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Mission Presidents
Mission Presidents listed below are in reverse chronological order. If you have additional information, please contact Bob Walker. Pictures are also appreciated for Presidents without photos. Thank you...

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Spencer Eccles  (2020 to 2023)
Auckland
His wife is Kristine Eccles. They are well-known in Utah for their philanthropy.
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David Thomson  (2020 to 2023)
Wellington
His wife is Sue Thomson.

Newman Soloai  (2017 to 2020)
Wellington

Newman Neru Soloai, 60, and Luisa Kava Kavea ‘Etuate Soloai, five children, Lynfield Ward, Auckland New Zealand Mt Roskill Stake: New Zealand Wellington Mission, succeeding President Roger C. Hudson and Sister Carol A. Hudson. Brother Soloai serves in a stake presidency and is a former bishop, branch president, and missionary in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. Coordinator, Seminaries and Institutes. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, to Neru Soloai and Filo’nunu T. Foua Soloai.

Sister Soloai serves as a ward Sunday School teacher and is a former ward Relief Society and Primary president, seminary teacher, and missionary in the Tonga Nukualofa Mission. Born in Nga’unoho Vavai’u, Tonga, to Kauni Kavea and Emeline Falehau Fangupo Kavea.



J. Alan Walker  (2017 to 2020)
Auckland
President Walker was serving as the Waipahu Hawaii Stake President when he was called to serve as the New Zealand Auckland Mission President. He was also the Regional Vice President for Japanese Sales at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Jeffrey Donald Cummings  (2016 to 2019)
Hamilton

Elder Jeffrey D. Cummings currently served as a Seventy over Papua New Guinea at the time of his calling. He spent the previous five years traveling to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands to assist with leadership training, speaking assignments and establishing new congregation leaders. He was also the ecclesiastical leader for Public Affairs Department for all of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Previous Church assignments include former mission presidency counsellor, stake president, bishop, high councellor, and missionary in the Canada Vancouver Mission. A self-employed land developer born in Perth, Australia, to Donald Wilfred Cummings and Margaret Amy Oliver Cummings. He and his wife Evelyn Margaret Hooper Cummings are the parents of seven children.

Sister Cummings, born in Adelaide, Australia, to Thomas Frederick Hooper and Margaret Faunt Hooper. She currently serves in the Relief Society and has served in a number of stake and ward auxiliary presidencies. She also served as a missionary in the Australia Sydney Mission.



Roger C. Hudson  (2014 to 2017)
Wellington

President Hudson was born in Utah, United States. His pioneer ancestors travelled across the plains of America in the 1800’s and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. As a young man, he served as a missionary in the Canada Toronto Mission.

Sister Hudson was born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Impressed by a Mormon singing group, the Osmonds, she learned about and then joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 18. She and her husband met while studying at Brigham Young University.

After they were married, the Hudsons moved to Canada, where they raised their five children. They are the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren.



Frederick K. Balli Jr.  (2014 to 2017)
Auckland

President and Sister Balli grew up in Salt Lake City, United States. They have spent the last 30 years in Denver, Colorado working and raising their five children. Three of their children are living in different parts of the United States, one is in Cairo, Egypt, and their youngest is currently serving a mission in Obregon, Mexico. The Ballis are the proud grandparents of eight.

President Balli says he enjoys the outdoors, boats, and water. He likes to travel and loves all cultures and people.

Sister Balli says she loves being a mother and grandmother. She also enjoys the outdoors, traveling, reading, studying the scriptures, and painting in watercolour.

Both are excited to be here. “We are thrilled to have been called to labour in the New Zealand Auckland Mission,” President Balli says. “We have been greeted so warmly and felt the power and strength of the missionaries and the members. We love the Lord and His gospel and consider it a privilege and a blessing to serve.”



Charles A. Rudd  (2013 to 2016)
Hamilton
Send Information on Charles A. Rudd to Bob Walker.

Michael L. Kezerian  (2011 to 2014)
Wellington
Logistics and Transportation Manager for 35 years in Western United States. Graduated from Utah State University (MBA), Brigham Young University (B.S. Degree). President Kezerian was the former Director of International Sales with UPS Pacific Region.

President and Sister Kezerian have 5 daughters, 5 sons in law and 7 grandchildren. They are honored and excited to serve the missionaries, members and people of the New Zealand Wellington Mission.

Sister Kezerian has served as Ward Primary President, Stake YW Camp Director, Ward Young Women's President and currently teaches FACS classes at Canyonview Junior High in Orem. She enjoys tennis, cooking, sewing and loves to play with her children and grandchildren.

President Kezerian has served in Stake Presidency, Bishop, High Counselor, Young Men's President, Scoutmaster and Elders Quorum President. He enjoys BYU football and basketball, fishing, spending time with his wife, daughters, sons in law and grandchildren, running, camping and working in the yard.

E-mail address: SandyKezerian@hotmail.com

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Paul N. Lekias  (2011 to 2014)
Auckland
Paul N. Lekias, 43, relationship executive for Commonwealth Bank; wife, Rebecca Jane Liddicoat Lekias. Former Stake President for the Perth Australia Warwick Stake.

Clive R. Jolliffe  (2008 to 2011)
Wellington
Clive Richard Jolliffe, 49, New Zealand Wellington Mission; Huntingdon Ward, Northampton England Stake; stake president; former counselor in a stake presidency, bishop, high councilor, stake mission president and missionary in the England Leeds Mission. General manager, Agreserves Ltd. Born in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, to William James Jolliffe III and Phyllis Iris Aedy Jolliffe. Married Catherine Joy Isaac, three children.

A seminary teacher, Sister Jolliffe is a former stake Primary president and counselor, stake Relief Society president and counselor and stake Young Women president. Born in Bristol, England, to Geoffrey Marshall Isaac and Lavinia Joy Figures Isaac.

E-mail address: cjolliffe@agreserves.co.uk

Benson L. Porter  (2008 to 2011)
Auckland
Benson Lee Porter, 51; Gleneagle Ward, Colorado Springs Colorado North Stake; stake president; former bishop, high councilor, ward Young Men president, stake mission president and missionary in the Australia Perth Mission. President, LeaderWorks Inc. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth Winder and Annemarie Immerthal Porter. Married Kerry Lee Elkins, six children.
    A ward Primary chorister, Sister Porter is a former ward Young Women president, nursery leader, counselor in a ward Relief Society presidency and gospel doctrine teacher. Born in Lawton, Okla., to Robert Davis and Gladys Ellen Barron Elkins.

Carl B. Cook  (2005 to 2008)
Auckland
Carl B. Cook, July 2005 - July 2008. Former Bishop, Stake President, Area Authority Seventy, and missionary in the Germany, Hamburg Mission. Real Estate Developer. Born in Ogden, Utah to Bert Eugene Cook and Ramona Poulson Cook. Married Lynette Hansen. Five children.

G. Michael Finnigan  (2005 to 2008)
Wellington
    G. Michael Finnigan was born 16 July, 1948 in South Porcupine, Ontario, Canada, a remote northern mining community where cold temperatures prevail for 8 months of the year. His parents were tracted out by missionaries in Timmins, Ontario and became converts when Michael was two years old.
    He moved south to Toronto, Canada with his family at age 16 and was educated at McMaster University receiving a BA in Economics and an MBA. He served a mission in Tahiti from 1967-70 and met his wife, Karen, shortly thereafter. They were married in the Idaho Falls temple because Karen was attending school at Rick’s College.
    Karen was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and lived there until she moved to Toronto at age 19. Karen became a convert to the church at age 17 when her family was tracted out by missionaries. Karen and Michael have four children, Mahana, Sean, Nathan and Bradley. Three are married and the Finnigans have four grandchildren, with another on the way.
    The Finnigans lived in Canada until 1984 when business took them to New York City for five years, then Los Angeles for the past sixteen years. The Finnigans have dual citizenship, Canadian and American. Michael’s career was in mergers and acquisitions primarily with large public companies in Canada and the US.
    Both Karen and Michael have enjoyed service in the church wherever they have lived. Michael has served as a stake president in California (released to serve a mission in New Zealand), a bishop in New Jersey, counselor in the Canada Toronto Mission, counselor in the Toronto Stake and bishop in Toronto. Karen has served as stake relief society president, twice as ward relief society president, four years as an early morning seminary teacher and in many other teaching positions.
    The Finnigans are thrilled to be able to serve in New Zealand, a land rich with church history, blessed with wonderful people and beauty. They look forward to sharing the gospel and their testimonies with everyone they meet. They feel blessed to be able to serve alongside the missionaries called by Heavenly Father to serve in this place at this time!

E-mail address: GMF1539@aol.com

Dirk Smibert  (2002 to 2005)
Auckland
Dirk Smibert, 46, Mudgeeraba Ward, Gold Coast Australia Stake; executive director, PDC Group; mission president's counselor and former stake president and counselor, stake mission president and bishop; born in Victoria, Australia, to Donald James and Lola Lingard Smibert. Married Kerry Ann Benson, five children.

A ward Relief Society president, she has served as Relief Society counselor, Young Women president's counselor, stake Primary president's counselor and Young Women adviser. She was born in New South Wales, Australia, to John Russell and Betty May Tipper Benson.

President Smibert served his mission in Sydney, Australia under President Loren C. Dunn. Sister Smibert served in the New Zealand Wellington Mission. Her email address is kerry@smiberts.com

E-mail address: dirk@smiberts.com


David Emerson Staples  (2002 to 2005)
Wellington
David E. Staples, 61, Lake Mills Branch, Madison Wisconsin Stake owner of Creekwood Farms stake president and former counselor, high councilor, bishop and mission president's counselor born in Coalville, Utah, to James Emerson and Florence Butler Staples. Married Lucy Ann Fisher, eight children.

She is branch Relief Society president and has served as early morning seminary teacher, accompanist, Young Women president's counselor, Relief Society instructor and counselor in stake Primary presidency. Born in Kansas City, Mo., to Warren Kenneth and Lucille Shear Fisher.


Gregory M Capson  (1999 to 2002)
Wellington
Send Information on Gregory M Capson to Bob Walker.

E-mail address: gmcapson@msn.com

Paul Mendenhall  (1999 to 2002)
Auckland
Paul Mendenhall is the son of Wendell and Wealtha Mendenhall, NZ Labour Mission.
Wendell Mendenhall passed away in 1978. His wife Wealtha passed away in September 1999. Funeral services were held 9/8/99.

Robert M. Cowan  (1996 to 1999)
Wellington
Born 12 December 1949. Second son of Douglas and Edith Janet Cowan in Adelaide South Australia. Called as an emergency replacement and served from 1 September 1996 until 30 June 1999. Served with Sister Jennifer Anne Cowan and two of their three children. Eldest, Elliot was serving in the New Zealand Auckland Mission, Adrienne (b. 1984) and Austin (b. 1989)

Returned to Brisbane Australia and resumed employment in publishing company from which he was called. Currently serving as Area Authority Seventy while Sister Cowan is an early morning seminary teacher.

Update: Elder Cowan was released as an Area Authority Seventy on 1 April 2006.

E-mail address: cowanfam1@bigpond.com


Richard Hunter  (1996 to 1999)
Auckland
Send Information on Richard Hunter to Bob Walker.

E-mail address: Richard@Hunter.org

Keith Thompson  (1995 to 1996)
Wellington
President Anthony Keith Thompson and Sister Elizabeth Anne Thompson served in the Wellington Mission from 1995 to 1996 with their four children Rachel (15), Anthony (13), Matthew (10) and Leigh (8). Anthony Jnr returned in January from serving in the Japan Tokyo North Mission (2002-2004). Rachel is serving in the Australia Sydney North Mission (2004 - 2005).

President and Sister Thompson have since both remarried. President Thompson continues to work as the Church's International Legal Counsel for the Pacific and he lives in Sydney, while Sister Thompson works as an Executive Assistant and is living in Auckland, New Zealand.

Click here to see addition information on Keith Thompson

E-mail address: akeiththompson@gmail.com


Paul Grant  (1993 to 1996)
Auckland
President and Sister Grant are still living in Moran, Wyoming, 35 miles north of Jackson Hole. President Grant is now the Bishop of the Jackson First Ward.

Click here to see addition information on Paul Grant

E-mail address: pbgrant@blissnet.com

Harvey L. Gardner  (1992 to 1995)
Wellington
Send Information on Harvey L. Gardner to Bob Walker.

Charles P. Lloyd  (1990 to 1993)
Auckland
President Charles P. Lloyd and Sister Alta Lloyd came to visit the Elders and the Branch on Aitutaki Feb. 10th 1992. This picture is taken on their arival at the Aitutaki airport.

Dan Jensen

Click here to see addition information on Charles P. Lloyd

E-mail address: cplloyd6@gmail.com


Melvin Tagg  (1989 to 1992)
Wellington
Wilma and I were born and raised in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. As a young man I served in the New Zealand Mission, mostly in the Cook Islands. I taught fulltime Seminary in Idaho, Utah, BYU in the Religion Department, Institute director in Calgary, Alberta. I then served as Vice President of the Medicine Hat College for 20 years and as a management consultant for many businesses and institutions We served as couple missionaries in the Cook Islands then as Mission President of the Christchurch/Wellington Mission-1989-1992. Later, we served a CES Mission in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, and then two missions at BYUHawaii in the Religion Department. I served a term as elected mayor of the Town of Cardston, Alberta.We served a two year local mission in the Addiction Recovery Program. We have served as temple ordinance workers in the Cardston, Hawaii and Edmonton temples. We have recently, 2012, received calls to serve again as couple missionaries in the Cook Islands.

We have 35 grandchildren and about forty greatgrandchildren. Our life is centered around missionary work and our family.

E-mail address: meltagg@gmail.com


Herschel N. Pedersen  (1987 to 1990)
Auckland
Herschel N. Pedersen was born and raised in Salt Lake City. In addition to serving as Mission President he has served as Bishop, Mission Representative to the Quorum of the Twelve, and recently as counselor in the temple presidency of the Mount Timpanogos Temple. He and his wife Shirley served a mission to Denmark after their service in New Zealand. They are the parents of nine children, all of them boys except for the last eight. (Ha,Ha) [Bio courtesy of Les Howe]

Dean D. Baxter  (1986 to 1989)
Christchurch
This is a clip from the Church news announcing the new mission presidents.

New Mission President

Dean D. Baxter, 56, recently moved to Hyrum lst Ward, Hyrum Utah Stake. Former mission president's counselor, area public communications director, high councilor, stake mission president, stake missionary, seventies group leader, ward Sunday School president. Served in the South Africa Mission, 1950-52. Retired public affairs director for petroleum company in Houston, Texas. Born in Hyrum, Utah, to John Barnes and Norma Olsen Baxter. Married Carolyn Ann Welch. Five children. She is a former stake missionary, secretary to bishop, activities committee chairman and member, stake meetinghouse librarian, Young Women president and counselor, Primary president and counselor, Primary teacher, and Young Women teacher. Born in Paradise, Utah, to Harry Leroi and Viola Sorensen Welch.

Click here to see addition information on Dean D. Baxter


John R. Lasater  (1984 to 1987)
Auckland
Born 1931 Farmington, Utah
Baptized as a child
Married Marilyn Jones; five children
Stake President, Regional Representative
First Quorum of Seventy 1987-1989
Second Quorum of Seventy 1989-1992
Honorably Released from Second Quorum 1992

The following biographical sketch is adapted from the "News of the Church: Elder John R. Lasater of the First Quorum of the Seventy" published in the Ensign for May 1987 on the occasion of Elder Lasater's call to the First Quorum of the Seventy.



Not since Joseph Smith was lieutenant general of the Nauvoo Legion has there been a General Authority of the Church who was actually a general.

Elder John R. Lasater, sustained in April conference to the First Quorum of the Seventy, becomes the first. A retired Air Force general and F-4 fighter pilot by profession, Elder Lasater, fifty-five, has been serving as president of the New Zealand Auckland Mission. Born 8 December 1931, Elder Lasater married the former Marilyn Jones of Samaria, Idaho. They are the parents of four daughters-Mary Lynn, Leslie Ann, Melanie, and Carolyn, all of whom are married-and a son, Garth, who is at BYU and will marry this spring.

The Lasater family has lived in Germany three times. The last time they were there, Elder Lasater was regional representative assigned to the Servicemen's Stake-Europe. Before that, he was president of that stake, which covers some sixty-five thousand square miles. President Harold B. Lee called John Lasater to that position and blessed him with a wonderful promise. At the time of the call, Major Lasater thought himself an unlikely man for the job, since he was required to spend nearly all his time flying to various U.S. bases throughout Europe, training and evaluating pilot performance. But President Lee set him apart, promising him that he would be able to preside over and conduct the affairs of the stake without interference from his work. President Lee further blessed him that his advancement in the military ranks would be extraordinary.

The very next day, as Major Lasater was preparing to leave on a routine flight evaluation visit to bases in Europe, he was called in by his commanding general and told he would not be going on that flight; furthermore, his assignment had been permanently changed. From that day on he was to report to that general's office as his executive assistant. John Lasater did not travel one day after that, which enabled him to serve uninterrupted as stake president. General Lasater attributes his uncommonly rapid rise in rank directly to the Lord's blessing as well as to the priesthood standards that have guided in his life.

Each of the five points on the stars worn by generals in the military stands for a quality expected of men of that rank: honor, integrity, loyalty, service, fidelity. These high standards are the qualities of a true leader, "qualities that come from within a man."

As Elder Lasater sees it, military ideals and gospel principles are more similar than most people realize. He sees the military as a "noble profession-though it hasn't always been-where old virtues are practiced and defended. One advances by living these virtues, rather than by subscribing to any of the myths about war being glorious and soldiers being tough.

Upon his being promoted to general, Brother Lasater remembers telling his superior officer, "I hope I can remember that I can be wrong and that I can be big enough to admit it."

He has tried to remember this and has depended on the Lord in his major assignments, where much depended on his judgment. As Senior Military Adviser to Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; as U.S. Commissioner to the Standing Consultative Committee at Geneva SALT talks XIX and XX; as commander of the SAC 4th Air Division (responsible for B-52 bombers, ICBMs, and 28,000 men); and then as deputy assistant Secretary of Defense under Caspar Weinberger, Elder Lasater believes he was more effective because he relied on the Lord for help.

The army of the Lord also needs faithful servants who measure up to such standards of leadership.



Elder Lasater served but two years of his five-year call as a General Authority in the First Quorum of the Seventy, being released on April 1, 1989 to serve the remainder of his call in the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He served faithfully and was honorably released from the Second Quorum on October 3, 1992.

Click here to see addition information on John R. Lasater

Grant L. Spackman  (1983 to 1986)
Christchurch
Dana Hunt wrote:

I do not have a bio on the Spackmans. I do know they went on another couples mission in 1996. I believe to Greenland. They were in the MTC with my parents-in-law. They lived in Calgary Canada last I heard. If I can dig up any more, I will let you know.
~Dana

It has also been passed on to me that Sister Spackman is the daughter of N. Eldon Tanner.

Allen Dunford added:

They actually went to Iceland on a mission after NZ. Then he served a mission as a sealer at the Toronto Temple and they have just completed a mission in July at the Mesa Temple Visitors Center. They are currently back in Canada.

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Ralph G. Chalker  (1981 to 1984)
Auckland
Send Information on Ralph G. Chalker to Bob Walker.

Keith R. Oakes  (1980 to 1983)
Christchurch
Send Information on Keith R. Oakes to Bob Walker.

Albert V. Stirling  (1978 to 1981)
Wellington
From the Church News, 11 May 2002

Albert Vaughn Stirling, 85, former president of the New Zealand Wellington Mission, died April 5, 2002, in Salt Lake City. He was director of the Church Building Program in Great Britain and Europe from 1964-1966, and then director of the Church's Real Estate Department until his call as mission president in 1978.


Glen L. Rudd  (1978 to 1978)
Wellington
Glen L. Rudd served for four months after President Luckau passed away, until President Stirling arrived.

Click here to see addition information on Glen L. Rudd

Billy B. Cowser  (1978 to 1981)
Auckland

Our beloved father and grandfather, Billy Bruce Cowser, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2018, surrounded by loving family members. After a lifetime of service to others, he is now reunited with his eternal companion and other loved ones beyond the veil.

Bill was born on October 22, 1924, in Winnsboro, Texas to Sam and Vera Cowser. After high school, he attended college at Texas A&M where he later earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. Bill met and fell in love with Shirley Healey during WW II, and they corresponded until he came home from the war, having served in the Pacific in the US Navy. They were married in Salt Lake City in 1946. They are the parents of five children.

Bill worked as an engineer and a manager for Union Carbide for over 30 years, working in Texas, California, Australia, Sweden, Belgium, and Brazil. He enjoyed living in foreign countries, endeavoring to learn the language of the country wherever he lived.

Bill served his Church in many capacities throughout the world, and was loved everywhere he went. He served in many local callings as well as in the Provo MTC Presidency, and as Regional Representative in Australia and in the US Central States area. Natural missionaries wherever they lived, Bill and Shirley also served two full-time missions together for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — first presiding over the Auckland, New Zealand Mission and then in Recife, Brazil.

Another passion Bill had throughout his life was family history and temple work. He was a temple ordinance worker in the Provo and Mt. Timpanogos temples and spent countless hours serving as a patron in the St George temple.



Click here to see addition information on Billy B. Cowser

Rudolph H. Luckau  (1978 to 1978)
Wellington
President Luckau served for 30 days as mission president and then passed away.

Born: July 13, 1914 in Dansig, Germany
Emigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1920 after his father, who was the branch president, passed away
Married: December 1, 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple to Ruth Hiatt (B. April 19, 1914 - living)
Children: Margo Colegrove (Boone), Linda Hermansen (Ron), Stephen Luckau (Natalie), Julie Newton (Stephen), David Luckau - deceased (Alice)
12 Grandchildren, many Great Grand-children and Great Great Grand-children


Philip T. Sonntag  (1977 to 1980)
Christchurch
The following biographical sketch is adapted from the "News of the Church: Elder Philip T. Sonntag of the First Quorum of the Seventy" published in the Ensign for May 1984 on the occasion of Elder Sonntag's call to the First Quorum of the Seventy.

    In a drought-stricken area of the Philippines, a district Relief Society president stood to conduct a meeting. "You know we've all been fasting and praying for rain," she began. "Well, the Lord hasn't sent us rain. But he has sent us the Sonntags. And that's better than rain, sisters." For the past year, Regional Representative Philip Sonntag and his wife, Valoy, have been bringing nourishment in the form of basic gospel teachings, leadership principles, and lesson manuals-to Church leaders in the fast-growing stakes and districts of the Philippines.
    The calling as a full-time Regional Representative came on the very day Brother Sonntag was released as director of Temple Square, which followed an almost continuous succession of callings as president of the New Zealand Christchurch Mission, stake president, and bishop.
    Now a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, this good-hearted man firmly insists that he is not unusual. "We're just ordinary Latter-day Saints who have found that living the gospel is the only way to true happiness."
    "I knew when I married him that he was completely dedicated to the Lord," said Sister Sonntag. This is a dedication she has always shared. They married forty years ago, after both returned from missions-he from the Western Canadian Mission, she from the Northern States Mission. In fact, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple only ten days after Philip returned, with only twenty dollars between them-a gift from Valoy's mother. Elder Sonntag grew up in Salt Lake City, Sister Sonntag in Cleveland, Idaho. They have spent most of their married lives in Salt Lake, although several years in the Navy and many Church callings have taken them to the far corners of the earth.
    Despite the heavy demands of a family jewelry business and Church callings, family has always been a priority for them. When life got especially busy, Sister Sonntag would pack up the children and a picnic dinner and pick up her husband from work. Then, after an hour of playing and eating in the park, he would be off to a meeting. The whole family still enjoys holidays and special occasions together.
    Sister Sonntag describes her husband as at once very spiritual and very practical. "I think I was born with a testimony," he reflects. When as a young father and bishop he lay near death after a serious automobile accident, he reminded the Lord that he had responsibilities at home-to his sweetheart and children, and to the members of his ward. An unmistakable voice told him that because he had always lived the Word of Wisdom he would "run and not be weary, and walk and not faint," and that he would be given a special blessing. When Sister Sonntag arrived at his side and found him barely breathing, she took his hand. Then, receiving the same witness, she explained to her worried parents that all would be well.
    "I've never had a question about whether the gospel of Jesus Christ was true, or whether Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. The only question I've had was whether I would be able to live the gospel as I ought to." Elder Philip Sonntag is well on his way to affirmatively answering that question.
    Elder Sonntag served in the First Quorum of the Seventy until released and called to the newly created Second Quorum of the Seventy on April 1, 1989. There he faithfully served until released as a General Authority on October 1, 1989.

Added note April 20, 2010
    President and Sister Sonntag will both soon be 89 yrs of age and are doing well and living in Salt Lake City. Valoy Sonntag's maiden name is Andreason. They have 3 children, Mark, Pam and Peggy which resulted in 23 grand children and 53 great grandchildren.

Added note July 16, 2011
    Sister Sonntag passed away July 13th. Here is a link to her obituary.

Ivan G. Radman  (1976 to 1977)
Christchurch
17 March 2009
Copyright C 2009 Deseret News Publishing Co.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

Ivan Radman
1928 ~ 2009

    Ivan Radman passed away March 14, 2009 in the arms of his wife and children, blanketed in the love of 30 grandchildren, 19 great- grand-children and dear friends.Born, March 22, 1928 in Radmani on the Dalmatian Coast of Yugoslavia to Joseph Radman and Natalia Stefanic, Ivan learned early the value of dedication to task, wisdom in choice as well as the perils of totalitarianism. His young years were spent tending the family's farm and animals as well as serving in their small village grocery store. World War II brought turmoil and destruction to their region with friends and family members suffering the ravages of war. Forced from his family and homeland in his teens as a political refugee, Ivan sought asylum in Italy for the duration of the war before migrating to Australia in 1949 on a program for displaced persons.
    Ivan met and married the love of his life, Janet Tredrea, whose love has enriched their 56 wondrous years together. They were subsequently sealed in the Logan temple for time and all eternity. Six children were born to their union, Peter, Martin, Jordan, Donna (Smylie), JoAnne (Crook), Bronte (Clarke).
    Ivan became a member of the LDS church in 1952 and has engaged in faithful service as a home teacher, bishop, mission president of the Italy Milan mission and the New Zealand Christchurch mission, as well as many other callings. Ivan cherished his experiences with his missionaries and has held dear in his heart each one individually. His love of, and devotion to gospel principles has been the cornerstone of his life.
    In 1978 Ivan, Janet and family moved to the United States, settled in Salt Lake City, built a home, started a family business and eventually became proud US citizens.

Collins E. Jones  (1976 to 1978)
Auckland
Left early due to illness of Sister Jones.

Published in the Deseret News from 9/29/2002 - 9/30/2002.

Collins Elmer Jones, 84, died September 28, 2002. He was born June 11, 1918 in Thatcher, AZ to Dr. Byron Jones and Edna Cynthia Layton Jones. Born of goodly parents, he was grateful for his rich pioneer heritage and continually gave tribute to his ancestral heroes, Daniel W. Jones and Christopher Layton. He loved his family. Collins married Florence Maxine Brown Aug 18, 1941 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He served his country during World War II as an officer in the U.S. Navy. The son of a school teacher, he received his master's degree in education at USC and taught school at Pierce College in Los Angeles, CA for 25 years. In 1941 he, along with two of his brothers, played on the Arlington Ward team which won the All-Church M-Men Basketball Championship. He was very athletic and coached winning teams in rugby and basketball. A love for the Polynesian people began in 1957 when he took his family to New Zealand and taught at the church college. He served as bishop of the Woodland Hills Ward and as president of the Canoga Park Stake in Los Angeles, CA. In 1976 he and Maxine returned to New Zealand to preside over the Auckland Mission. He loved the church. His loving wife Maxine died in 1982. That same year he was called to serve in the presidency of the Salt Lake Temple. He served with three different presidents during the next nine years. Collins married Betty Mills Ellingson Dec 20, 1984 and she graciously joined him in his years of temple service. Together they served as president and matron of the Ogden Temple, 1996-1999. Since then he was been a sealer in the Bountiful Temple. He loved the Lord. Collins is survived by his wife, Betty, North Salt Lake City, UT son, Collins Bruce (Jerri) Jones, Richardson, TX daughter Christine Jones (Dennis) Baird, Provo, UT 13 grandchildren seven great-grandchildren seven stepchildren 24 step-grandchildren brothers, Layton Byron (Berniece) Jones, John Ralph (Dorothy) Jones and sisters, Helen Jones (Lyle) Buffington, Edna Ruth Jones Clifford. We will miss him, but find great comfort in knowing of his joyous reunion with family members preceding him in death, parents wife, Maxine daughter, Patricia Lynn Jones (Robert) Liljenquist and brothers, Joseph Talmage (Vera Jean) Jones, Harold Walter Jones. We love you, Collins.

Services were held Wed. Oct 2, 2002 in Salt Lake City.


Stanford W. Bird  (1975 to 1978)
Wellington
    Pres. Bird is no stranger to New Zealand. He first served a proselyting mission in NZ and learned the Maori language. He was then called as a Building Missionary along with his wife, Blanche and their two daughters in 1955. He served as Secretary to Wendell B. Mendenhall, Church Building Supervisor over the Temple and CCNZ. He also served as counselor in the Stake Presidency. From the book, "Mighty Missionary of the Pacific" by David W. Cummings, it was written, "...Accurate, detailed accounting of every transaction was a basic requirement in every building project; it reached its broadest scope in New Zealand, under the direction of Elder Stanford W. Bird. But because of an unusually persuasive personality he functioned in many fields. Says Mrs. Baigent: "He's charmed just about everyone in New Zealand, from the Prime Ministers down, into getting the fairest deal possible for the college. He charmed hundreds of businessmen, politicians, V.I.P.'s, the mere curious and the openly hostile, into a kindly way of thinking. Elder Bird has been in demand as a speaker in many parts of NZ. He has a great love for this country and has done much to promote happy relations between our country and America by his own example. New Zealanders are prone to say: "Well if that's a fair example of an American, these guys are pretty good."
    Married to his wife, Blanche in 1932 in the SLC Temple. They served together as a wonderful team. In 1960, they were again called as building missionaries to London, England. Called again in 1963 as Church Building Supervisor in the Scandinavian area, which covered Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France and Switzerland. While working in Europe, Sister Bird came down with a serious illness and they flew back to SLC for medical treatment. During this short visit, Pres. Bird was counseled to get a physical examination before returning. Having pressing business to tend to, he felt it could wait. But with a directive from the Leadership he went in to see a doctor and discovered a tumor the size of a football. Under surgery there were extreme difficulties. He was revived several times from near death. Pres. Hugh B. Brown gave him a powerful blessing that everyone on the floor in the hospital could hear. He promised him a recovery and more work to do before his time here was finished, thus a return to serve as the Wellington Mission President from 1975-78. Pres. Bird was called back for a short-time after Pres. Rudolph H. Luckau, his replacement, passed away in office.
    Pres. & Sister Bird attended two special Mission Reunions after he returned. One in Murray, Utah and in Heber City, Utah. The first was a surprise. All the missionaries who attended met at a city park for a picnic. His daughter drove him passed the park with all his missionaries standing along the street curb. A wonderful surprise greeting took place there. Pres. and Sister Bird are survived by their two daughters, Becky and Kathi.
    During the Area Conference in 1976 with Pres. Kimball., Pres. Bird arranged for this Mission Group Photo to be taken in front of the NZ Temple dressed in whites.

Area Conference
This is a photo taken during the 1976 Area Conference.
Click on the image for a larger version.

Photo courtesy of Phil Tanner.

M. Baden Pere  (1973 to 1976)
North
First Maori Mission President. This picture of President Pere was printed in the Church College of New Zealand Yearbook 1975. The picture was taken at an area conference during Pres Spencer W Kimball's visit to New Zealand. (Thanks to Grant Mikaere for obtaining it.)

Merlin W. Sant  (1972 to 1975)
South
President Merlin Sant was born August 26, 1904 and died May 16, 2005 in his 101st year. Sister Edna West Sant passed away in 2003 in her 98th year.

They both served extensively in the Church. President Sant served a mission to the Netherlands followed by service as a Bishop and Stake President in Los Angeles.They were called to preside over the NZ South Mission in 1972.On their return President Sant was called as a Patriarch and continued to give blessings well into his 90's. Concurrently, they served together for ten years in the Los Angeles Temple and later in the San Diego Temple where President Sant was a sealer.

Together with his brother George they built well over five thousand quality homes in Southern California. In their over 77 years of marriage they touched the lives of many through their service and generosity.They helped countless students at BYU achieve their educational goals and helped endow the BYU Center for Studies of the Family as well as other Church and community programs. In 1998 they received the BYU Presidential Citation and Medallion.


Leo W. Russon  (1970 to 1973)
North
(From his obituary)

Leo W. Russon 'Ole' Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, Leo Wing Russon, age 84, passed away April 27, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born Nov. 2, 1920 in Lehi Utah to Wilford Herman and Clare Marie Wing Russon. He married the love of his life, Esther Maxine McGee, May 13, 1944, at Capt Roberts in Calif. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Dad was a man of many talents. He was an All American athlete at Lehi High School. He loved most sports, especially BYU football and basketball, or anything his grandchildren were involved in. He refereed basketball for many years. After high school he served an LDS Mission to the Northern States. It was there he met the "love of his life" for the first time. Dad served as an officer in the US Army in World War II in Germany. He worked for Cudahay Meat Packing Co. for many years. Dad was an owner and founder of Russon Brothers Mortuary where he worked for most of his life. He later joined his son at Larkin Mortuary where he worked part time until his death. Dad was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held numerous callings. He was the Bishop of the Rose Park 3rd Ward, Counselor in the Rose Park Stake Presidency, Patriarch of both the Rose Park Stake and the Riverton Utah Copperview Stake. Dad served with mom as President of the New Zealand North Mission where he loved his missionaries and the people of New Zealand as if they were family. He loved boating at Lake Powell with his family, and he enjoyed gardening. Dad had a special talent as a peace maker with a giant and gentle heart. He was loved and will be missed not only by his family, but by many, many others whom he loved dearly. Special thanks to the staffs at Cottonwood Hospital 5th floor and Care Source Hospice for their special loving care not only of Dad, but the rest of us as well! Dads survivors include... (edited out for brevity)


Eugene C. Ludwig  (1969 to 1972)
South
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Rulon G. Craven  (1967 to 1970)
North
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Morris A. Kjar  (1966 to 1969)
South
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Archie R. Boyack  (1964 to 1966)
South
    President Archie R. Boyack and Sister Hazel Noble Boyack succeeded President Fred W. Schwendiman and Sister Lillian Schwendiman in June 1964.
    President Boyack served as a missionary in Canada as a young man and was a teacher and school superintendent in Wyoming for 18 years. He obtained his law degree and was a member of the Wyoming State Bar and the Bar of the United States Supreme Court . Sister Hazel Noble Boyack was a well known author. Her published book -"A Nobleman in Israel" outlined the genealogy and history of the Noble Family. Following their mission they retired to St George, Utah.

C. Douglas Barnes  (1964 to 1967)
North
Philip Nash had this comment:

While scrolling through the list of Mission Presidents I saw a name I thought was familiar. After a small search I was able to find my Marriage Certificate listing the sealers name as C. Douglas Barnes. My wife and I were married 6 June 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. I know this is not much info but it puts Pres. Barnes working in the temple in mid 1980.


Reed Kohler  (1962 to 1964)
North
President Reed Kohler is a native of Midway Utah; was educated in Utah, attended Brigham Young University, served as a member of Wasatch Stake High Council for twenty-one years. He presided over the Elders', Seventies', and High Priests' quorums in the same Stake. President Kohler brings to us a wealth of experience in Church work. From 1925 to 1928 he filled a mission to Switzerland and Germany.
Sister Kohler has also filled a mission to the Western States and likewise has a rich understanding of missionary work. She has been active in Y.W.M.I.A. and has earned a twenty-year-service certificate for Primary work. Sister Kohler was educated in Idaho public schools and attended Brigham Young Academy in Logan, Utah.
They have three sons, all returned missionaries, and one daughter. Their four children are alumnus members of the Brigham Young University. They are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. Before coming to New Zealand, President Kohler owned and operated a dairy farm.
From the 3rd of May, 1961, to the 20th of March, 1962, President and Sister Kohler served as directors of the Bureau of Information at Temple View. While there they helped direct about 25,000 people through the Temple grounds and College buildings. As directors of the Bureau of Information, they gained the respect of all for their devoted duty, strong testimonies and zeal for hard work. They bring to the New Zealand Mission this same devotion and sincerity.

Fred W. Schwendiman  (1961 to 1964)
South
Fred Williams Schwendiman was born February 15, 1898 In Teton, Idaho. He passed away January 30th, 1988 at age 89.

He married Lillian Millard Austin, June 6, 1918 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Attended schools in Sugar City,Idaho (where he met Sister Schwendiman) and graduated from Ricks College. Served in many Church Positions including Bishop of the Whittier Ward and President of the Wells Stake (Salt Lake City) for ten years. Served as a member of the Sunday School General Board.

They served a Mission as a young married couple to New Zealand from 1918-1922. President Schwendiman's father was the Stake President in Idaho and Sister Schwendiman's father was a Bishop in the same Stake. The First Presidency requested a couple be recommended to go to NZ from that Stake. President Schwendiman Senior told Bishop Austin "Let's get Fred and Lillian married and send them to NZ." They were married and left immediately on their mission to NZ. And so began a total of over 10 years service in NZ. Their sons Fred A and Kay A Schwendiman were born in Auckland NZ.

Returned to New Zealand in 1961 to preside over the NZ South Mission.

In 1971 he was called, together with Sister Schwendiman, to serve as President and Matron of the New Zealand Temple.

He served for over 30 years as a sealer in the Salt lake Temple.

President Schwendiman owned and operated Utah Printing Company. He was active in the Salt Lake Lions, Salt Lake Rotary,and Sons of the Utah Pioneers. He also served on the Board of Governors of the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

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H. Clay Cummings  (1961 to 1962)
North
Thanks to Kent L. Taylor for this information:

President H. Clay Cummings of Heber, Utah, who was on special assignment at the New Zealand Temple Bureau of Information was named to secceed Robert L. Simpson of the New Zealand Mission. President Cummings and President Schwendiman were called in June of 1961. President Cummings came home in February of 1962 and President Kohler was put in as the president of the mission. This was on about 25 February 1962.

President Cummings came home to help with some land that the state was going to use. He had been resident negotiator for the State Parks and Recreation Commission and was responsible for getting options on a large acreage for the Wasatch Park Project in the Heber Valley area. After coming home and completing the land project he had a heart attack and passed away.


Alexander P. Anderson  (1958 to 1961)
South
Bob: I was browsing through the data but could not find any reference to New Zealand South Mission President 'Alexander P. Anderson'. He was tumaki when I arrived in November 1960, and had been there for some time prior to that date, He had a minor stroke while in office sometime in either late 1961 or early 1962, he was replaced by Fred. W. Schwedman. Pres. Anderson has served earlier as a teacher at the New Zealand college at the temple site, before the temple was constructed. At home in Utah he had sung in the Tabernacle Choir, and worked in the Jewelry Dept. at ZCMI and I think at Kay's Jewelry. Sister Anderson had been a prominent singing voice in Church activities, served on a General Board, and passed away sometime within the last 5 years.

Mert Garlick

Robert L. Simpson  (1958 to 1961)
North
The following excerpt is taken from the Deseret News, Wednesday, April 16, 2003. The link at the bottom is for the full obituary.

    Elder Robert L. Simpson, who served in several capacities as an LDS Church general authority for 28 years, died Tuesday at his home in St. George. He was 87.
    Elder Simpson was called in October 1961 as first counselor to Presiding Bishop John H. Vandenberg. He was sustained as an assistant to the Council of the Twelve in April 1972 and to the First Quorum of the Seventy Oct. 1, 1976. He was named an emeritus general authority Oct. 1, 1989.
    He was born Aug. 8, 1915, in Salt Lake City, a son of Heber Chase and Lillian Leatham Simpson. He moved to Southern California with his family while a child and spent most of his life there until called to the Presiding Bishopric.
    During World War II, he was a member of the Air Force and attended the technical training command at Yale University, specializing in communications. He was commissioned on his graduation.
    He served as a captain in the Air Force in Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia and was coordinator for the church servicemen's program there during his military service. In addition, he did special work with the Maori Battalion from New Zealand while stationed in Cairo, Egypt.
    Elder Simpson served a mission to New Zealand from May 1937, following his graduation from Santa Monica City College, to March 1940. During his mission, he was a young men superintendent.
    Elder Simpson was to return to New Zealand later, in 1958, as mission president. He was released in May 1961, four months before his call to the Presiding Bishopric.
    Elder Simpson married Jelaire Kathryn Chandler of Los Angeles in the Arizona Temple on June 24, 1942. He is survived by three children: Steven Chandler, Christine and Robert Michael. Another child preceded him in death.
    Elder Simpson was active in Scouting and received the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope.

Click here to see addition information on Robert L. Simpson

Ariel S. Ballif  (1955 to 1958)
New Zealand
Ariel Smith Ballif, Sr., also known as Ariel S. Ballif, was born in Logan, Cache County, Utah on 9 December 1901. He was the son of John Lyman Ballif and Emma Smith Ballif. He was married to Artemesia ‘Arta’ Romney (1904-1993) on 28 August 1925, who was the sister of Apostle Marion George Romney and George Wilcken Romney. He graduated from BYU and achieved his MA and Ph. D. at University of Southern California. Ariel S. Ballif was a professor at Brigham Young University and served as a bishop of a Provo, Utah ward. He served as the New Zealand Mission President during the last years of construction on the temple, the church college, and many chapels throughout New Zealand. He presided over the Groundbreaking and Site Dedication of the New Zealand Temple on 21 December 1955, joined by Wendell B. Mendenhall and George R. Biesinger. He was also the mission president during the placing of the ceremonial cornerstone of the temple, by Elder Hugh B. Brown, on 22 December 1956 as well as the dedication of the Temple by President David O. McKay on 20-22 April 1958 and the Church College of New Zealand on 26 April 1958. The New Zealand Mission was divided and the Auckland Stake organized during his tenure. President Ballif spent a great deal of time and effort instructing the local priesthood leaders throughout New Zealand in preparation for the coming of stakes and wards. Upon his return to Utah, he was elected to the Provo City Council in 1958 and served as Mayor of Provo, Utah during the years of 1960 to 1961. He also served as the War Relocation Adjustment Advisor for the Intermountain area and State chairman of the Utah Council on Family Life. Ariel and Arta Ballif were the parents of Ariel S. Ballif, Jr., Moana Ballif, Maralyn Ballif Fauvine, Jae R. Ballif, and Bonnie Ballif Spanvill. Ariel S. Ballif, Sr. passed away on 11 May 1995.

Submitted by James Child Phillips, one of his missionaries.


Sidney J. Ottley  (1951 to 1955)
New Zealand
President Sidney J. Ottley, Mission President (b 1890 d 1982)
Sister Alice W. Ottley, Mission Mother (b 1894 d 1987)
Elder Jerold D. Ottley, NZ Missionary (Past conductor, Tabernacle Choir)

Gordon C. Young  (1948 to 1951)
New Zealand
    Photo published on the cover of the TeKarere in August 1948. Shown are President Young, his wife Virginia, son Gordon, and daughter Kathy.
    President Gordon C. Young is a son of Brigham Young III and a great grandson of Brigham Young. He was a missionary in New Zealand from 1919 to 1921 and served as interpreter for President David O. McKay when he toured the mission. He was present when the gift of tongues was given President McKay in his talk to the Maoris honoring ANZAC day and often spoke of that miraculous experience.
    He married Virginia Daynes who is a granddaughter of Wilford Woodruff in 1925 and they are parents of four children.
    President Young purchased the ground for the CCNZ, and construction was begun under his administration. The first new building on Queen Street in 40 years (the Auckland Chapel) was begun by him. He and President Hales of the Samoan mission were the two men who began the "building missionary" program which later spread through the church. He was a close friend to two of New Zealand's Prime Ministers Peter Fraser and Keith Holyoake, and received much assistance in spreading the church programs from many government officials who were his friends. He often spoke of the first time he drove around a curve outside of Hamilton and saw the place where the CCNZ would be built (but was then just a farm), he saw "white buildings, stands, and a playing field" on the property and knew he had received a revelation which foreshadowed the college location he had been given an assignment to find by President George Albert Smith. He always made the point of explaining how the Lord works by saying that he did not see the Temple with the school, because that was not his assignment to establish, but that of President McKay who found that location.
    After returning home to Utah, he was a sealer in the Salt Lake Temple for 17 years, became a well known organic gardener growing prize winning vegetables, and advancing the science of soil improvement. Sister Young passed away in 1988 and President Young was in an auto accident which led to his death in 1989. He was still hale and hearty and enjoyed good health up to his death. They both loved the people of New Zealand with a great love and President Young always said he wanted to serve yet another mission to the Maoris when he arrived in the spirit world!

A. Reed Halversen  (1945 to 1948)
New Zealand


Matthew Cowley  (1938 to 1945)
New Zealand
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M. Charles Woods  (1935 to 1938)
New Zealand
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Alvin T. Maughan  (1934 to 1935)
New Zealand
Acting 5 months

Rufus K. Hardy  (1933 to 1934)
New Zealand
A full bio for President Hardy can be found at http://gapages.com/hardyrk1.htm

Harold T. Christensen  (1932 to 1933)
New Zealand
Served 7 months

John E. Magleby  (1928 to 1932)
New Zealand
Kia Ora, ano

I have just been in touch with my brother, Wallace Wihongi, who is our encyclopaedia on the church in the north, specifically the Whangarei / Kaikohe / Bay of Islands area, and he tells me that Elder/President Magleby served in Aotearoa at least 3 times possibly 4; first (as a missionary, I guess) from 1885-1889, then in 1900-1903, and again from 1928-1932. He was held in such high regard by the people from Pipiwai / Kaikou, that a marae "Eparaima" was built in his honor. A couple of years or so back, many of President Magleby's descendants traveled to New Zealand from the United States and stayed overnight in Pipiwai. Of that experience, Dave Atkinson, who apparently helped to organize their trip, had this to say: "Everytime we meet up with them they remember with fondness how complete strangers treated them so royally there at their tupuna's marae."

Ann Moynihan
Auckland, New Zealand



A Reed Halversen  (1925 to 1925)
New Zealand
Acting 4 months.

J. Howard Jenkins  (1925 to 1928)
New Zealand
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Angus T. Wright  (1923 to 1925)
New Zealand


George S. Taylor  (1920 to 1923)
New Zealand
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F. W. Schwendiman  (1920 to 1920)
New Zealand
Acting 6 months. See his full life's bio listed as Fred W. Schwendiman from 1961-1964.

James N. Lambert  (1916 to 1920)
New Zealand
Picture copied from a group picture found in the book, Matthew Cowley, Man of Faith.

William Gardner  (1914 to 1916)
New Zealand


Orson D. Romney  (1911 to 1914)
New Zealand
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George Bowles  (1909 to 1911)
New Zealand

George Bowles was born in Surrey England in 1866. He came to America with an uncle who was a Mormon missionary returning home. George’s his mother consented to let him go with her brother to Utah, provided the brother would not convert George.

In Salt Lake City George attended the Episcopal Church each Sunday. Every Sunday, after his Church services, he would pass by a Mormon chapel. He loved music and so would stop to listen to the choir. One Sunday George learned that after the choir number would be a speaker then another choir song. George was very willing to hear a talk to be able to hear another song. That talk changed his life. He was filled with the Spirit and knew what he heard was true. He was baptized soon.

In 1893 he served a mission in New Zealand. One of the things he was told to take was a saddle. It was well used during his mission. He served among the Maori’s and ate with them, lived with them and learned their language.

Returning home he joined the Mormon Tabernacle choir, met and married another choir member, Christina Andrew. They had two sons, George Alfred and Norman. Norman died of diphtheria at age four.

In 1909 he was called to be mission president in the Auckland New Zealand Mission. His wife and 9 year old son, George, went with him. They traveled to New Zealand with six missionaries. Pres. Bowles had all the tickets for the ship’s passages. The day before leaving Vancouver, B.C. he discovered his wallet was gone. The group knelt in fervent prayer for help. After the prayer he was prompted to put an ad in the newspaper. Just before boarding time Pres. Bowles received a phone call from a man who said he had found the wallet. The group again knelt down in prayer—one of thankfulness.

As president he felt it important to developed leadership qualities in the Maori leaders. The minutes of many District Conference meetings show that he had the local leaders conduct the meeting and he took the minutes.

Back in Salt Lake City he served in several capacities including as a bishop’s counselor and as a bishop.

He and his wife moved to the Los Angeles, California area for the climate. While there he was called as a Patriarch. He had become good friends with LeGrande Richards. Just before they left for the southern States mission where Brother Richards was to serve as the Mission President, they requested that George Bowles give them blessings.

For the rest of his life he loved the Polynesian people. George Bowles died in 1942. Elder Richards spoke at his funeral.



Rufus K Hardy  (1907 to 1909)
New Zealand
A full bio for President Hardy can be found at http://gapages.com/hardyrk1.htm

Louis G. Hoagland  (1905 to 1907)
New Zealand
President Louis G. Hoagland first served in New Zealand as a young missionary in 1892, leaving his wife and six month old daughter for 3 1/2 years. Upon arrival he was assigned to the Wairarapa conference where he eventually became the Wairarapa conference president. He was released in January of 1896. While serving as Bishop of the 14th ward in Salt Lake City, he was called to preside over the New Zealand Mission in early 1905. While pleased with his administrative achievements, he also was happy with the number of chapels built during his presidency. He was also a very strong advocate for the building of a "Maori college." President Hoagland was aware of the problems involved in creating the college as they needed the government to take over the smaller district schools and money was needed to purchase land. Before his release he had appropriated $40,000 from the first presidency for the purchase of the land. In 1918 President Hoagland was called to serve in New Zealand for the purpose of organizing the mission and branches so they could "properly account for the membership." Second, "I will take up the labor of teaching the conference presidents and the leading native elders and saints the art of gathering, compiling and recording their genealogies, and then to arrange them on their temple sheets. They will then be ready for their work at the (soon to be completed) Hawaiian temple." While there he was asked to review the new Maori translation of the Book of Mormon and is listed in the book as an editor. President Hoagland spent the rest of his life working in Salt Lake City on Maori genealogy and doing work for their dead in the Salt Lake temple. He passed away March 13, 1942.

Charles B. Bartlett  (1902 to 1905)
New Zealand
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John Ephriam Magleby  (1900 to 1902)
New Zealand


Ezra F. Richards  (1898 to 1898)
New Zealand
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Ezra T. Stevenson  (1898 to 1900)
New Zealand
First New Zealand Mission Presidency Ezra Thomson DuFresne Stevenson was born on October 29, 1864 to Elder Edward Stevenson and Elizabeth Jane DuFresne, 2nd wife of Edward in Salt Lake City, Utah. Edward Stevenson served in the First Quorum of Seventy and Elizabeth Stevenson was a member of the General Board of the Relief Society.
Ezra was called on a mission to New Zealand as part of the Australian Mission in the spring of 1887 and sailed from San Francisco on June 4, 1887. After completion of this mission, he returned to Salt Lake City and secured employment and education. The photo to the left was taken in 1890.
He married Mary Burton, daugher of Burton and Mary Haven on June 27, 1893 shortly after the opening of the Salt Lake Temple.
They had one son, Edward, who died at birth on May 30, 1894. Mary passed away on July 26, 1897.
Ezra was called in 1898 to be President of the newly organized New Zealand Mission. As he was fluent in the Maori tongue, this was a perfect way for him to serve the Lord. After his mission release, he traveled around the world to return home to Salt Lake City.
On July 18, 1901 he married Rhoda Richards, the daughter of Heber John and Mary Julia Johnson Richards. Six children were born to that union, three presently living (July 2001).
He served as 2nd Councillor to Bishop T.A. Clawson in the 18th Ward from 1906 until 1936. Their home was at 125 A Street in Salt Lake City, the present site of the Ensign Stake center.
Here is another photo, taken on board the ship "S.S. Aorangi" somewhere beyond Fiji in April 1898.
  • Standing left to right: O.P. Eldridge, Hirini Whaanga, Jno. B. Taylor, Peter Westenskow, _____ Thompson.
  • Sitting left to right: Jno. H. Abbott, M.P. (Thone) Driggs, E.T. Stevenson

Information and photos courtesy of Paul Martineau, grandson.


William Gardner  (1893 to 1896)
New Zealand
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William T. Stewart  (1891 to 1893)
New Zealand
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J S Bingham  (1890 to 1891)
New Zealand
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A T Wright  (1889 to 1890)
New Zealand
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William Paxman  (1886 to 1889)
New Zealand
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William T Stewart  (1883 to 1886)
New Zealand
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William Bromley  (1881 to 1883)
New Zealand
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