On June 14, 2026, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Durham, Ontario area came together to mark the 50th anniversary since the formation of the Oshawa Ontario Stake. (Originally named the Toronto Ontario East Stake, it was renamed in 1986.) As part of the festivities, organizers spoke with 40 pioneers and leaders from the Church in this region and collected photographs, artifacts, and historical records to showcase during the celebration.
Joyful Reunion
Attendees had the chance to hear from nearly all past presidents of the Oshawa Ontario Stake, including Bruce Smith, who is now 97 years old and served as the first stake president from 1976 to 1983. Also present was Sam Baker, aged 90, who held the position as second stake president from 1983 to 1986.
Both Smith and Baker do not currently live within stake boundaries, making their appearance a heartwarming reunion for many church members who hadn’t seen them in years.
Lori La France, one of the event organizers, shared her thoughts: “There was such a beautiful sense of reunion. We all knew this was the only time we would have all these stake presidents together.”
The love and connection between former leaders and church members were evident throughout the evening as attendees laughed and cried while sharing memories and stories from their collective history.
La France added, “We all stand on the shoulders of people who have gone before us; we want to honor them and learn from them.”
Early Days of the Oshawa Ontario Stake
The initial stake presidents oversaw congregations that spanned from Scarborough to Belleville in the east and up to Peterborough in the north. Their journeys were marked by long travels as they worked tirelessly to strengthen congregations, raise funds for chapel construction, and teach many new converts how to fully engage with church programs.
In both the ’70s and ’80s, church activities expanded beyond just weekly services; they included sports events, drama productions, dances, fundraising initiatives for youth activities like camping trips to Washington D. C. Temple along with welfare farms operations.
Long-time member Pat Hamilton remembered: “In those days everyone helped each other because we wanted our church to grow. You knew everyone well enough to know whom you could rely on.”
Sharon Lynch reminisced about her sense of community during trips to Washington D. C. Temple: “There was always laughter and plenty of food. Nobody went hungry or felt alone; everyone supported each other.”
Stories of Faith
The oral history interviews conducted for this anniversary revealed impactful personal stories about conversion experiences related to faith in Jesus Christ.
Mike Cook first encountered The Church while dating Sandra Sayers back in 1973. When he showed interest in learning more about her faith, Sandra directed him towards her father Earl Sayers. Mike recalled Earl stating clearly: “We don’t drink. We don’t smoke. We pay 10 percent of our money to the Church,…and don’t touch my daughter! If you’re still interested after that lecture there are two young men – missionaries – who can teach you more.”
Despite that tough conversation regarding tithing rules along with lifestyle choices within their teachings framework-including chastity-Mike started meeting with missionaries and altered his habits accordingly. After reading passages from Book of Mormon he fondly remembered kneeling down at his kitchen counter saying a prayer: “I realized very clearly that Book of Mormon was true.” That pivotal moment led him toward baptism without any hesitation afterward; he later became president over stakes between1995-2005.
The Ulloa family-comprising Celinda (mother), Justiano (father), alongside seven children-joined The Church back in Ecuador during1970 then immigrated into Canada two years later-1972 specifically-and quickly adapted through learning English while deepening their newfound faith journey here. Marcelo Ulloa one among those siblings looked back fondly upon missionaries appearing almost angelic figures bringing joy-filled messages into their lives back home. Once settled into Canada , they cultivated growth within both language skills & spiritual commitment. Marcelo eventually became president over stakes between2005-2014
Reflecting upon this milestone celebration plus stories derived through oral histories gathered , La France remarked :“Witnessing member’s unwavering faith-the continuity across time-is rooted deeply within themes around devotion, sacrifice & service.”
Focus on Jesus Christ & Ministering Others
During these celebratory moments several former stake presidents offered insights regarding lessons learned throughout service roles emphasizing key messages promoted amongst congregants.
Marcelo Ulloa recounted : “Feeling Savior’s love pouring forth towards people stands out as my greatest takeaway throughout my journey serving.” His emphasis lay behind guiding principle tagged “To The Rescue”. He conveyed heartfelt importance helping individuals who’ve strayed return once again regardless how far they’ve wandered astray ; illustrating Matthew11 :28 where Christ invites weary souls saying : “Come unto me-all ye labor heavy laden-I will give rest.”
David La France also echoed similar sentiments having served presidency between2014-2020 asserting mantra “Each One Bring One” advocating outreach efforts aimed towards supporting fellow believers enabling strengthened connections amongst communities built upon shared beliefs.
Building Community Through Faith & Service
Current President Carlos Hernandez emphasized reminder held onto personally concerning legacy left behind by original pioneers defining Oshawa Ontario Stake through rich storytelling based around faith& sacrifice while actively working towards continuing fostering connections among today’s members involved directly building God’s kingdom right where they’re planted now!
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Over recent times congregation members prioritized giving back actively contributing via service-oriented projects connecting interfaith networks welcoming public access into chapels hosting everything ranging theatrical shows commemorating Remembrance Day providing recreational activities facilitating opportunities share God’s word too!
Present day Sunday worship services taking place across multiple locations located within Oshawa Ontario Stake invite individuals hailing globally inclusive visitors alike come together experiencing warmth hospitality received whilst learning profound truths centered around Jesus Christ alongside His gospel message!
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