Arrived in Marion

This is the Marion Branch building.  It's a small, 2 phase church - really nice for a bra

nch

We finally contacted the Branch President, Pres. Blackmon.  He met us at the church, gave us a key to the church and the branch list then took us on a whirlwind tour of the branch which consists of about 10 towns.  He explained the road system:  many years ago the animals made paths of least resistance, then came man who followed those same paths.  With the wagons they just widened those paths.  When they started paving, they just paved the paths.  Needless to say, there is no rhyme or reason to their roads.  To add insult to injury, we're having a hard time knowing north from south.

He also informed us that he had a place for us to stay that night, in Bro. & Sis. Weatherford's home who were out of town.  This is their home. Trusting people to open their home to strangers.

Saturday morning we had an appointment to meet the Elders in Myrtle Beach (about 55 miles from Marion) to help their investigator with some family history.  Jim was more than willing to do that and we were able to help him find great-grandparents he knew nothing about.  He was really excited and the Elders were ready to look up their own families.

As for house hunting, the Elders here checked on the townhouse for us (which was close to them) and it wouldn't be available for three weeks.