Morgan SUP luncheon review
George Hopkins and Leroy Nate Pierce with the Certificate of Excellence. Courtesy photos
The Morgan Chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers held their March luncheon on Monday at the Rock Church. Larry’s Spring Chicken Inn once again provided a great meal. In attendance was Leroy Nate Pierce, the current National President of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers. Besides being our feature presenter, he was also there to present the “Certificate of Excellence” to President George Hopkins and the members of the Morgan Chapter. This annual award is achieved by only a small percentage of the chapters in the SUP organization and is based on membership, activity, and growth of the local chapter.
The “Pioneer Minute” was presented by chapter member Steve Smith. He was raised in Montana and educated at Utah State, Golden Gate University, and the University of Montana where he was awarded a doctorate degree. Steve spent his life serving in the Air Force with assignments throughout the world including Vietnam. He was an active scouter for 50 years. Steve and his wife Carla are the parents of six children and 32 grand and great-grandchildren. Steve shared his conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1979. He and his wife served a mission to Russia.
Our feature presenter, Nate Pierce, was born in Tremonton and grew up in Brigham City. He was active in sports and student government and attended Utah State on an academic scholarship. As a young man, he served a mission to the Southern Far East Mission which, at the time, included Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippine Islands. He attended Utah State, Brigham Young, and American Universities. Nate served in the army and military intelligence for 30 years and retired as a Colonel. He has spent 40 years in federal, state, and local governments and is currently an adjunct professor at Weber State and Brigham Young Universities. He and his current wife Ruth have served missions in Boston Massachusetts and in military relations in the San Diego Mission at local naval bases. He is currently a sealer in the Ogden Temple and president of the “Sons of the Utah Pioneers” national organization. Pierce shared stories from his pioneer ancestors and also discussed with the group the importance of keeping a personal record or journal. He shared the quote “If it’s not written down it didn’t happen.”. λ
