The Fifth Article of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states: We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
This statement is a fundamental basis of our faith. It means that no one can take upon themself the authority to preach and administer in the name of God. Since the day that Peter, James, and John bestowed the Melchizedek Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, every valid blessing, baptism, and ordinance performed can be traced back to that event and thus to Jesus Christ.
In that spirit I've devoted a post to the Stake Presidents of the Kanab Utah Stake, men responsible for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Saints living in this area of southern Utah (and previously adjacent parts of Arizona). Acting under the same authority, these men gave of their time and talents to grow the vineyard in this area.
L. John Nuttal was called to be the first Kanab Stake President in 1877. Previously to the call, he had been serving as bishop of the Kanab ward for approximately two years. As was common in those days, brother Nuttal found out about his call while attending a conference in Provo and was ordained before coming south.
At the time he became stake president, Kanab and the surrounding areas had already been settled for several years and it was felt that it was time to organize the area into a stake. The six wards at the time were Pareah, Johnson, Kanab, Orderville, Glendale, and Mt. Carmel.
Further information about Pres. Nuttal can be found
here. His story is quite interesting and mirrors the experiences of many early settlers.
President Frost was the first stake president I knew. Other than seeing him on the stand at stake conference (every three months!) I mostly remember him from the store.
Doctor Washburn was presiding when I left on my mission and was released just before I returned.
My association with President Jackson was as my seminary teacher for grades 10-12. We were away for most of his time as stake president.
President Judd was the last to preside before the stake was split. Having ward callings I didn't have much to do with him other than temple recommend interviews, in the which he called me to repentance for my dismal home teaching.
President Houston was a counselor in the Third Ward when he was called. He later served as a mission president with his wife Molly and their children in Iowa. He still resides in the Third Ward and currently serves on the high council. One thing I have noticed (and admired) about Joe is very often when he comments in Sunday School or priesthood meeting, he prefaces his remarks with a scriptural reference or to a comment made by by a General Authority.
I was called as stake YM president by President Esplin and served in that calling for about four years. In that calling I went to stake council (or whatever they were called) and was able to watch in small part as President Esplin presided over the affairs of the the stake. I remember on more than one occasion listening to the brethren discussing various matters and watching President Esplin arrive at an inspired decision and watching his councilors and the high council follow his guidance.
President Johnson is our current stake president and has been guiding our stake for several years now. I have been present on several occasions when he has spoken with the mantle of his calling and have felt the confirming Spirit bearing witness of his words. His decision to rebuild the stake center in its present location will be only one of the hallmarks of his administration.
I realize that I have not commented much on most of the men in this post, but that is due to lack of knowledge on my part. Each of them filled their calling, sacrificed time, energy, and talent to the building up of Zion, and blessed the lives of many.
The demolition of the Kanab Stake Center started yesterday. The next few days I'll put up a series of posts highlighting the building as it was. Then, as new construction begins, I'll try to update as it proceeds.
This part will be saved, remodeled, and used as stake offices (bottom floor) and a family history center (top floor).
This year, instead of Mom's toffee and peanut brittle*, we** decided to do something different. When everyone was at Moccasin this summer, Moe and Steve brought some Oreo truffles that Peg fixated on. The Wells' graciously gave us the recipe and so this year our neighbors got these tasty delights and some of Peg's famous double chocolate chip cookies.
Last spring our scout troop planned a trip to Tuckup Canyon in order to hike in and see the big pictograph panel commonly known as Shaman's Gallery. Things didn't work out and so we tried again last Friday. Weather reports indicated a storm was moving in, but you just never know. The clouds were gathering by the time we reached the Tuweep turnoff.
The first order of business on a blustery day is to get a fire going. We camped just this side of the park boundary, some six or seven miles from the trailhead. 
Gathered around the campfire are Devin, Cameron, Payton, and Logan. A few flurries are a hint of things to come.
Rather than pitch a tent, I chose to sleep in the back of the truck. A foam pad, a couple of sleeping bags, and a few blankets helped to ensure a good night's sleep. A propane lantern and a fairly early bedtime gave me a chance to try and catch up with Danny in our race to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year. I pulled a big tarp over me before I finally nodded off.....................
.............and it's a good thing I did. I took this picture when I woke up in the middle of the night to answer the call of nature.
And this was the sight that greeted my eyes early the next morning!
The rest of the troop was smarter than I and put up their tents under the spreading branches of cedar trees.
Me, on the other hand, found three to four inches of snow on top of my tarp! I have to say between the weight of the snow and the blankets I was almost too hot. It was just getting up that was the hard part.
We broke camp and headed for the rim. Because of the weather, we had decided it might not be the wisest course to take the scouts down, but wanted to see the trailhead anyway.
Although the skies began to clear by the time we reached the rim, the snowy conditions and cold wind weighed heavily against proceeding. James Holland, our super scoutmaster, does an excellent job with the boys.
Tuckup Canyon, to be conquered another day. We're planning for spring.
Approaching the Tuweep road on the way back. Heaton Knolls are in the background. A couple of guys came out to join us the night before and missed the flagged junction. They spent the night at Tuweep and met up with us just as we reached our campsite on the return trip.
For YM Wednesday, we gathered at Three Lakes to do some rappeling. It was cold and windy and we didn't have a great turnout, but we had a great time.
After Nick gave us some safety instructions, Danny was the first over the edge. It has been a couple of years since he last rappeled, but he acted like he last did it yesterday.
View from the bottom looking up. This is a great location and the current owners are to be thanked for letting us use this spot.
Yours truly showing great form. Like I said it was cold and windy and Danny had to leave early for an Xpress performance, but we plan to return (when it's warmer!).
President Frost was the first stake president I knew. Other than seeing him on the stand at stake conference (every three months!) I mostly remember him from the store.
Doctor Washburn was presiding when I left on my mission and was released just before I returned.
My association with President Jackson was as my seminary teacher for grades 10-12. We were away for most of his time as stake president.
President Judd was the last to preside before the stake was split. Having ward callings I didn't have much to do with him other than temple recommend interviews, in the which he called me to repentance for my dismal home teaching.
President Houston was a counselor in the Third Ward when he was called. He later served as a mission president with his wife Molly and their children in Iowa. He still resides in the Third Ward and currently serves on the high council. One thing I have noticed (and admired) about Joe is very often when he comments in Sunday School or priesthood meeting, he prefaces his remarks with a scriptural reference or to a comment made by by a General Authority.
I was called as stake YM president by President Esplin and served in that calling for about four years. In that calling I went to stake council (or whatever they were called) and was able to watch in small part as President Esplin presided over the affairs of the the stake. I remember on more than one occasion listening to the brethren discussing various matters and watching President Esplin arrive at an inspired decision and watching his councilors and the high council follow his guidance.
President Johnson is our current stake president and has been guiding our stake for several years now. I have been present on several occasions when he has spoken with the mantle of his calling and have felt the confirming Spirit bearing witness of his words. His decision to rebuild the stake center in its present location will be only one of the hallmarks of his administration.
