Over 200 descendants of Bertha Willis were among the members of the congregation at the devotional service. . .

The story of Bertha Willis, a young teenager, is carried through the generations and she leaves a legacy to hundreds.  She was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints in the first decade of the twentieth century by William Albert Adams, grandfather of the author.  Almost 90 years later, Golden V. Adams Jr. (grandson of W.A. Adams) was invited back to Harkers Island, North Carolina where he delivered a devotional service and taught genealogy to the residents of the area, in 1987, at the request of Bertha's grandson, Joel G. Hancock. This is their story.

"In memory of C.F. and Dorothy Guthrie -- 15 November 1987"

The missionary journal of W.A. Adams records: I proceeded out into the water with two young ladies, Armecia Nelson and Bertha Willis, where I took them in turn and baptized them; after which the congregation struck up the hymn 'Jesus, Mighty King in Zion', which sounded very beautiful across the waters as we neared the shore.  After dismissal we departed to where we changed clothes and held sacrament and confirmation meeting at Garrison Willis'.

Over 200 descendants of Bertha Willis were among the members of the congregation at the devotional service held on Sunday evening.  The conk shell with the above inscription is a keepsake treasured by the author as a token of remembrance of that wonderful weekend spent almost 25 years ago.

   *** To hear the author tell the full story, Click the green arrow at the top of the page.***