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Annual History

Welcome to the Annual History section of the Ward Clerk Knowledge Base. This section provides guidance on documenting and preserving your ward's history throughout the year.

Overview

The annual history is an important record that documents the significant events, changes, and spiritual highlights of your ward during the calendar year. As ward clerk, you help compile this history for submission to Church headquarters and for the ward's permanent records.

Purpose of Annual History

The annual history serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves ward heritage for future generations

  • Documents spiritual experiences and growth

  • Records leadership changes and significant events

  • Provides historical context for understanding ward development

  • Fulfills reporting requirements to Church headquarters

What to Include

Required Elements

  • Leadership changes - New bishops, bishopric members, organization presidents

  • Membership statistics - Baptisms, confirmations, moves in/out

  • Significant events - Building dedications, major service projects

  • Organization highlights - Key accomplishments and activities

  • Spiritual highlights - Faith-promoting experiences (with permission)

  • Service projects - Community service and humanitarian efforts

  • Celebrations - Ward anniversaries, special gatherings

  • Challenges overcome - How the ward responded to difficulties

  • Youth accomplishments - Seminary/institute completions, youth temple trips

  • Missionary service - Missionaries called and returned

What NOT to Include

  • Personal confidential matters - Disciplinary actions, sensitive health issues

  • Financial specifics - Detailed budget numbers (summary only if relevant)

  • Negative gossip - Focus on positive growth and learning

  • Identifying information without permission - Names/photos require consent

Collection Methods

Throughout the Year

Keep a running document where you note significant events as they occur:

  • Monthly: Review sacrament meeting programs for events

  • Quarterly: Meet with organization leaders for highlights

  • After major events: Document while details are fresh

  • Leadership changes: Record immediately with dates

Organization Leader Interviews

In November/December, interview:

  • Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidencies

  • Young Women and Young Men presidencies

  • Primary and Sunday School presidencies

  • Other key leaders (activities committee, missionary coordination)

Ask: "What were the 2-3 most significant or faith-promoting events in your organization this year?"

Writing Guidelines

Tone and Style

  • Write in third person (avoid "I" and "we")

  • Use past tense (it's a historical record)

  • Be factual and objective (not promotional)

  • Include dates and specifics when possible

  • Make it readable and interesting (not just statistics)

Length

  • Typical ward history: 2-5 pages

  • Focus on quality over quantity

  • Include enough detail to be meaningful

  • Don't inflate with unnecessary information

Example Entries

Good Example

"On April 15, 2024, the ward completed a service project at the local food bank, with 47 members participating to sort and package 2,500 pounds of food for distribution. Sister Maria Rodriguez organized the effort after learning of the community need during her shift at the bank."

Poor Example

"We had a great service project this year that everyone really enjoyed. It was amazing to see so many people help out and serve others."

Timeline and Deadlines

October - November

  • Begin collecting information from organization leaders

  • Review calendar and meeting programs from the year

  • Interview key leaders about significant events

December

  • Draft the history document

  • Review with bishopric for accuracy and appropriateness

  • Obtain necessary permissions for names/photos

January

  • Finalize the history

  • Submit through LCR system

  • Deadline: January 31st

  • Provide copy to bishop for ward records

Technical Requirements

Format

  • Submit through Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR)

  • Follow any specific formatting requirements in LCR

  • Include ward name, stake, and year prominently

  • Use readable font and clear organization

Photos

  • Include 3-10 photos if possible

  • Obtain permission for identifiable individuals

  • Use high-quality images

  • Caption each photo with context and date

Common Challenges

Starting from Scratch

If you're compiling history late and don't have notes:

  1. Review sacrament meeting programs saved in LCR
  2. Check ward calendar for major events
  3. Interview bishopric members for their memories
  4. Contact organization leaders
  5. Review ward newsletter/bulletin archives

Sensitive Information

When in doubt about including information:

  • Consult with the bishop
  • Err on the side of privacy protection
  • Focus on positive learning and growth
  • Obtain explicit permission for personal stories

  • Annual History Template (Coming Soon)

  • Sample Histories (Coming Soon)

  • Photo Guidelines (Coming Soon)

  • Interview Questions for Leaders (Coming Soon)