November 17, 1895 - transcribed by Mandi Anderson

Seattle 10^th ward November 17, 1985 / caption: This day has special importance for me.  Pres. Ezra Taft Benson was my stake Pres. when I was a priest.  He was also a close friend of my father, who treated him as a patient.

Insert: letter “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” letterhead

SEATTLE TEMPLE

2808 148^th Avenue S.E.

Bellevue, Washington 98007 December 3, 1985

Kirk J. Anderson

13513 Northshire Road Northwest

Seattle, Washington 98177

Dear Brother Anderson:

Brother Nelson Snow has apprised us of the supportive attitude you have evidenced during the transition to the temple recording system and the high standard to which you are fulfilling your assignment.  We commend you for your faithfulness, your diligence, and your sincere commitment to this sacred work.

You will undoubtedly agree that the improved eye contact with proxies at the alter made possible with the new TRS system introduce an increased spirituality consistent with what we are all striving to attain in the temple.  We believe that this spirit could be further enhanced if, when the opportunity permits, sealers would serve as witnesses in live sealings being performed by other sealers.  Hopefully, by grasping concepts and ideas from the best of others we can gravitate toward an even higher spiritual realm.

We are grateful for your presence and participation in prayer meetings held at 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. when you are able to attend.  That too adds to the celestial spirit which prevails in the temple.

We extend to you our gratitude for your valued service and our best wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyous Christmas season.

Sincerely yours,

SEATTLE TEMPLE PRESIDENCY

Rayden Werrick [signature]

Robert Jones [signature]   

Earl Carlson [signature]

Dec 26, 1973

We tried this year to cut down on the giving of presents and instead give the money to a needy family. This we did. As a family we gave $200 to a family that has recently lost their husband and father and now find themselves in a markedly changed financial condition. We were indeed blessed. Carol came up with the idea that we be assigned a given name of someone in the family and make a present for them. The presents were wonderful. It is evident that there is a great deal of talent in this family. This was the best and most exciting part of our Christmas and we excitedly plan to do it again next year. Jane brought presents to each of us from Spain. I showed all the family what we had accomplished in our genealogy work and told them that it was necessary for the Farmer children to come to know the Anderson, Evans, Holm, Southwich line of the family because we would be intimately associated with them on the other side of the veil. I was greatly pleased about their response. We certainly have the Spirit of Elijah with us in regard to the living and now I feel it will become more developed for those who have gone before us. We need them as advocates to guide our family in the troubled time ahead.

President Badger (Stake President) called on Christmas day to tell me of his love for us and how he valued our friendship and also that he regrets that we do not see much of one another. I am really amazed by this because I hardly even see Pres. Badger. My church position never really calls for me to see him except at High Priest Quorum meetings once every three months. I certainly feel a great respect and love for him and sustain him in his position as my Stake President. I hope that the time will come when we can continue to be as and more productive but will be able to savor and enjoy our relationship with others to a greater extent than we do now. I am grateful that others care about us.

This Christmas was also special because Norma gave Eric a present which was her personal life history. This means so very much to me because now I can make copies for all the children. There is no greater present than this – giving of oneself and sharing the precious moments of a special life.