On Sunday 31 October 2010, past and present members of the Southport Branch (now Isle of Capri ward) gathered to celebrate 50 years since its creation. The theme of the meeting was taken from one of President Thomas S. Monson's first general conference addresses as Prophet: "Looking Back and Moving Forward."
The Isle of Capri chapel was packed to capacity as those in attendance looked back over the happenings and experiences of the last 50 years.
On 17 October 1960, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, began interviewing brethren from the South East Queensland District for the purpose of organising the first stake in Queensland.
On Sunday 23rd October 1960, the Brisbane Stake was organised. As part of this, the Southport Branch was organised as a dependent Branch of the Brisbane Stake, with Brother Fred Curtis called as the first Branch President.
It was another seventeen years before the Isle of Capri ward was created in July 1977, with Brother Harvey Guy called as the first Bishop of the ward.
Former Bishops of the Isle of Capri ward, including Brothers Harry Guy, Vince Shine and Adam Smith spoke on the night, sharing stories of faith, sacrifice and hard work. Letters were read from other former Bishops, including Brothers Rod Gourlie, Julio Orrego and Gordon Ngawaka who could not be in attendance on the night.
Daniel Shine, current Bishop of the Isle of Capri Ward, encouraged those in attendance to look forward and to finish the race we have all started.
Current Gold Coast Australia Stake President Dean Reid was the concluding speaker on the night. He spoke of the need for each one of us to remember those who have gone before us as we face the future.
Also in attendance were former stake presidents of the Brisbane Stake, Brisbane Australia South Stake and Gold Coast Australia Stake: John Jeffrey, John Gibson, Robert Gordon, David Stoten and Brent Young.
The program also included a DVD presentation showcasing pictures and rare video footage from the past 50 years. All in all, the program was a beautiful celebration filled with stories, music, inspiration, photos and laughter.
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