Item Detail
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Rogers, Alison Jensen
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1927-
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MSS SC 1017
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Life History and Papers
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Alison Jensen Rogers was born October 7, 1927 in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia to Alfred Sydney Noel Jensen and Mary Elizabeth Metcalfe. Alison lived a 'carefree' childhood on a sugar cane farm with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Alison learned to pray when she was young and attended and taught at a Methodist Sunday School. Alison met her husband Albert Oliver Rogers (Jim) when she was 18 years old. They were married May 11, 1946. Following their marriage, they sent their children to the nearest Sunday school until they met the elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Alison had a religious background, and was impressed by the young elders' willingness to serve her family. The family was taught the gospel and baptized soon after by Elder Jeffree from Australia and Elder Brooksby from America. Alison's 'spiritual conversion' took on new meaning when she was taught about the mission of Elijah and genealogy. She felt a desire to trace her ancestors and was dedicated to this work. She also helped many others with their family history work. Alison was also involved in her community and served with the St. John Ambulance Parent's Association, joined the local Citizens Advice Bureau and Historical Society, and served as Secretary of the C.W.A. She also wrote many articles for the local newspapers. Alison served in the Primary, MIA, Junior Sunday School, Institute, and Relief Society. Along with many faithful saints and family members, she participated in building the first chapel in their area. Elder Delbert Stapley of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles came to dedicate this new building, and later remembered Alison as the 'newspaper lady,' as she had written articles about his visit. The family moved to Temple View, New Zealand for about two years where they were sealed in the temple as an eternal family. They then moved back to Bundaberg, Australia. Alison's oldest son, Lester, was the first missionary to be called from the Bundaberg Australia Branch.
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Alison's 6 page typewritten history and other papers were submitted for the Women's History Archives request to the Relief Society around December 1977. The collection is 21 pages and includes copies of many newspaper articles written by Alison or relating to her family, postcards, a pedigree chart, and copies of family pictures. Also included are other family memorabilia and an invitation for Alison to participate on the television show 'Imagination' from the Wide Bay Burnett Television LTD company. As a child, Alison was taught important principles of life such as being honest, tidy, clean, and a friend to all. When Alison had her own family, the elders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approached, gave them a message, and left a Book of Mormon. The elders returned later when Alison was sick and recovering from Hepatitis, and her husband was in the Brisbane Hospital. The elders offered to mow their lawn and do their shopping. They also kept their youngest two children happy during church meetings so Alison and her husband could concentrate on the teachings. In her genealogy work, Alison sent letters to Denmark, U.S.A., England, and New Zealand. Alison answered an ad in the local newspaper for a woman who needed help with genealogy. They corresponded for months until the woman came to visit and became interested in the gospel. They sent a referral for the missionaries to visit this woman and later received an invitation to her baptism. Alison served in the District MIA in Australia and said, 'My work with the youth brought its blessings and trials, but I enjoyed it' With her counselors, she organized Easter Youth Conferences between the Toowoomba District, the Bundaberg District, and the Brisbane Stake. Alison's oldest daughter, Lesley, participated in the Miss Australia Quest and Alison assisted in raising $1,000 for the 'Spastic Appeal.' Alison bore testimony and expressed gratitude for the promptings of the Spirit, the blessings of the Lord, and special gratitude for the two Elders who came to her home. Newspaper Journalist
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1910-1978