McMaster, Stuart and Clara

Stuart and Clara McMaster

1970-1973

Central States Mission

Kansas Missouri Mission

President McMaster served as President of the Kansas Missouri Mission. He was called at the same time the Central States mission name was disbanded and the Kansas Missouri Mission was organized. The Missouri Independence Mission was organized in 1973.

Note from Scott Monsen:

I found a minor error in the history of the Kansas-Missouri Mission dealing with President McMaster. You stated that he was the only president of this mission and that by the time he was released the Missouri-Independence mission had been organized. I served from Oct 1971-Oct 1973. Pres. McMaster was released in July of 73 turning the reins over to Pres. Doxey. When I left in Oct the mission had not as yet been reorganized or renamed.

Sincerely, Scott Monsen

My original entry stated that President McMaster was the only President of the Kansas-Missouri Mission. Information from you the alumni is always needed to keep everything accurate.

Sister Clara McMaster wrote the original Mission Song for the Kansas Missouri Mission and Missouri Independence Mission. Click the link below to see more information on the mission songs:

Song Page

The Kansas-Missouri Mission Song History

The earliest Mission Song that I have is the song To The Kansas-Missouri Mission. In 1970 the Kansas-Missouri Mission was formed. Sister Clara W. McMaster wrote the mission song for the new mission.

Less than three years later the Kansas-Missouri Mission was reorganized. The Missouri Independence Mission was created in 1973. The Mission song was renamed To Missouri-Independence Mission. The Title and first line was changed to reflect the new mission name.

This was the mission song until the new Called to Serve Version one was replaced as the Missouri Independence Mission Song.

This Mission song always had a special meaning for the Mission and the Missionaries serving. I recently received an e-mail from Mack B. Tenney. He served under President and Sister McMaster. Here is what he wrote about Sister McMaster, the author of the song; To The Kansas-Missouri Mission. Mark sent me a copy of the original unrevised copy of the Mission Song. Here is what he wrote:

I hope these J-Peg files work out ok for you. I remember when Clara McMaster gave me a copy of this Mission Song after requesting it from her. She sure was an angel and I remember seeing her countenance shine brightly like an angel during some of the zone conferences years ago. It was like she had a light shining through her face.

About 10 years after my mission with my new bride at that time I found the McMasters in the Salt Lake Phone book and after visiting with them on the phone was able to visit them at their home. He was doing part time consulting work for some of the mines in Utah in his legal line of work.

I hope this helps. Take Care, Mack B. Tenney

Here is a copy of the Church News Article with the news of President McMaster’s death.

Saturday, October 3, 1992
LDS Church News

J. Stuart McMaster, 89, former president of the Missouri-Independence Mission, died Sept. 25, 1992 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Brother McMaster and his wife, Clara Elizabeth Watkins, members of the Wasatch Ward, Salt Lake Hillside Stake, were known for their community service. He worked for the U.S. Department of Interior for 36 years and was instrumental in preparing legislation for the creation of water conservancy districts throughout the western United States.

Webmaster comment:

I never did meet President and Sister McMaster, but their spirit was with us every time we sang the song To Missouri Independence Mission. During my mission I never knew who wrote the song other than the name listed on the song paper. Even after 25 plus years this song still touches me.

Jerry Cox