One individual can make a difference in life.  Sometimes it’s because of a calling; more often than not it’s through inspiration, i.e., being at the right place at the right time.  So many women have made their mark in this world, but this time I’m going to talk about a man.

Wilford C. Wood was born in 1893.  His grandfather, Daniel Wood, an early settler in Davis County, just north of Salt Lake City, founded Woods Cross.  His other grandfather, Joseph Ridges, was the builder of the Tabernacle organ.

Wilford served in the Northern States mission, where he could visit places where the Prophet lived and experienced such wondrous things.  He lamented the sites didn’t seem to be cared for or preserved in any way.

When he returned home he married Lillian Woodbury and they lived in a log cabin while he began his career as a furrier (one who makes and sells fur coats).  Because much of his training was in New York City, he crossed the nation many times, often stopping by these church historical places.  He acquainted himself with various property owners, and in time, began purchasing buildings such as Liberty Jail, the Whitney Store, the Johnson home, the Times and Seasons building, and most of the Temple Block in Nauvoo.   He informed the church that he was purchasing these properties and was willing to offer them to the church at minimal cost whenever they were interested.

Eventually, the church did become interested, and Wilford generously kept his word, offering the buildings for whatever he had paid for them.  At first, he was asked, by the church, to provide missionaries for Nauvoo, Liberty Jail and Carthage Jail.  As the overseer of these properties, he felt that High Priests and their wives ought to be called as missionaries to manage each place.  In 1951, the first Senior Missionary Couples were called to supervise the various Church History Sites.

A note to women:  His wife, Lillian, was very supportive of his involvement, expense, and commitment in this lifetime venture.

While Wilford was purchasing property, he was always on the lookout for items that could be purchased as well.  He bought items owned by Joseph and Emma, original copies of scripture, including printing equipment.  He collected so many items, the building that housed is fur business became the museum that housed all the memorabilia.  He has given many items to BYU, as well as the Church Museum, and still has a large warehouse full of items.

As insightful as this man was, and how grateful we are for him, it makes me think of each of us.  What are we meant to do?  Perhaps nothing as grand, but I am convinced that each one of us has a profound job to perform on this earth.  This job will match our abilities and talents, and it is something only we can do.

So many people are getting side tracked and caught up in the world; Satan is doing his job well.  But we cannot let ourselves be overcome.   Go forth and seek out your niche in the kingdom.