BONHAM, TEXAS --  A new Bishop and two counselors were unanimously sustained on Sunday, December 11, 2011 by the membership of the Bonham Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   By assignment of the Church’s President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors, the Allen Texas Stake President Jay Jones presided over the proceedings.  In his remarks, President Jones emphasized the importance of the event in the life of the membership of the Ward and the individuals involved.  

Ivanhoe resident Clifford Abbott, a sales executive for Oracle, was named Bishop, with Stephen Talley of Edhube, recently retired from AT&T named as First Counselor, and Keith Dowdy of Trenton, a financial analyst and collateral auditor for Primalend Capital named as Second Counselor.

The Church has a lay leadership - one that receives no pay.  As highlighted on the church’s website, www.lds.org, “The bishop has many duties. In addition to watching over all ward members, he has special responsibility to guide the ward’s young men and young women. He oversees teaching, missionary work, and spiritual growth in the ward.  He is responsible to care for the poor and needy, and he oversees finances, records, and the use and security of the meetinghouse.

New Bishopric: (L-R) Stephen Talley, Clifford Abbott, and Keith Dowdy

In these responsibilities and others, two counselors, an executive secretary, clerks, and the leaders of other organizations in the ward assist the bishop. Leadership meetings are held regularly to allow the bishop and those who help him to counsel together about the well being of ward members.”

A statement which applies to this new leadership was delivered in an address to the National Press Club (March 2000) by then Church President Gordon B. Hinckley: “All of our local congregations are headed by local people, volunteers who work at their regular vocations and carry on as they are called to serve…I am amazed at the quality of leaders we are developing. These are men of strength and capacity. They are quick learners. They are devoted and faithful.  They become better husbands and fathers...under the family-strengthening programs of the Church.”

Most Bishops serve for approximately five years.  Former Bishops Clifton Duncan and Philip St.George both served for five and a half years.  

The Bonham Ward meets at 1540 S. Hwy. 78.  Sunday services begin at 10 a.m.  Visitors are always welcome.