CHORLEY, Lancashire, England — In a historic conference held June 17, 1976, President Spencer W. Kimball described the Preston area as, "a great and important area of the Lord's work. To me, this is the land of promise. From this people and this country could come a great people and great power to send the gospel throughout the world."
The first baptisms in England were performed in the River Ribble, Preston, by President Kimball's grandfather, Heber C. Kimball. The Preston Ward remains the oldest continuous unit of the Church. "This was the birthing place, in this area," said President Kimball, "and we're so happy now you can acquire stakehood."
The organization of the stake, said President Kimball, was "a glorious occasion, a dream come true."
Now 25 years since President Kimball's visit, as members filled the stake center one evening to commemorate the anniversary, a glorious dream is realized. Membership has more than doubled and a temple now stands at the heart of the Preston England Stake.
At the program's commencement, the youth and Primary children of the stake paraded from the temple site entrance to the stake center, waving flags and singing, "Follow the Prophet." The four presidents serving since the organization of the stake continue to live within its boundaries and spoke during the service.
Eric Cryer, first president of the stake, related how he realized the blessing given him by Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve when he was set apart. Elder Petersen blessed him to be kept safe in his travels around the stake.
Late one winter night, Brother Cryer left a priesthood meeting. Thinking that it was not frosty, he took a shortcut home over a high, exposed road. Up on the hills, it was very icy. His car skidded, left the road and flipped. The car was beyond repair, but President Cryer escaped with only a bruised shoulder. "I believe we can rely on the priesthood," he said.
Roger J. Kendle, who served as stake president between 1982 and 1990, recalled his experiences traveling and talking with President Gordon B. Hinckley during the Church's British sesquicentennial celebrations in 1987. Noting that President Hinckley has said that the strength of the Church is not in its buildings but in the testimonies in the hearts of its members, Brother Kendle said that his objective as stake president was, "to ensure that there would not be just first generation, but second-, third- and fourth-generation members in the stake."
He now sees that coming to fruition. "The abiding feature of the stake is a great unity of service and love," he said. "You are still my brothers and sisters in the Lord."
Joseph Leece was called as stake president in 1990 and oversaw the completion of the Preston England Temple before his release in 2000. He recalled how President James E. Faust of the First Presidency described the Preston temple as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Church. Brother Leece said that his focus was to prepare the members for the temple. He spoke of a beautiful plan, devised by the high council, to visit each less-active member of the stake with a special message, inviting each to be worthy to enter the Preston temple and enter the open arms of the Savior waiting to embrace them.
"This was our Zion's Camp," said Brother Leece. "There was a great deal of strength and commitment as we worked shoulder to shoulder across the wards and branches to help bring people back to the Savior."
Concluding the service, current President Malcolm G. Beverley remarked how he stood in awe of these former presidents and drew laughter when he quipped, "but I pray that I don't look like any of them." He said his vision was that the stake would grow exponentially as members seek out their friends and that all will get the spirit of missionary work in their hearts. "I have learned the importance of the family unit in the Church and that the gospel must be taught in the homes of the families. They are our future."
Following the service, the four stake presidents participated at the unveiling of a plaque marking the anniversary. The plaque, made of the same granite as the temple, is set into the lawn outside the stake center. Below the marker is a granite box that is to be sealed as a time capsule containing contributions from each of the stake units.
Members toured displays set around the stake center prepared by each ward or branch that recounted the stake's history and membership.
