The finale of the 30th Anniversary Reunion of the Montgomery Chinese Branch was the closing fireside. Immediately after the Sacrament Meeting, chairs were quickly set up along with serving tables. At around 2:15pm, Jason Liu welcomed everyone to lunch by inviting Adam Fugal to bless the food. At 3pm, Jason begin the fireside. President Charles Huang was presiding, with Brad Johnson as translator, Da Zhao as the Zoom host, Joshua Tsai as pianist, and Megan Tsai as Music Director.
After the opening hymn, “Love One Another," Ann Johnson to offer the invocation. The first speaker was Benjamin Tsai, chair of the Reunion Committee and 4th branch president, who introduced the history of the Branch. After he spoke, everyone viewed a slideshow on the history of the Branch, after which the second speaker was Michael Seay, the Stake Mission President. Michael noticed that Elder Wu and his companions had baptized quite a few Chinese speaking members, who then attended different wards and stakes. So, Michael suggested to then Stake President Ralph Hardy that there was a need for a Chinese speaking branch in the area. President Hardy then immediately requested the First Presidency to create a Chinese speaking branch, organized the Montgomery Chinese Branch on April 12, 1992, and called Vince Breglio as the first branch president.
A slideshow was shown dedicated to Sid and Mary Foulger. Then their daughter, Meg Pratt, testified of the kindness and generosity and love of her parents. She also shared intimate experiences of how they became involved with the Chinese Branch through Elder Wu living in their basement and taking Brother Foulger in their discussions. In 1996, Sid Foulger was called as the second branch president. Although he served for less than 2 years, he and his wife, Mary, had a great influence upon the Branch. Mary Foulger served faithfully as the Young Women’s President for 8 years. Joshua Tsai then played “Claire de Lune” by Claude Debussy, one of Sid Foulger’s favorite songs.
Next, a slideshow was presented and dedicated to George Chiang. Sister Fengdi Chen paid tribute to him as the third branch president, who helped her and her family in their earlier years. Two months ago, we learned of the sad news of the passing of our dear friend, George Chiang. We always remember George Chiang for his pervasive smile and positive attitude. We are grateful for his service and contribution to our branch.
After we viewed a slideshow on the Primary children and youth of the Branch, Patrick Shen, fifth branch president, shared his experience as branch president. Following a slideshow on missionaries, four returned missionaries spoke: Jack Shirts, Michael Chang, James Packer, and Leo Liang. Then 19 current missionaries, returned missionaries from our Branch, and returned who served in our Branch, favored the audience with two songs: “We Are All Missionaries” and “Army of Helaman.” What an army of dedicated young people and potential leaders!
President Charles Huang was the concluding speaker. Following his talk, the closing hymn was “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” after Michael Chang offered the benediction. After the closing prayer, all those in the Kentlands Chapel immediately gathered in front of the reunion poster created by Megan Tsai. Brian Johnson took a group phone. Then the Branch birthday cake was served.
This afternoon the Branch welcomed all those who have come to the Kentlands chapel to attend his fireside, especially friends who have come from afar. In addition, technology allowed us to meet with many friends and former friends attending virtually through Zoom.
