The final event of the Montgomery Branch 20th Anniversary Reunion was the closing fireside held in the chapel of the Kentlands building. Adam Fugal conducted the meeting with President Harrison presiding. Emerald Shen played the piano with Melinda Tsai acting as chorister.
At 6:30pm, Brother Fugal welcome to everyone to the Montgomery Branch 20th Anniversary Fireside. He acknowledged the presence of President Ronald Harrison, presiding officer; Elder Ralph Hardy, former stake president who requested the creation of the Montgomery Chinese Branch 20 years ago; President Steve Hilton, Centreville Stake President, who requested the creation of the Twin Lakes Chinese Branch in Virginia; and, President Patrick Shen, our very own branch president. He reminded everyone that no photographic or recording equipment was allowed in chapel and that only two people have been given special permission (Brothers Da Zhao and Brian Johnson) to record the program in the chapel. Michael Cunningham provided the simultaneous translation by headset.
After the congregation singing the opening hymn, "Now Let us Rejoice," Brother Jess Theodore offered the invocation. The first testimony was given by President Ron Harrison. He began by recalling his mission call to Taiwan, where he felt a duty to preach the gospel to the Chinese people there. He served in a place called Aihe. He related his experiences in the Sacred Grove and shared his testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He then stressed the importance of temple ordinances in this great work.
He was followed by a testimony from Benjamin Tsai. See text.
We then enjoyed a slide show, featuring all 100 full-time missionaries who have served in our branch all 202 converts who have been baptized into the branch. The Primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" was sung in Chinese by all missionaries present who now serve or have served in our branch. President Steve Hilton shared the experience of organizing the Twin Lakes Branch and hist testimonry. After President Steve Hilton's remarks, the branch orchestra (consisting of Jessica Tsai, Joshua Tsai, Melinda Tsai, and Vincent Li) played and sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer."
Elder Ralph Hardy spoke of the Diaspora of Chinese people. He expounded on memories and reminiscing. He told a story of how the Toronto members remembered Elder Hardy. Over twenty years, Michael Seay, then the stake mission president, suggested that a Chinese branch was needed. Then Stake President Hardy picked a name, the Montgomery Branch, and a new branch president, Vincent Breglio. He invited President Breglio to this reunion. He also talked about meeting Brother Bowei Zhu in the Washington Temple, where he and his wife are serving as temple workers. He quoted 2 Nephi 1:6: "there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord." If we keep the commandments, the blessings of the gospel will distill upon us and bless our children and us. The Holy Ghost will be with us. President Shen is God's anointed in our branch.
President Patrick Shen was the concluding speaker. He remarked that this fireside may be considered as nought to outsiders. In attendance tonight, we have witnessed two current stake presidents who speak Mandarin Chinese. What could he add to the words of two stake presidents and a General Authority? He thanked the stake for their continual support. He thanked the Johnson's and the Theodore's. Over the next twenty years of the Montgomery Chinese Branch, we must be more diligent. Without the 100 missionaries, we sould not be here. But members must put their shoulders to the wheel.
He was followed by a testimony from Benjamin Tsai. See text.
We then enjoyed a slide show, featuring all 100 full-time missionaries who have served in our branch all 202 converts who have been baptized into the branch. The Primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" was sung in Chinese by all missionaries present who now serve or have served in our branch. President Steve Hilton shared the experience of organizing the Twin Lakes Branch and hist testimonry. After President Steve Hilton's remarks, the branch orchestra (consisting of Jessica Tsai, Joshua Tsai, Melinda Tsai, and Vincent Li) played and sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer."
Elder Ralph Hardy spoke of the Diaspora of Chinese people. He expounded on memories and reminiscing. He told a story of how the Toronto members remembered Elder Hardy. Over twenty years, Michael Seay, then the stake mission president, suggested that a Chinese branch was needed. Then Stake President Hardy picked a name, the Montgomery Branch, and a new branch president, Vincent Breglio. He invited President Breglio to this reunion. He also talked about meeting Brother Bowei Zhu in the Washington Temple, where he and his wife are serving as temple workers. He quoted 2 Nephi 1:6: "there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord." If we keep the commandments, the blessings of the gospel will distill upon us and bless our children and us. The Holy Ghost will be with us. President Shen is God's anointed in our branch.
President Patrick Shen was the concluding speaker. He remarked that this fireside may be considered as nought to outsiders. In attendance tonight, we have witnessed two current stake presidents who speak Mandarin Chinese. What could he add to the words of two stake presidents and a General Authority? He thanked the stake for their continual support. He thanked the Johnson's and the Theodore's. Over the next twenty years of the Montgomery Chinese Branch, we must be more diligent. Without the 100 missionaries, we sould not be here. But members must put their shoulders to the wheel.
Brother Fugal then announced that the group photo was going to be taken in the cultural hall immediately after closing prayer and that there were refreshments afterwards. The concluding musical number "Charity" was sung by the branch choir. The benediction was then offered.
Everyone then gathered in the cultural hall for the group photo. Then we enjoyed the birthday cake and light refreshments.
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