hinge)
Mirrors
Aluminum foil
Photo reflectors
For flat or round objects, the best camera position is directly above the object; this eliminates shape distortion – use a bubble level to confirm. Light should be very oblique to exaggerate the pattern or design.
For other shaped objects, the camera should be parallel to the subject to avoid distortions
A ring flash gives complete frontal lighting for complex subjects where side lighting would only add confusion with complicated shadows.
Some subjects require diffused light (add a translucent material between subject and light source – another good use for that white shower curtain – put it in a sunny window for beautiful natural light).
The best times to photograph flowers
On cloudy overcast days
Early morning or late afternoon on sunny days – nice light & low wind
Just after a rain – or carry a small spray bottle for water; just one or two spritzes
If you’re working out doors, don’t shoot down on flowers, get lower; knee pads are a great addition to your camera bag
Don’t fight the wind
Use a plant clamp
Switch to Shutter Priority (S or Sv) setting and increase the shutter speed higher to stop movement
Make the wind your subject – slow shouter speed to capture movement
Use the rules of composition
What is your subject?
Select groups of three
Find repeating images at an angle
Look for leading lines to bring the viewer’s eye into the image
If using this technique for home inventory or products to sell, clean items so they are free of fingerprints. Use a soft cloth to buff out.
The Rotary Tree of Remembrance was on display during December 2017 in Pensacola, Fl.’s Cordova mall. The tree provided shoppers an opportunity to remember loved ones by placing a yellow ribbon on it. In addition to placing a yellow ribbon, mall visitors could also make a contribution to six children’s charities. They are Gulf Coast Kid’s House, The Studer Children’s Hospital of Sacred Heart, Simon Youth Foundation, Covenant Care Hospice, and Rotary Camp Florida.
In it’s fifth year, the opening ceremony recognized our local Pearl Harbor Survivors, Frank Emond and William Braddock, as honored guests. The Tate High School Chorus, directed by Cynthia Domulot, entertained attendees with a series of holiday themed musical numbers.
Rotary members from the CROP (Combined Rotary of Pensacola) and volunteers from the recipient charities manned the tree during shopping hours.
Donations collected totaled over $4,800.00. Checks were presented at the January 11th morning meeting of the Cordova Rotary Club.
Rotary Representatives, Carl Bachman and Robin Foley present donation check to Stacey Kostevicki, Executive Director of Gulf Coast Kid’s House.
Adrienne Maygarden accepts donation on behalf of The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart
Christie Parker, Aaron West and Odin Berg receive donation to Covenant Care Hospice.
Elaine Sites and Annette Massicotte received check for Reading is Fundamental Pensacola.
Robin Foley accepts donation to Rotary Camp Florida.
Group of donation recipients.
Following these presentations, Billie and Robert Nicholson of Rusty Buggy Enterprises were recognized for their media support for the past five years.
76 years ago, Dec 7th, the U. S. military installation in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese naval service. This attack caught the American military by surprise, sinking or damaging 18 ships, destroying 350 aircraft, and resulting in the deaths of 2,403 sailors, soldiers, and civilians and wounding another 1,000.
Why attack Pearl Harbor?
In an attempt to thwart Japan’s expansionist actions in Asia, America had issued economic sanctions and trade embargoes against them. Assuming that without money and goods, like oil, Japan would curb its expansionism. But instead, Japan held its ground. After a month of negotiations, neither side would budge and war appeared imminent.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the base of America’s Pacific Fleet, was the perfect point for such an attack. Located 2,000 miles from the U. S. mainland and about 4,000 miles from Japan, military leaders were not expecting an attack there and consequently it was relatively undefended. To the Japanese, however, it was the perfect target – the home of almost the entire naval fleet. With America’s naval vessels destroyed, Japan would be free to continue its expansion.
As a result, America declared war on Japan and entered World War II. Just three days later, Japan’s allies Germany and Italy declared war on America as well. Americans fought on two fronts – European and Pacific. They were responsible for ending the Pacific front battles by using atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. American soldiers fought with British and Russian allies on the European front.
Local Pearl Harbor Survivors Remember
Pensacola has two remaining Pearl Harbor Survivors. Their stories share personal details of the attack.
Frank Emond, a Navy musician, on the stern of the USS Pennsylvania, shares his account of the beginning of the attack.
William Braddock, a Marine, at breakfast on Ford Island, located in the center of Pearl Harbor, had a close up view of the mayhem.
The battles extended until 1945. Over 400,000 American citizens made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom and democracy. The courage and resolve of our military extend today as they protect and secure our nation. We must always Remember Pearl Harbor.
Two upcoming ceremonies will honor our local Pearl Harbor Survivors Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, 3 PM at the Rotary Tree of Remembrance ceremony in the Food Court of Cordova Mall and also on Thursday Dec. 7, 2017 at the World War II Remembrance ceremony, 10 AM, at National Naval Museum located on NAS Pensacola.
Somewhere, in a neighborhood, the sounds of hammer and saw waft through the air. By following the sounds of construction one finds a new home taking shape. Not any new home, but a Habitat for Humanity home complete with many service opportunities during construction. Dozens of volunteer builders converge their individual efforts into a symphony of service, resulting in a finished masterpiece.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian ministry. They have provided over 1,300 homes during the last 35 years in Northwest Florida. Homes are priced at the cost of construction and come with interest free financing.
The community supports habitat in many ways. Volunteers come from all walks of life. During a Wednesday visit I encountered young and older volunteers of all faiths working side by side. Volunteers from Temple Beth-El of Pensacola climbed ladders and layed tarpaper. There were Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints driving nails and installing supports. Some volunteers came alone – to just serve. When lunch was called, the members of Saint Paul Lutheran Church, ELCA of Pensacola donated and served a hardy meal. People of all faiths pitched in with support for each other to create something wonderful.
Volunteer
When the service bug hits you, there is a handy way to find out where you are needed. Simply go to www.JustServe.org to make a difference in your community.
Latter-day Saint Missionary, Sister Morgen Mantlo said, “I love being a volunteer at Habitat. This kind of volunteerism brings lasting satisfaction. The service ethic is one that is handed down through generations.”
