Vaughn J. Featherstone Fireside

This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of attending a fireside for all Cub and Boy Scout leaders. It was given by Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone and held at our stake center, less than a block away from our house. There were a few others who spoke first. One of which was a man in the Las Vegas Area Council leadership and belongs to the Roman Catholic church. He met Elder Featherstone for the first time many years ago and has kept a sweet friendship with him through the years. He was apparently familiar with our beliefs, especially with the Aaronic Priesthood and it’s relationship to Scouting. He gave a beautiful talk. It was so free of religious barriers and it brought me to tears. He ultimately said that our purpose in Scouting is to raise up young men who are the kind of men our Lord and Savior would have them be. There was no hint of “your way” vs. “our way”. He simply addressed us as his fellow brothers and sisters. He was the most spiritual non-LDS speaker that I’ve ever heard. When Elder Featherstone stood to speak he said, “Now that we’ve heard the LDS talk, I’ll give the Roman Catholic address.” At the conclusion of the fireside, we approached Elder Featherstone and shook his hand. He patted Grant’s head and cheek and said, “Now there’s an attractive young man, a future Boy Scout I hope.” A story to file in Grant’s journal for sure!