Volunteering to Change Lives

Tonight our group of volunteers have gathered for a meeting that combines announcements, snacks, and a brief history program. We reflect on a week of stories filled with tours, cash register flaws, family updates, and various history lessons learned from the latest book. It is a highlight of the week for me. The importance of the gathering is less about staff announcements and snacks, and more about the fellowship of old friends.

Someone looking in would see that those gathered around the living room are not old friends. Many of us have known each other less than a year. From a distance, the diversity of ages, geographical origins, and interests would lead one to think that we have little, if anything, in common. Despite our differences, our love of learning and appreciation for community has united our small group as the dearest of friends.

Pat and Sam Marmoy arrived in Kirtland last spring. They left family and friends to relocate to Kirtland for one year. Sam has managed the construction of the new visitor center, while Pat worked at the old visitor center, leading tours and entertaining guests. Sam’s days are filled with calling contractors, contacting consultants, and making important decisions, while Pat answers questions on 1830s Kirtland. But their work has not been limited to the temple. They have volunteered in various ways, from juicing lemons at the Kiwanis lemonade stand to serving meals at congregation dinners.

Gerry and Carleen Shetler arrive after their grandson’s wrestling match. After raising their children in the Kirtland school system, they returned to watch their grandchildren graduate from the same schools. I can think of few who possess such high levels of enthusiasm for family and history as the Shetlers. Carleen balances volunteer time with sports events, while Gerry can be found in the depths of the temple giving a “hard hat” behind-the-scenes tour, or training our friends from Historic Kirtland (the LDS site) in the art of playing the dulcimer.

Mike and Diana Duhl are recent retirees from southern Ohio who arrived in Kirtland looking for a new adventure as temple volunteers. They promised one month of service in March 2006 and have stayed for nearly a year. Our staff has shared more potlucks, parties, and fishing trips this past year than at any other time before they arrived. With the help of Restoration Trail Foundation, Mike and Diana decided to begin a preservation campaign for the Kirtland temple. Just as the missionaries were sent out to gather funds for the temple’s construction, the Duhls are setting out on the Appalachian Trail to support the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the temple.

Leading the meeting is Margaret Rastle, our youngest and liveliest volunteer. She has managed to balance graduate school with managing our growing museum store. She is a leading expert on the Kirtland temple and is also known for her warmth, laughter, and delicious cooking.

I am reminded of many who are no longer in Kirtland—many who sacrificed time away from grandchildren to help strengthen the preservation and interpretation of the temple. Our volunteers are the foundation for our success at Community of Christ historic sites.
Each year we welcome volunteers from all over the country. Each comes with their unique story and talents, all willing to share in the personal and spiritual enrichment of those around them. Their stories are as enriching and inspirational as the stories of the 1830s. May we continue to preserve our shared history by sharing our lives with one another.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at either International Headquarters or historic sites, please contact Volunteer Resource Ministries at Community of Christ International Headquarters: 1-800-825-2806, ext. 2020; www.CofChrist.org/volunteers/, Volunteer@CofChrist.org; or Historic Sites at (440) 339-6398 or lmackay@CofChrist.org.

—Barbara Walden reporting