This summer the Northampton Stake celebrated Family History and achieved an Indexing target of 1,000,000 names - a target which was set by President Peter Slattery, 1st counsellor on the stake presidency, in late 2014. The enthusiastic approach of Sue Purcell, stake indexing director, created the momentum to attain this objective, together with the support of Pete Dodkins and Moira Dodkins, Family History Centre directors. Indexing names are a real benefit as many members are reporting that they are finding pertinent information from indexed names, for example probate records, to help identify individuals on their family tree.
Throughout the stake can be found very dedicated members who devote time to Family History research, Indexing and providing local help and support for others. On a stake level the Family History Centre provides training, encouragement and some tender care. One sister has been travelling into the centre for many years as a very regular visitor and always requires a gentle nudge to go home when the centre reaches closing time.
The Spirit of Elijah motivates everyone to find family names culminating with taking a name to the Temple. One brother, in a talk during a Church service, related how he felt when he received a very distinct prompt to research a family and then he personally submitted this family at the temple. Sharing this experience was the most effective method for teaching and motivating others to travel this spiritual journey.
A stake family history social was recently organised with members dressed as ancestors, children's games from the past were played, quizzes on forgotten sayings were undertaken and many more activities were enjoyed. Creating a lot of fun and laughter was a version of 'Would I Lie To You' where stake leaders presented various explanations of old occupations and the audience were invited to decide who was telling the truth!