Crestview Ward

The following pages present a delightful collection of characters who shared their testimonies,

their talents, their strengths and even their weaknesses to build Crestview Ward. Over time, their efforts,

combined with the choices and actions of their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren,

led a young and struggling group of faithful saints to become a small Sunday School, a branch, a ward,

and finally to grow into two wards!

As you peruse these pages and have just a glimpse into the lives of those who bore the future of

the Saints in this area, you will notice that connections begin to emerge. These connections link early

forebears to the current generation and give hope for a glorious and fruitful future.

Crestview Ward - The Beginning

Pioneer Day commemorates the arrival of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

Day Saints into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. It is a day to celebrate the pioneer heritage we

all share and to remember what early Latter-Day Saints did for us, including local pioneers, showing

their faith, courage, and spiritual strength.

President James E. Faust said: “In the spirit of the pioneers, together we welcome and embrace

one another in the community of Saints to which we all belong, We go forward with our lives in

devotion, loyalty, and integrity,” building on the foundation laid by the pioneers…” Elder Dallin

Oaks added this sentiment: “May those today—who are the beneficiaries of the pioneers’ courage and

sacrifice—hold in remembrance not only the great individuals who gave so much, but also the

principles and cause for which they sacrificed.”

(https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2003/10/news-of-the-church/saints-celebrate-

pioneer-day?lang=eng)

During the Pioneer Day celebration of July 27, 2019, Crestview 2^nd Ward

members were reminded of the sacrifices referenced by Elder Oaks when they were

privileged to hear from one of their own local pioneers, Carlos Jones, Sr. He lived

during the time the Church was being established in Northwest Florida and had the

following story to tell.

In the late 1930’s, as a young boy, he was living with a family in the

Escambia Farms area. According to him, “They hired me as a plow boy and paid

me $10 a month and room and board. Board was when you lived with them, and

they furnished you a place to stay and all that.”

Carlos Jones, Sr

During his time as a plow boy, Carlos Jones, Sr. attended high school at

Escambia Farms School, where he met Gertrude Kennedy (Gray). After sharing a

story of life on the school bus and secret admirers, Brother Jones revealed

more about the history of the area.

“The Kennedy family was one of the oldest members of the Church in

the whole state of Florida back then….there were two Kennedy families - one

on one side of the Blackwater River and the other on the other side. The one

on this side of the river had missionaries talking to them and they wanted

them to cross the river so the other Kennedy family could hear them.”

“They built a little raft - that’s what I call it, where you nailed logs together

- and put the missionaries on it and they taught them the gospel. Later on,

they accepted it. They were one of the first members of the Church in the

Gertrude Kennedy

whole state of Florida - not just this area, but the whole state!”

Gray

(Just a little background history about the Kennedy family…”Reuben John Kennedy of South

Carolina migrated into Alabama and eventually into Okaloosa County. Baptismal records of his son,

John Calhoun Kennedy, indicate that on September 25, 1895, he was a member of The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an ordained priest.

One of Reuben John’s sons was William Alexander. After the death of his first wife, William

married Nancy Catherine Steele Baggett. The two of them were baptized member of the Church in

1897. Many of their descendants are active members of the Church today.

Their youngest son, Benjamin Harrison Kennedy, married Ethel Frances Jernigan. In 1944, he

moved his family to Crestview. Their children are Nancy I. Youngblood, Sally M. Stapleton, Ethel

Gertrude Gray, Benjamin Harrison, Jr., Betty J. Whitaker, and Gladys F. Fountain. Gertrude Gray

continues to live (as of June 2021) in the family home with her daughter and son-in-law, Freda and Mike

Wing.” (The above family information was taken from the genealogical submission to The Heritage of Okaloosa

County, Florida Volume I by the Kennedy family.)

Above, left to right, are the Kennedy

Benjamin Harrison and Ethel Frances Kennedy

children: Nancy, Sally, Gertrude, Ben

with their children: Nancy Youngblood, Sallie

Jr., Betty, and Gladys

Stapleton, Gertrude Gray, Ben Kennedy, Jr.,

Betty Whitaker, and Gladys Fountain.

______________________________________________________

“Now getting on with the history of the church back then,” said Carlos Jones, Sr. “my mama was

born up just a little above Wing. When she was about 13 years old, she moved to Baker. We used to go

to church there in Baker. These were the horse and buggy days, and we didn’t have a horse and buggy,

so we couldn’t go to Olive. Later on, the Church migrated down from Wing where we had Sunday

Schools in the north end of the county there where Olive Branch was formed years later.

“Then from the Olive Branch, we moved to Baker and one of the missionaries came down to our

house one day. They had a rule, a missionary rule, to look up all the families you could find in that area

and if they had children who had been born since they last saw the missionaries, to go ahead and baptize

them. So, they came down and there were three of us

families that lived there and they rounded up all the

children. We walked about five miles to the creek and

that’s where we were baptized.

“I didn’t know anything about the Church until

I went into the Navy in World War II and when I came

back, they still didn’t have a church in the Crestview

area. So, in December of 1946, two missionaries came

here. One was named Elroy Stapleton and the other

was Robert D. Brown.

“What they did seemed to be the pattern of the

Elder Elroy Stapleton Elder Robert D. Brown

Church back then - they organized a Sunday School

and a Primary or something in a member’s home. So, they organized a Sunday School over at the

Kennedy’s home over in Crestview and they organized a Primary at Mom’s house and both of them

were thriving pretty good, you know, for a few years and from there they organized a branch. That’s

where the first branch came from - the organization of the Sunday School and Primary.

“We only had one member from Fort Walton Beach then and we had a member or two down in

Niceville. So, years later, after we organized the branch in Crestview, they organized one in Niceville

and after then it went on to Fort Walton Beach. It seemed like the pattern back then was to organize the

Sunday School and Primary and hold Cottage Meetings in the homes ‘till the branches were strong

enough.”

Carlos Jones, Sr., concluded his commentary on the history of the Church in the Crestview area

with these words: “It has been good for me to witness all these things. I thought the Church was slow in

growth, but when I think back over my lifetime, I realize it has grown pretty rapidly and the Kennedy

family [were among] the first members in the Church in the whole state of Florida.”

Gertrude Kennedy was the first person to serve a full-time mission from Crestview three years

before it became a branch. In 1947 she served a full-time mission from July to December in the Southern

States Mission. Avelieu and Nolan Jones, Carlos Jones, Sr.’s parents, were some of the early members

to hold Cottage Meetings and Primary in their homes.

Avelieu Baggett Jones was baptized circa 1926 by Elder Sterling W. Sill, who later became a

General Authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Avelieu and Nolan P. Jones family included sons,

Carlos Jones, Sr., Von Jones, and daughters, Wanda

Singletary, Dimple Clarke, Barbara Robards, and Gloria Jean

Atwell. Carlos, Sr. served as one of Crestview’s early branch

presidents.

The written records of the early history of the Church

in Northwest Florida are sparse. We do know, however, that

missionaries were successful in baptizing converts here as

early as January of 1897. Elder Stapleton and Elder Brown

Left: Carlos Jones, Sr. Family: Left to

right: Carlos Jones, Sr.; Bobby Von,

were the only missionaries serving in Okaloosa County in the

son: Gracie, wife of Carlos, Sr;

1940’s. As part of their missionary efforts, a street meeting

daughter.

Frances and husband,

was held each Saturday morning in front of the City Pharmacy

Grant; Rhonda Cawthon, Tammy and

on Main Street in downtown Crestview.

Carlos, Jr.; and Linda Tew. Children

not pictured are Taft, Nolan and

Shirley.

In March 1947,

the Elders organized a

Home Primary in the home of Sister Avelieu Jones. The Primary

was well attended, as evidenced by the picture on the right.

1947

the

missionaries organized a

Home Sunday School in the

living room of Brother and

Sister Ben H, Kennedy, Sr., of Crestview. An independent

Sunday School was organized in 1948, adopting the Okaloosa

County Courthouse as the meeting place.

Lawrence Early is in the wheelchair in the photograph above left. (Source:

Years of Crestview Ward History by Jeri Toolan)

Elroy Stapleton was a powerful force in helping to establish a branch in Crestview. After serving

his mission, he returned to Crestview and married Sallie Kennedy. He continued to serve faithfully

throughout his life.

In 1955, he was called to serve as president of the Crestview

Branch. He served in that capacity until 1960 when he was called as

President of the Alabama District. During his tenure, the district was

transferred from the Southern States Mission to the newly organized

Florida Mission and renamed the Gulf District.

President Stapleton was called in

1964 to serve as First

Counselor in the Florida Mission Presidency. Four years later in 1968,

he was called to serve as District President for the second time. During

this time, the District was renamed the Pensacola District.

Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve, organized

the Pensacola Florida Stake on June 15, 1969, with Elroy Stapleton

being called to preside over this new stake of Zion. It was the sixth stake

to be organized in the state of Florida and number 495 in the Church

Elroy and Sally Stapleton

worldwide. At this time, Crestview Branch became the Crestview Ward.

1948

Vern White was called as the first bishop of the new ward

According to an article published in the Progress Edition of The Okaloosa News-Journal, the

Crestview Branch was organized in a meeting held January 15, 1950, under the direction of President

Archie C. Hutchinson of the West Florida District, with Paul Chessher as Branch President. Elroy

Stapleton was called to serve as First Counselor and Calvin Chessher as Second Counselor and Branch

Clerk. Elizabeth Lawson was Relief Society president, Mutual Improvement Association (M.I.A.)

executive officers were Lynn Lawhon, Robert Burris, Von Jones, Wilma Bryan, and Sharon Burris.

Robert Kennedy was called to serve as Superintendent of Sunday School with Loretta Youngblood as

secretary. Primary was led by Mrs. Ralph Wilkes as president. Sallie Stapleton, Mrs. Robert Burris, and

Mrs. William Vaughn were her assistants.

The small Branch held meetings at McLaughlin Funeral

Home Chapel, the American Legion Home and Webb’s Chapel

until a building could be obtained.

Boundaries for the Branch included all of southern

Okaloosa County. Few members lived in the area but the faithful

traveled regularly to Crestview to attend their meetings. This

number increased with the addition of several military members

American Legion Home

who were stationed at Eglin Air Force Base.

By 1953 a building site had been purchased at the corner of Seventh Street and Texas Avenue.

Part of the land that the church was built on was donated by Ben H. Kennedy. By this time, the Eglin

Branch had been organized. Work on the chapel progressed favorably under the capable leadership of

Louis Kennedy

The first meeting in the new chapel was in May 1954. The chapel was dedicated November 8,

1954 by Elder Marion D. Hanks of the First Council of the Seventy. President Chessher moved from

the area prior to the completion of the chapel and Elroy Stapleton served as Presiding Elder until being

called as Branch President in 1955. During these early years, the branch was always a leader in the

Southern States Mission in teaching and the Aaronic Priesthood

program. The branch was part of the Alabama District at this time.

Herman W. Youngblood was Branch President at the time the

present chapel location was purchased. Groundbreaking for the first

phase was held on September 14, 1970. Gordon M. Tew was Bishop

during construction. The chapel was completed in early 1971 and

Elder Robert L. Simpson dedicated the building.

The second phase was begun in 1976 with the first meeting

in the addition being held in December with Robert B. Stapleton

serving as Bishop during

construction. The third phase

was begun in January 1984

with Robert E. Hill serving as

Above: Groundbreaking for the

Bishop and construction

first phase of the current building

being

completed

September 14, 1970

November 1984.

Above: The second phase of

construction began in 1976

Left: Chapel on 3 Del Cerro Camino

2015

___________________________________

Remembering 150 Years of Relief Society

In 1992 to celebrate the 150^th birthday of Relief Society, Crestview Ward Relief Society

President, Joy Burkett, wanted to gather and preserve records of the Crestview Ward Relief Society and

to document the many ways in which the women of the ward have helped to build the Kingdom of God

in the Crestview area. Excerpts from these accounts were sent to the Stake History Representative and

to Salt Lake City to the Relief Society History Department. Sisters Donna Boudreaux and Jackie Harvey

were helpful in compiling these histories.

Sisters were asked to write a short documentary covering the important events, as they

remembered them, relating to the history of the Crestview Ward and the Crestview Relief Society. Below

are briefs taken from those excerpts:

Joy Burkett shared the following:

“I moved to Crestview in 1987 and

was first called to serve as a Spiritual Living teacher when Gertrude Gray was

Relief Society President. I was Education Counselor under Sister Barbara

McMinn and Homemaking Counselor under Sister Leslie White. In March 1992,

I have served as Relief Society President for eight months and have seen the

membership grow from 172 to 198 sisters.

“I know that as we work together in love and harmony, Heavenly

Father’s Spirit will be with us, and great things will continue to happen in the

Crestview Ward.”

Joy Burkett - 1991

Barbara McMinn provided the following insight into her service as

Relief Society President: “The major thing my presidency accomplished was in the area of food storage.

Many families added greatly to their supplies and a couple of new families started theirs. We also

achieved 100% visiting teaching for many months in a row.”

Chay Steele shared her testimony and memories: “One of the things that stands

out in my mind because it brought a lot of spiritual blessings to the sisters was

when we used to go to the nursing home and help feed the old ladies. Some were

not members but were community members. Everyone was helped. I wish we still

did this service. The home was in the same place that is now Silver Crest Manor.

“Another thing that stands out was when the Relief Society sisters stake-

wide got together and went on the bus to Houston, Texas to the Astrodome for a

huge rally in protest against ERA at the end of the ‘70s, The dome was completely

Chay Steele - 2019

packed with women from many states.

“I was baptized at Niceville in 1970. Janice Lawson’s mother [Imogene Rudd] is the first person

I recall as my visiting teacher. She was a very lovely person. The first person I recall visiting teaching

was Sister [Sue] Parker. Back then the ward was family oriented - a closeness - the ward was smaller,

and everyone knew each other.

“My favorite class was Cultural Refinement. Relief Society was great on lessons about raising

children and this was a great help to me raising my children. This helped me communicate better with

my children.

“My first calling was a primary teacher for the four-year-olds. Jerry Cawthon, Judson Boyd,

Charles Webb III, and Aaron Tew were in my class. [It was a rowdy class!] These were just a few of the

students in my class.“I was also 2^nd Counselor in the Young Women at the same time my daughter was

in the 8^th grade.

“When we were in Idaho, my husband was really interested in the church. He took three or four

lessons. Then shortly after this we were sent overseas with the church still on his mind. [Later], we lived

in Fort Walton Beach next door to a family with seven children. My husband was impressed with how

well behaved and nice these children were. Turns out they were LDS. Shortly after that the missionaries

knocked on my door.”

Murle Lawhon shared her experience with visiting teaching, along with her testimony of the value of

prayer: “The Relief Society is a wonderful organization. One thing I like about it is the visiting teaching.

I have been going visiting teaching for thirty years. It gives me a good feeling when I go visiting teaching

I had a sister that was the Relief Society President in 1971-72. Her name was

Mae Parker. She would keep some of the women’s children so they could go

visiting teaching.

“I went to the Relief Society Nauvoo Monument to Women of The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. One of the

statues was a woman kneeling in prayer: ‘Counsel with the Lord in all thy

doings and He will direct thee for good.’ (Alma 37:37).”

Oh, “Feed my sheep”, the Savior cried.

Woman in Prayer

To you was the earnest plea given.

statue in Nauvoo,

Be a visiting teacher of whom He would be proud

Illinois

And on earth add a little of Heaven.

Signed: Love to all women … Sister Murle Lawhon

Gertrude [Kennedy[ Gray voiced her love for Relief Society and the significance of providing

community service: “In November of 1944, there was no Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in

Crestview. Missionaries came and were assigned to the area sometime later. Later, a Home Sunday

School, Primary and, I believe, Relief Society, were organized. At times, the ladies met in the Early

home. There they quilted and did other handiwork. This small group of a sisters held dinners, some bake

sales, and sold some of their handiwork to help raise funds for the first chapel.

“I did not attend Relief Society here until the latter part of 1954 or early 1955 when we were

meeting each Tuesday afternoon in the little chapel on 7^th Street and Texas Avenue.

“I was called to serve as Relief Society President sometime in 1960. By this time, the small group

of sisters had grown. We had a very active Relief Society and we continued to meet each Tuesday

morning. Homemaking meetings lasted several hours. There was a beehive of activities taking place in

these meetings. Many types of handcrafts were made, many items embroidered - pillowcases, aprons

and even a few small dresses - as well as many Christmas items. Many sisters would take items home

with them to complete for bazaars. A number of quilts were made over the years and many of us learned

to quilt at these work meetings.

“With attendance increasing, many ladies were given the opportunity to share their talents

varying ways. Many began to accept special assignments to demonstrate a skill, teach a mini-class,

decorate for a social or head a committee.

“Much compassionate service has been done through the years by faithful sisters, many going

above and beyond the call of duty. Many sick have become recipients of special dishes, meals, visits, and

errands accomplished. Many have answered the call to attend to the needs of the ill, giving family

members a much needed break for a nap or just the opportunity to get away for a much needed break.

They have always been there to comfort the families that have lost loved ones, serving meals to these

families, and giving much support and understanding. They made bed pads for the American Cancer

Society to furnish cancer patients in the area. They did washing and ironing for victims of the January

1962 tornado here.

“I have been the Relief Society President twice since then. I believe it was during the last term

of my presidency that sisters started taking turns with other church groups in the area baking cookies

for the American Red Cross to serve the donors at the blood drive.”

Jeanette Carr “I was baptized in 1956 in Panther Creek in Baker, Florida.

My first calling was as a mini-class leader. The first visiting teachers I had were

Barbara Robards and Gloria Atwell in 1972. I spent some time in Primary and

don’t recall too much about Relief Society. The Primary was very united.

I remember the phases of the chapel going together in 1975. Martha Wilks

was the first Relief Society President I can recall.”

Jeanette Carr

Barbara Robards provided insight into the history of Crestview Ward: “I was

baptized in 1947. The first I can recall was Relief Society meeting in Webb’s

Laundromat. Addie [Avelieu] Jones was Primary President when we were in the

chapel on Texas Parkway and Seventh Street. Sister [Mae] Parker was Relief

Society President; Sister Nell Davis was First Counselor, and I was asked to be

Second Counselor but was unable to at that time.

Barbara Robards

“What stands out most in my mind is in 1965, my brother, Carlos Jones,

Sr.’s house burned down. All the Relief Society sisters got together and made

quilts with two bed sheets and cotton for them to stay warm with. They weren’t fancy, but they showed

how much they cared.

“When we met at the Okaloosa County Courthouse building, Elder Brown and Elder Stapleton,

I recall, did the setting up for church services. Also helping were Sarah Margaret and W. Steele.”

Adding to the history of the Crestview Ward, Elizabeth (Kennedy) Lawson was called to be the Relief

Society President in 1971.

“We had a nice kitchen in the church, but no dishes. Along with the sisters,

we purchased the set of beautiful dishes and water glasses that we have now in the kitchen. In later

years, we made tablecloths which we now use. It is a joy to me when I look around and realize that I had

a hand in getting these things for the use of the ward.”

“There have been a lot of memorable occasions for me.

We enjoyed a visit from Paul H. Dunn, but I don’t recall the date.

The greatest event was when my husband and I and Lillie Wilson

were called to work in the Atlanta Georgia Temple. That was in

May 1983. To my knowledge, we were the first ones called to

serve from the Pensacola Stake. Later, Nancy Youngblood and

Gertrude Gray were called. We stayed from August 1983 to

November 1984.

Elizabeth Kennedy Lawson and husband,

We were honored to do what little we did for Heavenly

Noah Lee Lawson

Father’s work and for those who had gone on before. The Lord

has blessed us greatly and I know the gospel is true. It is my life.”

Imogene Rudd “The Relief Society is the best organization ever for women and sisters in The Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been a part of my life since 1955, and my two daughters,[

Pam Shepherd and Janice Lawson], have been touched by the organization. It is so helpful in all our

lives - sisters are so close and helpful to one another inside and outside of the Church. Caring for the

sick and needy families, working families caring for children. The Lord has really blessed us Relief

Society sisters. He has given us so many blessings and if we will continue to do His work, we will receive

more and grow closer to our brothers and sister. I know the church is true. Relief Society to me is a

close-knit family. It is our strength.”

Daisy Monte shared her testimony of Relief Society and visiting teaching: “The first time I went to

Sacrament meeting, Sister Sadie Webb was giving a talk. I don’t remember what the talk was about, but

I remember that she looked beautiful. I remember that she stood right up there and gave her talk. I was

surprised because I didn’t realize sisters in the church could do that.

“I know the Relief Society has always meant a lot to me. I remember when Relief Society used

to meet on Tuesday morning. One day of the month we stayed and had workday. I was a new member,

so this meant a great deal to me. The lessons we had helped me to develop my testimony. Even now,

Relief Society lessons help me build my testimony of the gospel because they are so spiritual

“My mother told me I was blessed in 1939 on the day she was baptized (when I was two years

old) by Elder Woodruff at the Olive Branch. My father used to carry us to church. Back then, he used

to have a Word of Wisdom problem. One day when we came back from church, he started looking for

his coffee pot. He asked my mother where it was. She said it was out in the back yard and that if he was

going to be a Mormon, he didn’t need it. He went out and got it and washed it and brought it back in

and put it on the stove.

I was baptized July 16, 1960 by Elder Redmurl. Being a visiting teacher gives you a chance to

be a witness to both members and non-members and that makes it really great. I received my endowment

November 9, 1991, at the Atlanta Georgia Temple. That is in itself a divine calling.”

Journal entries helped Diane Clark recall some of the highlights of Relief Society during her

time serving as Relief Society president and/or counselor: “It was quite a surprise receiving a letter from

the Crestview Ward Relief Society. It is a wonderful goal to collect documentation of past Relief Society

events. It was a long time ago, but by referring back to my journal, I can contribute a few “special”

happenings.

“The sisters at the Crestview Ward, myself included, had the marvelous opportunity to sing in

the choir at the first Area Conference ever to be held in the state of Florida. On June 28-29, 1980, at the

Lakeland Civic Center. What a wonderful spiritual experience to be so close to President [Spencer W.]

Kimball. His symbolic wave of the handkerchief in farewell left warm, flowing tears with all present.

“I shall always be grateful for my experience of growth while serving as Relief Society President

and Counselor in Crestview. There is a special sisterhood and strength. I remember a play written by

Sister Dianne Poppell about a special place called “Relief Society Island”. It told of a treasure chest

full of earthly wealth. After this earthly treasure had been stolen, the sisters realized they still had the

most important things left - faith, hope and charity, compassionate service, wisdom, knowledge and

especially testimonies. The moral is: Store not up for yourselves earthly treasures but store up for

yourselves treasures in Heaven.

“We had many fun activities, but the one I remember in particular was when we had a square

dance and Brother Melvin Davis did the calling and helped by arranging the music. Folks really enjoyed

dressing “old time” and dosie-doeing!”

Barbara Drasko recalled her baptism and reminisced about the value of visiting

teaching, example, and serving in callings: “ I recall that when I was baptized, the

Elder who baptized my daughter, Marcie, made her bump her head on the wall!

This still was a very special day for me. I was in the hospital with an LDS woman

named Louise Gainey and she helped to convert me. I was baptized and confirmed

by Elder Nutz and Elder Gardner.

Barbara Drasko

“I loved the cooking classes, and we had such good demonstrations. We

used to be able to cook in the first phase of the building.

“Mary Jones was the first Relief Society President that I recall. The Visiting Teachers I recall

that made a strong impression on me were Sisters Clara Horst (my visiting teaching companion who

passed away in June of 1991), Sister Lawson, Sister Leslie White, Sister Cindy Horst, Sister Chay Steele

and Sister Connie Sue Dukes, among others.

“The first calling I had was in Public Communications in 1973. Events that stand out in my mind

are when the black members were given the Priesthood and when a group of sisters from Crestview went

to a big rally to oppose ERA. The best Homemaking class was candle making. Those were the neatest

times! I remember when I came out of the hospital, Sister Gray brought me a pie. Sister Gray wasn’t

my visiting teacher or anything. She just brought me a pie. I remember how good I felt.

“I made a pillow for Sister Day who was not very active at the time, and she told me that when

she looked at her pillow, it reminded her of me and church. When Sister Tracy Hollinhead was in

Primary, Sister Kelva Perry took time to see that she made it to her Primary meetings. Sister Margrette

Dreading became very active after she was asked to be a visiting teacher.

“The youth program was one of the best programs. The very best of teachers and leaders were

in the youth program. I really like that because it helped me so much with my children. I was very

impressed with Sister Clara Horst. She was the best example always.”

Jeraldine (Jerry) Stamps, wife of Clyde Stamps and mother of Virginia Stamps Tew, recalled Relief

Society this way: “When I was called to be a Relief Society President in a California ward in 1955, I

replied, “Why Bishop, I don’t even like Relief Society.”

“Of course, my thinking has changed over the years as I not only served in that calling, but also

maintained active membership in Relief Society (we even paid dues back then!) while working in Primary

for over 10 years.

“I have been a visiting teacher for 42 years with 100% visiting teaching done each month until

my recent illness. Visiting teaching has been the greatest blessing in my life with my callings in the

Church. I remember once going shopping and even though I was concerned about time, I felt impressed

to check on a dear sister in her 90’s that was on my list. Sister Woods always left her doors open, so

after she didn’t respond to my knock, I entered. It didn’t take too long to realize that the house was filled

with the smell of gas and that Sister Woods was asleep in her bed. I couldn’t wake her, so I picked her]

up and took her to the front porch for some fresh air. She soon responded and was ever grateful that I

had listened to the promptings of the Spirit.

“While I’ve enjoyed accepting assignments to serve, I still feel somewhat uncomfortable being

on the receiving end. Many times, I can remember sisters coming to my home following surgery, that

were in the worse shape than I, bringing food and offering love and friendship.

“My time in Crestview leaves memories of a trip to a pro-family rally in Orlando with twelve

other sisters in a borrowed van, a bus ride to Houston to plead with government to stop the movement

of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, and many trips to Tallahassee to convince legislators of our

commitment to the traditional role of women in the home.

“My testimony of the strength that membership in Relief Society can bring to sisters in the Church

is unwavering. This is where the Lord wants His daughters - this is where they belong!”

Virginia Stamps Tew reminisces about her early years in Relief Society: “Never

having attended Relief Society in college, it hadn’t occurred to me that, as a young

married woman in 1967, it was about time to start getting into the habit of attending

Relief Society meetings in the Crestview Branch.

“I remember running into Sister Mary Wilkerson at the neighborhood

laundromat one afternoon and being asked ‘Why weren’t you at Relief Society this

morning?’ My quick reply was, ‘Why Sister Mary, I always thought Relief Society

Ginny Tew

was for OLD women!’”

“I laugh at that memory now as I serve as Stake Relief Society President and recognize the

desperate need there is to find a way to show the young sisters how much they can gain through faithful

Relief Society service.

“I was called to be a ward Relief Society President by Bishop Verne White when Crestview

Branch was first organized into a ward. I was released soon after when my husband, Pete, was called to

be the Bishop. In those days [1992], husband and wife teams could not be Bishop and Relief Society

president. I believe it had to do with the fact that Relief Society had its own checking account!

“Relief Society has always been a blessing in my life. It has given me a place to learn new skills,

to learn the joy of service, and to learn that success can come when we unite for a common cause.

Women everywhere need to know they are not alone, and Relief Society fosters that sisterhood that gives

strength when the road gets rough and peace of

mind when the clouds roll in.’

{Note: Ginny Tew served for four years as

Stake Relief Society President of the Pensacola

Florida Stake and nearly five years in the Fort

Walton Beach Florida Stake. Most of her life was

spent joyfully and skillfully leading the women of

Relief Society.)

Pensacola Stake Relief Society Presidency

From left to right: ? ; Connie Sue Dukes,

Secretary; ?

; and Ginny Tew, President

Linda Tew extolled the blessings of Relief Society when she wrote:

“I’ve enjoyed my

membership in Relief Society immensely. I’ve had many opportunities and blessings through

participation in Relief Society. In 1973-74 and 1976-78, I served as Ward Cultural Refinement teacher

under the direction of President Mary Jones. During the same time period and through 1977, I served

as Stake Cultural Refinement leader the direction of President Nita B. Campbell, daughter of Elizabeth

Bryan, the first Crestview Branch Relief Society president.

“During these years, I participated in the Pursuit of Excellence program - accomplishing such

goals as writing the script for a ward Relief Society patriotic program, a stake Relief Society program

entitled “A Woman’s Influence”, and the August 1977 Stake Visiting Teaching message.

“In 1976 the Church announced plans for the Relief Society Nauvoo Monument to Women of The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As sisters we were given an opportunity to help finance this

project. In so doing we united as sisters of the Church to give the message of Latter-day Saint women to

the world (Barbara B. Smith, General Relief Society President).

“On June 30, 1978, I along with other sisters from our ward, attended the Dedicatory Services

for the Monument to Women in Nauvoo, Illinois. President Spencer W. Kimball presided, gave remarks

and the Dedicatory Prayer. President Ezra Taft Benson gave an address. In the evening, we attended

“Because of Elizabeth”, a musical production honoring the dedication of this monument. It was a

wonderful experience. I haven’t forgotten the feelings I had at that time of gratitude, the importance of

my mission as a woman, mother and wife and the great feelings of self-worth.

“On October 12, 1978, President Kimball and the First Presidency announced their serious

concern regarding the proposed Equal Rights Amendment and urged members to join actively with other

citizens in working to reject this measure on the basis of its threat

to the moral climate of the future. In August 1978, I joined the

organization, Eagle Forum, whose goal was to defeat this proposed

amendment. This was a year filled with growing and learning in

preparation for the future.

“Most important in my life are the tremendous blessings

and opportunities that have come from the relationships developed

through visiting teaching. Words could never express the

knowledge gained and spiritual insights received from these

visiting teaching experiences, past and present. I love the sisters.

I’m grateful the Lord has given us Relief Society.”

Crestview Ward sisters (and one

brother!) at the Monument to Women in

Nauvoo, Illinois. Pictured (left to right)

Barbara Robards, Donna Boudreaux,

Mary Mikel, Ginny Tew, Kenny Day,

Peggy Day, Gertrude Gray and Nancy

Youngblood

Becoming Part of Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake

In January of 1996, Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy, presiding over stake conference,

announced the dividing of the Pensacola Florida Stake to create the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake.

Crestview Ward played a big part in providing

leadership for the newly formed stake. Bishop

Charles “Chip” Atkinson, Jr., bishop of the Crestview

Ward , was sustained as Stake President , with Robert

E. Hill, also of the Crestview Ward, as his

1^st

Counselor. Elroy Stapleton became the first Stake

Patriarch. Over the coming years, many stake leaders

would come from the ranks of the two Crestview

Wards, including all four future stake presidents and

the three future stake Relief Society presidents, both

Atkinson Family

as of 2021.

In June 1999, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reorganized the Stake

Presidency. Robert E. Hill of Crestview was called to preside over the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake.

Michael C. Wing, Richard N. Price and Charles Perry, all from Crestview, also served as First Counselor

in the Stake Presidency, Stake Executive Secretary and Stake Clerk,

respectively

On January 2, 2005, under the direction of Stake

President Robert E. Hill, the Crestview Ward was split

to form the Crestview 1^stand Crestview 2^nd Wards.

Daniel Maxwell was called to preside as Bishop of

Crestview 1^st. At the same time, Richard N. Price, who

Richard N. Price

had been serving as Bishop of the Crestview Ward

since 2002, was called to serve as Bishop of the Crestview 2^nd Ward,

In February 2005, the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake Presidency was

Robert E. Hill

reorganized once again by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve

Apostles. Melvin Miller of Crestview was called to preside over the Stake.

Carlos Jones, Jr (1^st Counselor), Raul Campa (2^nd Counselor), and Charles Perry

(Stake Clerk), all of Crestview, were called to serve in the new Stake Presidency.

On June 28, 2005, Robert Hansen, formerly of the Crestview Ward, was

ordained as the second Stake Patriarch of the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake

by President Mel Miller.

“It has been said that a patriarchal blessing is a

[paragraph] from the book of your possibilities.” (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy

Places (1975), 117.) After a Patriarch has declared the lineage of the one

receiving the blessing, “the patriarch, looking into the future, enumerates the

Betty and Mel

Miller

blessings and promises, some special, others general, to which the person of the

proper lineage … is entitled, and through his authority seals them upon him [or

her], so that they may be his [or hers] forever through faithfulness.”

Elder Boyd K. Packer declared that the office of a stake patriarch “is essential to the spiritual

power of a stake…[It] is a holy office, a sacred office, a blessing to this Church…it is an example of the

blessings that the Lord has established in His Church for the blessing of

all of us.” (Source: The Stake Patriarch (churchofjesuschrist.org). The

Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake was truly blessed to have the examples

of two faithful and honorable Patriarchs who endeavored to live lives

worthy of such a sacred calling.

__________________________________________________

Robert and Diane Hansen

EARLY PIONEERS

Left to right: Herman Youngblood, Elroy Stapleton,

Robert Kennedy, and Lynn Lawhon

(Unless otherwise indicated, the photographs in this

section were provided by Jeri Toolan in 60 Years of

Crestview Ward History).

Bill and Myrtle Pruitt

Crestview Branch President Earl

Phil and Sue Parker with children:

Kunzler is pictured with his family.

Kevin, Paige, Danny, and Alicia.

He served for a brief time before

Later they would add Dallin to

moving away.

their family.

Left to right: Jorene

Jernigan, Betty Davis

[Miller], Lena Owen,

Above: Sandra Davis

Carolyn Webb [Boyd] and

(Coleman) and (right)

Loretta Youngblood

Rhonda Jones (Cawthon)

performed in the 1968

Crestview Ward Talent Show

Hoyt Mitchell Brant

28 March 1911 - 10 September 2015

Hoyt Brant and his wife, Juanita, moved to Crestview in 1987 after

retiring from the military. Both were devoted members of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Juanita passed away in 1997, Brother

Brant remained a faithful member until he passed away in September 2015

at the ripe old age of 104 years, 5 months, and 13 days! He drove himself to

church almost every Sunday until he was 102! After that, his son would bring

him to church most Sundays where he claimed his “spot” next to his good

friend, Grant Hatch. His example and testimony will long be remembered by

all who knew him. He was probably the oldest living member in the stake at

the time of his death.

Omer and Mae Parker

Crestview Ward Historical Timeline

1946 - 2005

(Source: 60 Years of Crestview Ward History by Jeri Toolan)

The written records of the early history of the Church in Northwest Florida are sparse. However, we do

know that missionaries were successful in baptizing converts here as early as January 1897. The

following information provides a sort of timeline of events leading to the creation of the Crestview

Ward. It also provides insight into the lives of those who laid the foundation for the Gospel of Jesus

Christ to come to this area.

December 1946

Elder Wendell H. Rawlings of Preston, Idaho and Elder S. Elroy Stapleton

of Cedar Key, Florida were assigned to do missionary work in Crestview and

the surrounding area. The Olive Branch, located 30 minutes outside of

Crestview, and the Pensacola Branch, were the only two branches in the four

western counties of Florida.

These two young Elders were the only missionaries serving in Okaloosa

County. As part of their missionary efforts, street meetings were held each

Saturday morning in front of the City Pharmacy on Main Street in downtown

Crestview.

March 1947

Elder Stapleton and Elder Rawlings organized a Home Primary in the home

of Nolan and Avelieu Jones. Later that year, the missionaries organized a Home

Sunday School in the living room of Brother and Sister Ben H. Kennedy, Sr. of

Crestview.

January 15, 1950

A meeting was held at the Okaloosa County Courthouse to organize the

Crestview Branch. Paul Chessher was called as the first Branch President.

January 1954

Crestview Branch became part of the Alabama District with Thames

LeGrand Chessher serving as District President. A small chapel was built at

the corner of Seventh Street and Texas Avenue. Part of the land on which the

church was built was donated by Ben H. Kennedy.

November 8, 1954

The Crestview Branch chapel was dedicated by Elder Marion D. Hands of

the First Council of the Seventy.

1955

Elroy Stapleton was called to serve as President of the Crestview Branch.

1960

Elroy Stapleton was called to serve as President of the Alabama District.

1964

Elroy Stapleton was called to serve as 1^st Counselor in the Florida Mission

Presidency.

1968

Elroy Stapleton was called to serve as President of the Alabama District for

the second time.

June 15, 1969

Elder Mark E. Petersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, organized

the Pensacola Stake with Elroy Stapleton being called to serve as Stake

President.

January 7, 1996

Under the direction of Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy, the Pensacola

Stake was divided and the Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake was created.

Charles E. Atkinson, Jr, Bishop of the Crestview Ward, was called to preside

over the new stake. Elroy Stapleton was called to serve as the first Stake

Patriarch.

June 1996

Under the direction of Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve

Apostles, and following the release of President Atkinson, Robert E. Hill, also

of the Crestview Ward, was called to serve as Stake President. Michael C.

Wing, Richard N. Price, and Charles Perry, all from Crestview Ward, were

called to serve as 1^st Counselor, Stake Executive Secretary, and Stake Clerk,

respectively.

January 2, 2005

Crestview Ward was divided to form Crestview 1^st and Crestview 2^nd Wards.

Daniel Maxwell was called to serve as Bishop of Crestview 1^st Ward and

Richard Price, who had been serving as Bishop of the Crestview Ward since

2002, was called to serve as Bishop of the Crestview 2^nd Ward.

February 6, 2005

Under the direction of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve

Apostles, Melvin Miller of Crestview 2^nd Ward, was called to preside over the

stake. Carlos O. Jones, Jr., Raul Campa, and Charles Perry, all from Crestview

2^nd Ward, were called to serve in the new presidency,

CRESTVIEW WARD LEADERSHIP

Branch Presidents

Active Date

Paul Chessher

1950 - 1955

Elroy Stapleton

1955 - 1960

Carlos O. Jones, Sr

1960 - 1963

Alfred O. Swift

1963 - 1964

NOTE: President Swift and his wife were serving as full time

missionaries in the area at the time. He was released as Branch

President when he and his wife were released from their mission.

Earl Kunzler

1964 - 1965

Ralph Wilks

1965 - 1967

Herman W. Youngblood

1968 - 1969

(Reference: 60 Years of Crestview Ward History by Jeri Toolan)

Bishops

Active Date

Vern White

1969 (three months)

Gordon M. Tew

1969 - 1971

Melvin Miller

1971 - 1974

Robert B. Stapleton

1974 - 1977

J. Charles Perry

2 Jan 1977 - 11 Jan 1981

Michael C. Wing

11 Jan 1981 - 6 Feb 1983

Robert E. Hill

6 Feb 1983 - 27 Sep 1987

Melvin Miller

27 Sep 1987 - 27 Aug 1989

Michael C. Wing

27 Aug 1989 - 4 Nov 1990

Ricky Horst

4 Nov 1990 - 7 Feb 1993

Robert E. Hill

7 Feb 1993 - 29 Oct 1995

Chip Atkinson

29 Oct 1995 - 14 Jan 1996

Erick White

14 Jan 1996 - 28 Nov 1999

D. Vernon Cahoon

28 Nov 1999 - 9 Jun 2002

Richard Price

9 Jun 2002 - 8 Feb 2005 *

NOTE: Crestview Ward was divided into Crestview 1^st and

Crestview 2^nd Wards on 2 January 2005. Bishop Price continued to

serve as Bishop of the Crestview 2^nd Ward until 8 February 2009.

(Reference: Church Directory of Organizations and Leaders)

A Few Good Men

Left to right are seven previous Crestview

Ward (and one from Crestview 2^nd Ward)

Bishops: Bishop Mel Miller; Bishop Mike

Roberts; Bishop Mike Wing; Bishop

Carlos Jones, Sr.; Bishop Pete Tew,

(1992); Bishop Rick Horst and Bishop R.

B. Stapleton.

Photo Credit: Jeri Toolan

“60 Years of Crestview Ward History”

(2010)

Sue Parker shared the following memory about the beginnings of the Crestview Ward:

“I seem to remember that Pete Tew was called as Branch President when the new building was

being built. Many members spent hours at the new building painting and putting down tile. Relief

Society provided lunch for the workers. This was when the first phase was being built. At that

time, all members were assessed a certain dollar amount in addition to tithing. The assessments

were used to provide the branch share of the building costs. There were also fund raisers such as

selling dinner plates to help raise money. Times sure have changed!” (2020)

__________________________________________

• High Priest Group Leader: Von Jones

Crestview Ward Leadership

• Elders Quorum President: Benjamin

2004

Case

• Teachers Quorum President: Shawn

Officers and Leaders

Jacobsen

• Deacons Quorum President: Cameron

2004, 25 July

Sholar

• Bishop: Richard Price

• Laurel Class President: Amanda

Jacobsen

•

1^st Counselor: William Hilbun

• Mai Maid Class President: Angela

•

2^nd Counselor: Bill Mozina

Sinclair

•

Assistant Ward Clerk: Loren White,

• Beehive Class President: Preslee Maki

Bo Corbin

• Executive Secretary: David Cawthon

(Reference: Crestview Ward Conference

• Relief Society President: Melissa Boyd

Sustaining Sheet dated 25 July 2004)

• Primary President: Tena Corbin

• Young Women President: Amy

Crestview Ward was divided into

Linares

Crestview 1^st and 2^nd Wards on

• Young Men President: Daniel Maxwell

• Sunday School President: John

2 January 2005.

Coleman

• Ward Mission Leader: Ed Jacobsen