Family History

© 1995 Laurie Ashton

Often, at our young ages, we wonder why we should be involved in family history work, researching who our dead ancestors were, and getting their temple work done for them. We may think, "Oh, but there are others doing the work, what do I need to do? What could I do?" Or, we may think, "but there is so much to do, I couldn't possibly know where to start."

Whether you are the only member of the church in your family, or one of dozens or hundreds, your responsibilities towards your dead ancestors remain the same.

We are commanded to redeem our dead, to provide them with the same opportunities for progression and the same eternal blessings that we ourselves have been given.

In Discourses of Brigham Young, page 403, we read:

"Can we do anything for them? Yes. What are we trying to build a temple for? . . .for the express purpose of redeeming our dead. When I get a revelation that some of my progenitors lived and died without the blessings of the Gospel. . . , I will go and be baptized, confirmed, washed, and anointed, and go through all the ordinances and endowments for them that their way may be opened to the celestial kingdom."

By ensuring that our ancestors are provided with opportunities of receiving the blessings of the temple, we "will be sealed to connect the links and make perfect the chain from ourselves to Father Adam. This is the object of the temple. . ." (Discourses of Brigham Young, Pg.418 - Pg.419)

It is an important work we have been called to do, and there are many blessings that will be poured upon us for doing this work.

In Discourses of Brigham Young, pages 419 through 420, we read:

"Those only who have shared with us in the temple ordinances know for themselves the satisfaction there is in realizing that we are indeed co-workers with our Lord and Savior; that we bear a humble part in the great work of salvation; that we have the privilege of receiving and obeying the truth, and of securing to ourselves that happiness which the Gospel alone affords; and not only of performing these ordinances for ourselves, but of doing the necessary work for our parents and forefathers who have slept without the Gospel, that they may partake also of the waters of life, and be judged according to men in the flesh. This is a privilege, a blessing, which no one can sense unless he is in possession of it."

A Branch File has recently been started at the Seattle Temple. You may submit temple work to your own file or a family file, or, if you need help completing the ordinances, to the branch file. We encourage everyone going to the Seattle Temple to do work on your own family file first, then next to do work from the Branch file before taking names from the temple file so that members of our branch can get their ancestors' ordinances done quickly.

Linda White and myself are available to help anyone in the branch working on their family history on any level. Whether you are just beginning to do research and you're not sure what to do next, or you're submitting names to the temple, or anywhere in between, we are here to answer your questions and help in any way we can. Please call one of us for any assistance we can give. Brothers and Sisters, may we do the work and receive the blessings. May we gain a full understanding of His gospel plan, and the role we have within it.

Copyright © 2004 Laurie Ashton. All works on this site are the exclusive property of Laurie Ashton. This work may not be transmitted via the internet, nor reproduced in any other way, without prior written consent from Laurie Ashton. No exceptions.
Send email to laurie at laurieashton dot com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last Updated: 2005-07-06 8:21 s l cc gk fh