December 1 -22, 1963

Dec. 1, ‘63

We moved to Ola Ave this morning. Wash clothes, cleat apt, went shopping, gave disc. 1 to a Mrs. Jones. Good prospect. (Retired) (Ha! Ha! Dec. 27)

Dec. 3, ‘63

We just visited new contacts and our members. 1^st discussion crash[ed] with some young married couples. Attended M.I.A.

Dec. 4, 63

We done about the same today as yesterday. Gave Bro. Rodriguez disc. pick[ed] up some kids for Primary. 1^st disc. crashed with a young man.

Dec. 5, 63

It seems the past days have been rather discouraging. Just visited contacts and some more members. The reason for visiting our members is because the new program every member a missionary is just going into effect and we have been trying to get referrals. Had a fireside in the evening and some of our contacts showed. Only 3 did from the rest of the missionaries. Very good speaker, Bro. Anderson. Spoke on communication.

Dec. 6,

Visited more members. Also some new referrals – Rickie Ohers – not home. Gave 1^st to a young lady, very sincere and the Spirit of the Lord was truly there. Very golden. Going to teacher her and boyfriend Sunday. My first real experience at giving the 1^st disc, (second half) very inspiring and it gets you very enthused.

Dec. 7

Visited referrals in the morning. After noon, made daily contact with people we are teaching. Had baptismal service in the evening until about 7:30. Also talk[ed] with Pres. White (stake) about bad names missionaries had. Going to try and (illegible). I mean we going to regain confidence of members and get referrals from them. With this new program that’s the most effective method. Also group meetings. Working real hard to get these two moving. Then we had a 1^st with Bud and Henry, two very intellectuals, very scholarly. Not real golden but interested in learning the truth. Also gave them 2^nd and made new app.

Dec. 8

Attended church meetings. In afternoon gave disc to Vickie's Boyfriend. Rather hardened at first but was pretty soft when we left. Very sincere in learning the truth. Made new app. for 2^nd. Went to evening service and return[ed] to apt.

Dec. 9, ‘63

Today, D Day, done regular D. Day chores. Went Xmas shopping, etc, etc. Visit[ed] member and a referral. Retired.

Dec. 10

Had Development Meeting. Gave my first talk on Spirituality – Attitude of Success. Received some inspiring instructions on how to hold group meetings. Bore our testimonies. Had first 1^st with Mrs. Pijuan, has real desire for the truth. Visit[ed] contacts and referrals. M.I.A.

Dec. 11

Gave Rodriguez the 5^th. Still not completely living the W of W. But has a real strong testimony and is real sincere in quitting. Visit[ed] contacts and found out if or not they were interested. Wiped a few off board. Visited members.

Dec. 12

Gave 3^rd Mrs. Jones. Visited referrals. Gave 2^nd to Mrs. Pijuan. Very golden and is real sincere. Read all pamphlets and such. She came to fireside and she is coming to church Sunday. We had a real inspiring fireside. Bro. Hellid Grant spoke. Convert of 4½ yrs. Today has been a real inspiring day. Have 3 disc. memorized. Gave the 3^rd today, ½ anyway. Also gave ½ of the sec. Things are going real well and I love my work thoroughly.

Dec. 13, ‘63

Visited member and contacts. Gave 2^nd to Vickie who is real good. Visit[ed] more people.

Dec. 13, ‘63

Visited contacts to invite them to attend church. Also some members. Baptismal service. Sis. Pijuan was there. Came home and study[ied] for the rest of evening.

Dec. 15, ‘63

Attended church meetings. Had two contacts at Sunday School, Sis Jones and Pijuan. Had 2 disc. crash. Went to sacrament came home and studied.

Dec. 16, ‘63

D. Day routine, gave apt real good cleaning. Decorated tree that Jeanette sent. Boy, speaking of her I just got the mail and no letter. Boy, I'm (illegible) as she was to send me some addresses. Love Xmas cards. Oh well.

We meet with Sis Jones to give 4^th but she was, is not ready so we first talked about church and answered her question. Also Sis Pijuan. Real good; gave her the 3^rd. She prayed and she said to make her baptism soon.

Dec. 17

Look[ed] up referral. Made arrangements for fireside at Sis branch. Disc with the Cox family crashed. They forgot. We[nt] to MIA.

Dec. 18

Today the T.E. (Jolley and Coombe) surprise[d] us with a study class with them. Then after that we traded companions and went to work. 2 went with Elder Jolly. We visited contacts, referrals, hospital. Really an enjoyable day. Gave Pijuan the 4^th disc. She is sure gracious and also wanting to give.

Dec. 19

Sort of a slow day, everyone is to[o] busy. They don’t want much to do with ya. This is the time they should be learning about the Savior instead of Santa. Tomorrow will do better. Had a fireside this evening. Bro. Kimball spoke. I conducted for the first time. Real good talk. At Sis Branch.

Dec 20

Boy, what a day. Didn’t accomplish much. People are just not interested in anything but themselves at this time. Had a ward party this evening. Real enjoyable. The usual type party of course.

Dec. 21, ‘63

Visited contacts today. Got a list of all the people in our area. We got a new part. The area to the right of became ours and part of ours at the bottom was given to J & C. Went to a baptismal [service] this evening, 4 baptisms from St. Pete. Also went to a stake concert. Very enjoyable and inspirational evening.

Dec. 22, ‘63

Attended church meetings. Sis Pijuan came again today. Went out to eat at Morrison Cafeteria. Came home read church new[s], etc. Went to sacrament meeting. Xmas program. Real (illegible). Mostly music but it was real good. Then we went over to Opps and had ice cream and cake with strawberries. Also sang and recorded our voices. Then we went to a disc. with Bud and Henry. Boy, we were there three hours. I believe they are seeking the truth but, brother, are they out of it. Oh well, we’ll convince them.

Nov 21-30

Nov. 21 Thursday

Arrived at Florida Mission home at 3:00 A.M. sleep until 11:30 A.M. The rest of the afternoon was orientation and also a testimony meeting.

Nov. 22 Friday

Done odd jobs. Pres. Kennedy was killed. Listen[ed] to Broadcast on the most of the afternoon. Went on short bike ride. Prepared to go to assign[ed] places. Tampa, Fla.

Nov. 23 1963

Today I arrived at Tampa Fla at 1:30 p.m. eastern time. I found myself alone, all alone, I thought. I took a cab to 215 ½ So. Howard and made my grand Entrance. I arrived before my companion. A short time later he called and I went down and pick[ed] him up at the Greyhound Bus. We return[ed] to the Apt and stayed here for awhile then we got a bit to eat. Then we went to a baptismal service where one person was baptize[d] and confirmed. Return[ed] home. If you can call this dump that. My new and first companion is Elder Robert G. Christensen from Springville, Utah. He has been laboring in Mobile Ala the past five months.

Nov. 24 1963

This morning we went to priesthood and Sunday School. Met other Elders and the Sisters. Went to Morrison (Cafeteria) to eat after Church. Morrisons is a big thing here. Return[ed] to Church and look[ed] up some referrals left by the other Elders.

Nov. 25, 1963 through Nov. 30, 63

Look[ed] up referrals, gave third disc. to one man on Nov. 27, 63. Visited some members. On Thanksgiving we went to a most wonderful missionary conference, President and Mrs. Richards, the asst. to the twelve, also President and Sister Winder spoke. Most inspirational. Gave new program called Every Member a Missionary. Returned to Tampa (Conference was at Winter Haven, about 55 miles from here) and was invited to the home of Bro and Sis Kind. Real southern hospitality shown. Tracted and visited referrals Fri and Sat. Also visited members to get acquainted. Sat. evening I did my first confirmation to David Wayne Strictland. Ten years of age. (not our baptisms). Retired.

Nov 11-20 Mission Home

Nov. 11, 63 Monday

I entered the Mission Home today. Class began at 7:45, Dismissed for lunch 11:30. 1:00 class began again. At about 4:15 class dismissed. 7:00 class began and dismissed again. It was a very long day and the bed was welcomed.

Nov. 12, 63 Tuesday

We done about the same thing today as on the 11^th. We visited Welfare Square and had group picture taken.

Nov. 13, 63 Wednesday

Class at 7:45 until noon. At 5:00 I was set apart by Thomas E. [S.] Monson of the Council of Twelve. He said I would be blessed with the ability to study and to discern right and wrong. My family would receive blessings and that I would be guided to the people with a desire for the gospel. We were free until 7:00 pm when class began again. Dismissed at nine.

Nov. 14, 63 Thursday

Class instruction all day. Regular lunch etc etc. Visited the S. L. temple and had class instruction.

Nov. 16 Saturday

Visited the S. L. temple. Class instruction. Talent program in the evening. Very interesting.

Nov. 17 Sunday

Sacrament meeting, S. L. Tabernacle Choir. Class instruction. Released from 5-8. Testimony meeting.

Nov. 18-20 Mon-Wednesday

We were on the darn train. Most terrible experience.

Introductory pages

My Mission

This is the Missionary Diary of

Elder Dean J Rasmussen

1500 W. Crystal Ave.

Representing the Redwood [ward] of the Granger North [stake]

While serving in the Florida Mission

From Nov. 11, 1963 to Nov. 8, 1965

Thoughts When I Received My Missionary Call

Florida was the furthest place from my mind. Boy, was I shocked. I really thought it would be terrific to have warm sunshine all year around. It was just terrific to think I was finally going. I was just real thrilled.

Chronology of Significant Events

Norman Giles (Bishop) interviewed me on Aug 1963

F J Kennard (Stake President) interviewed me on Aug 1963

I received my call to the Florida (Mission) on Sept 28

I was in the Mission Home from Nov. 11, 1963 to Nov. 17

I received my Endowments in the Salt Lake (Temple) on Nov. 8

I received my Patriarchal Blessing from John D Hill (Patriarch) on Oct. 31

I was Set Apart for my Mission by Thomas E. [S.] Monson (Authority) Nov. 13

I left Salt Lake City on the Train (way of travel) on Nov. 18

I arrived at Mission Headquarters 2400 Forest Rd. Winter Park, Fla. (Address and City) on Nov. 21

My Mission President was Ned Winder

I did my First Tracting in Tampa, Fla. (Name of Town) on Nov. 25

My First Baptism was in Tampa, Florida (Name of Town) on Dec. 28 ‘63

My Companions

Companion District Date

Elder Robert S. Christensen Tampa Nov. 23 ’63 to Jan. 25, 64

   335 North 2^nd East Springville 

Elder Michael W. Riley Tampa Jan. 25 64 to Jan. 24 64

   30 Woodland Lane Arcadia Calif. 

Elder Garth Burt Tampa Mar. 20 64 to May 1, 64

   Honeyville, Utah 

Elder Kay L. Lovell Winter Park June 1, 64 to July 10, 64

   Unreadable Town, Utah 

Elder Robert G. Christensen Winter Park July 10, 64 to Sept 19, 64

   335 N. 2^nd East Springville 

Elder “Vic” Christensen Winter Park Sept 19, 64 to Nov. 3, 64

Elder R. G. Christensen Puerto Rico Nov. 3, 64 to Feb. 13, 65

    335 S. 2^nd E. Springville 

Elder Kent Barlow Panama City Feb. 15, 65 to Feb. 15, 65

    333 N. 450 E. Bountiful 

Elder Kent C. Jeppesen Valdarta Feb. 15, 65 to May 3, 1965

    Corinne, Utah 

Elder M. Riley Valdarta May 3, 65 to May 27, 65

    Calif. t

Elder Fred Riggs Sanford May 27, 65 to July 8, 65

   Box 372 Panguitch, Utah 

Elder John H. Rich Sandford July 8, 65 to Aug. 2, 65

   Sylvan S.L.C 

Elder Earl Humphry Lakeland Aug. 2, 65 to Sept. 9, 65

   Bountiful 

Elder Francis J Rawls Cocoa Sept. 9, 65 to Sept. 29, 65

   Ariz. 

Elder Clyde M Dahle Sept. 29, 65  to Nov. 8, 65

  Layton, UT

My Line of Authority

I was ordained an Elder by Albert C Rasmussen on Oct 23, 1964;

Who was ordained by William Gedge (High Priest)

Who was ordained by Angus M. Cannon

Who was ordained by George B. Wallace

Who was ordained by Brigham Young

Who was ordained by three witnesses Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris

Who was ordained by Joseph Smith;

Who received his authority from Peter, James and John;

Who received their authority from Jesus Christ.

Physical Descriptions

What I left on my Mission I weighed 145 pounds and was 6 feet 1 inches tall.

When I returned from my Mission I weighed 150 pounds and was 6 feet 1 inches tall.

Cherished Experiences to Remember

Experience            Date     Page

First Confirmation Nov. 30, 63

First Baptism, Sis Pijuan 13 Dec. 28, 63

Second Baptism, JoAnn Jones 20 Jan 24, 64

3^rd Baptism, Marilyn Tucker 30 Feb. 28, 64

4^th “, Velma Dickerson 36 Mar 21, 64

5^th “, Sharon Lee Ward 43 Apr. 10, 64

6^th Debbie Rikard 54 July 17, 64

7^th Terry Rikard 54 July 17, 64

8^th Glenda Rikard 54 July 17, 64

9^th- 11-15 The Gaineys 71-72 Oct. 31, 64

16-17^th The Ongemachs 71-72 Oct 10, 64

18^th David Rodriguez 77 Nov. 21, 64

19^th-20^th Danny Rodriguez

- Laura Brillon 78 Nov. 30, 64

21^st Antonia Rodriguez 80 Dec. 21, 64

22^nd Donna Sue Delk 100 Apr. 3, 65

My Personal History

Born: Roosevelt, Utah Dec. 31, 43

Blessed:

Baptized: N. Jordan Stake by A.C. Rasmussen

Confirmed: Redwood Ward

Ordained Deacon: Redwood by A.C. Rasmussen

Ordained Teacher: Redwood by A.C. Rasmussen

Ordained Priest: Redwood by A.C. Rasmussen

Ordained Elder: Redwood by A.C. Rasmussen

Ordained Seventy:

Ordained High Priest:

Special Positions

Position Date

Communications Secretary June 1, 64

Puerto Rico Tour of Duty Nov 1, 64

District Leaders Companion May 27, 65

District Leader Aug 2, 1965

Record of Ordinances Performed

Kind of Ordinance    Name of Person    Place    Date

Baptism Isabel Pijuan Tampa Dec 28, 63

Confirmation JoAnn Jones Tampa Jan 29, 64

Baptism (E. Riley) Marilyn Tucker Tampa Feb 28, 64

Baptism Velma Dickerson Tampa Mar 21, 64

Baptism Sharon Wood Tampa Apr. 10, 64

“ Debbie Rikard W.P. July 17, 64

“ Terry Rikard W.P. July 17, 64

“ Glenda Rikard W.P. July 17, 64

“ James Biggs W.P. Oct 19, 64

“ The Gaineys W.P. Oct 31, 64

Dewey, Helen – Sue, Mike, - Beth - Oct 31, 64

“ Kenneth & Barbara Ongemach W.P. Oct 31, 64

“ David Rodriguez P.R. Nov. 21, 64

“ Danny Rodriguez P.R. Nov. 28, 64

“ Laura Brillon P.R. Nov. 28, 64

“ Antonia Rodriguez P.R. Dec. 14, 64

“ Donna Sue Delk Valdosta Mar Apr. 3, 64

Baptism Helen (Jill) Buckner Sanford May 5, 65

Baptism Bill Boak Sanford June 2, 65

Baptism Helen Lane Sanford June 2, 65

Baptism Tommy Lane Sanford June 26, 65

Baptism Rodney Sharp Sanford July3, 65

Baptism Claude Lane Sanford July 8, 65

Baptism Terry & Jerry (Mike) Blankenship Sanford July 17, 65

Baptism Charlett Izer Sanford July 24, 65

Baptism Glenda Schmidt Sanford July 29, 65

Names and Address of Importance

Name Address

Isabel Pijuan 2901 Abdella, Tampa

Marilyn Tucker 5209 Central Ave. Tampa

Velma Dickerson 3703 Tampa St. Tampa

The Rikards Box 808 Rt. 6 Orlando, Fla.

The Gaineys 2330 Coldstream, Winter Park, Fla.

The K. Ongemachs 618 So. Lakemont Dr. Winter Park, Fla

The Claude Lane’s Rt. 2 Bry 555 Sanford, Fla.

The Cliff Boaks Rt. 2 Bry 561a Sanford, Fla.

Rickard Dawkins N. Noombs, Valdosta, Ga

Leonard Moon 2414 Knox Dr. Valdosta, Ga

Jill Buckner 833 New York, Deland, Fla

Claude Lane Box 555 Rt. 2 Sanford, Fla

Cliff Boak Box 561a Rt. 2 Sanford, Fla

Rodney Sharp Box 588, Debary, Fla

Patriarchal Blessing

Granger North Stake No: 133

November 1, 1963 Salt Lake City Utah

A BLESSING given by John. D. Hill Patriarch, upon the head of

Dean J Rasmussen son of

Albert Calvin Rasmussen and Golda Snow

Born December 31, 1943 at Ballard Uinta County Utah

Dean J Rasmussen, according to the desire which is in thy heart, I place my hands upon thy head and give unto thee a patriarchal blessing.

Thou art young and many fruitful, beautiful experiences will come into your life as you move through this mission of activity. While you are in the tender years of youth if you will serve the Lord with your heart, might, mind, and strength, strength will come into your body and you shall witness the manifestation of the Lord’s Spirit and direction throughout your entire life. Not only you but your children and their children shall see the handiwork of the Lord through the restoration of the Gospel and the Priesthood which has been conferred upon those who were chosen by heavenly messengers. That same Priesthood will give much consolation, satisfaction, and help during the time while you are here in mortality. Honor, respect, and obey those who are placed over and preside over you. As you honor them. You are adhering strictly in obedience pertaining to this marvelous and wonderful opportunity – the Priesthood of our Lord.

You have been chosen and sent forth to be a light upon a hill. As people observe your works, they shall be lead to higher planes of thinking and will see the necessity to become members of the Church. Those who are members that have fallen into transgression, which automatically have divorced them from activity in the Church, they too will see the need for activity and service to their fellow and sister members because you have pointed the way. The Spirit of the Master will linger close around in all of your associations. You will feel it. It will be close and near you. Never feel that you can live a double life and have support from the Spirit of our Master nor will the Priesthood have its effectiveness upon those whom you mingle and associate with only as you live for it.

Now, these are wonderful promises which have been given upon your head this night and every one will literally be filled to their capacity according to that which is in your own heart and mind.

You are of the house of Ephraim and will know more pertaining to this lineage in preparation to teach the Gospel and this will enlighten and give you additional knowledge.

You have a wonderful father and mother, having been true to the trust, providing a most excellent and sweet spirit in your home and having been taught under that influence has prepared you for this which you now will enjoy – a mission call to teach the true principles of the Lord’s commandments unto people who will be waiting, ready to receive with open arms that which you have been commissioned to give. While in this particular field of activity, never let the evil influence discourage your efforts. He will try and shall use all means of approach, but you will be victorious in not yielding to the cunning way in which he has tried to deceive. Keep your mind in the things of the Lord's and let your hands be in the palm of the hand of the Lord and the light and inspiration of the Holy Ghost will bring endless success in your mission labors. Never go alone. Always have a companion and witness in every assignment that is made of you; then you shall be on safe, sound ground.

The power of healing will be your privilege to enjoy to the extent you shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. Other marvelous manifestations of healing will be witnessed throughout your entire life.

Do not in any way tempt the destroyer by overconfidence because overconfidence will bring unhappiness to those who have faith in you and will weaken your position with the evil influence which will try and destroy you, but you shall have confidence which is essential to success, knowing that within yourself, with the Lord’s help you can stand on your feet and express the interpretations of the scriptures. You will know as to the point when you should stop and how the Lord will stand by you. The joys which will come from seeing other people happy through that which you have given away will be very sweet for you. If you will follow the same pattern, not only in the mission field but after you have returned home, these joys will be increased.

After you have found a sweet and lovely companion and have been sealed under the new and everlasting covenant, together these joys and satisfactions will be part of your every day life. Your posterity will be numerous. Joy and satisfaction will flow into the hearts of both you and your sweet wife when you witness the results of living clean, exemplary, and prominent lives.

The service which you will give is the only service that is eternal because you will take the effects of it with you whenever you go into the eternal worlds. You will be privileged to lead and direct people.

I send you forth with confidence in your own ability and that confidence will not be destroyed. Every one of the these blessings which have been pronounced upon your head this evening will be filled and become an important part of your earth’s mission. If you will keep in harmony with the will of the Lord and obey the things which He has commanded of His children, you shall enjoy a fruitful, full, well-rounded and balanced life, and this I do humbly in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

________________________________

(signed) John D. Hill

Patriarch

Dear Dean

Dear Dean:

Your friends at “Beneficial” want you to know that we have a appreciated your association and wish to send our “best” with you on [your] mission in the form of this diary.

We hope you will refer to this page often and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will think of you often and know that you will represent us well.

Tom Lloyd

LudDean Jones

Kay Schmidt

Jed Woodard

Wendell Burnham