Dear Members and Friends of the John Whitmer Historical Association,
It is a great honor to join the Board of Directors of our historical association. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside others who share a deep appreciation for the journey that Community of Christ continues to take. I am also grateful to those who are on a complementary journey in other expressions of the Restoration Faith Tradition.
Matthew Bolton’s presentation at the 2026 JWHA Conference stirred me. His exploration of nuclear testing that affected the entire South Pacific in the 1960s and the church’s lack of response shocked and inspired me. I don’t know if you felt the urgency or challenge I sensed, but it made me think. Perhaps studying our collective journey should do more than make us feel nostalgic. Perhaps it should call us to action. Maybe Matthew was reminding us that it is our responsibility to facilitate change as well as document it.
As I begin my service on the Board, I look forward to learning from each of you, supporting the important work that you do, and acting in a small way to challenge each of us to call for better things, better days.
My immediate job will be to invite and welcome new members and to make our history accessible and meaningful to everyone in our communities. I will also be the one inviting you to renew your membership. Membership renewal notices will be mailed in October. Please renew your membership by December 31 to avoid the loss of your membership benefits. You can do so here.
Thanks to all of you who have given your time, knowledge, expertise, and support to JWHA. Your dedication makes this work and this community possible. I look forward to working with you and to the many opportunities ahead.
With appreciation and enthusiasm,
Roger Allen Rose, Ed.D.
Membership Chair
