McLAUGHLIN, N.D. — McLaughlin Branch of Bismarck North Dakota Stake might be considered one of the tiniest units of the entire Church with its average attendance of 25.

Photo by Janet Kruckenberg

Daniel Roberts, left, and Brandon Gunhammer attend Primary.

Photo by Janet Kruckenberg

Members who faithfully travel many miles to attend services gather outside small McLaughlin Branch meetinghouse.

But there is nothing tiny about its geographical size.

The McLaughlin (pronounced McGloflin) Branch is about 1,300 square miles in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation's southeast corner, plus Mobridge, S.D., enclosed by the North Dakota border on the north and the Missouri River on the east. The landscape is dotted with a few towns, black Angus cattle ranches, hills and prehistoric sedimentary rock formations.

McLaughlin itself lies about 25 miles west of Sitting Bull's burial site located on Lake Oahe.

The branch is large also in spirit, the members' testimonies, and the capacity for love and gratitude for one another and the restored gospel. Stake President Richard Adsero expressed admiration "for the strength and faithfulness of the members in the McLaughlin Branch."

Branch President Ron Frolich and his wife, Bonnie, travel to McLaughlin for Church services. Home for them is in Mandan, N.D., 78 miles north. President Frolich said, "For years, missionary couples took care of the branch. The stake was asked to provide a high councilor to serve as McLaughlin Branch leader." President Frolich said that for being such a small unit, with few temple recommend holders, McLaughlin Branch "has the highest percentage of recommend holders in the Bismarck North Dakota Temple District." The Frolichs, parents of four, are converts to the Church, having joined in their home ward. And the branch members definitely appreciate the Frolichs and being together.

When the members come in the chapel door, you might think their faces will break from smiling so hard when they see each other. Conversations in this unhurried atmosphere open windows to the lives and hopes of branch members.

Delford Marshall, counselor to President Frolich, a young single adult and native of Fargo, N.D., enjoys Sunday meetings as a time to further study principles of the gospel. Said 84-year-old Mae Schliesman of Mobridge, S.D., "Deep in my heart, I am so grateful that we can have services for the Church here every week, for the priesthood and what it means in my life, to have my husband with me. I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, that the Church has been a light in my life."

Paul Schliesman, born in Wilmott, S.D., was introduced to the Church by his wife, Mae. He studied the gospel for a year before joining. She was a widow with four children when they met. Brother Schliesman says cheerfully, "I gained four kids and a wife in a day."

Brother Schliesman, a Snohomish Indian, served in numerous leadership positions wherever the railroad posted him. The Schliesmans drive 22 miles to Sunday meetings.

He explained that he told his wife to find something she liked to do while he would be away with his railroad job. She taught herself to paint. Her home and homes of her friends are adorned with her beautiful paintings. At 84, she is teaching herself to play the organ. Every morning, she swims for one hour.

Brother Schliesman explained that he is legally blind. For him, reading Church News and other publications requires a viewer that enlarges the print. He uses his retirement time assisting in organizations for the blind.

Branch Relief Society President Kathy Kuzior found her way to this community more than 20 years ago, when a friend needed a ride home and offered to pay for travel. After completing the trip, she received a phone call with a job offer in McLaughlin from a friend she had made while visiting. She accepted the three-month position. When that job ended, she prayerfully turned to the "help wanted" local newspaper ads. She soon found a job as a dental hygienist. After the dental office closed, she started a day care business, hired an assistant, became a foster parent and adopted three children — Richard, Vanessa and Desirae — and has applied to adopt two more.

"I've had hundreds [of foster children]," she said. "I get the children with medical problems because I am a registered nurse. I get them fixed up and then they go back [to their parents]. Most are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is a real problem here." One small baby boy brought to her was not expected to live. "He was in tough shape," she said, looking down and shaking her head, then smiling, added, "I had him for three years. He is doing well where he is now" even though he isn't quite equal to his age group yet. Sister Kuzior gives credit where credit is due regarding these miracles. "A lot of priesthood blessings."

The branch Relief Society president exhibits a desire to help whenever she sees a need. Sister Kuzior and a few townspeople spearheaded the restoration of the old local red brick theater that hadn't functioned for 30 years. They did this to provide youth with wholesome entertainment and jobs. With the spacious building in good repair, there is room for a restaurant downstairs and a learning center upstairs as well as the theater. Computers with programs were furnished for the learning center by the local high school when the school updated its system, said Sister Kuzior. She explained that volunteers such as carpenters and upholsterers have been diligent in helping with the project.

One lady in the community called and asked if they could use "a snow cone machine" and other vending items. Sister Kuzior related that this lady had called her before. "She had been praying to know of a place to volunteer, and could I use her help in my day care." She readily accepted. On becoming acquainted with the woman, she learned she could play the piano. Eventually, the woman became pianist for sacrament meetings.