On April 18, the 3,000 member Monett Missouri Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held its annual dance at the Civil War Ranch in Carthage. 

More than 175 adult members and friends, including from Cassville, attended the event — coming from as far north as Cedar County and as far south as the Arkansas border — to enjoy line dancing, square dancing and swing dancing. 

This year’s added bonus was dinner, horseshoes, bean bag throw, hay bale throw, corn hole and roping, all without charge.

A Stake in the Church of Jesus Christ is similar to a Catholic diocese, covering a large area and overseeing smaller units where members regularly worship and hold activities. The smaller units are called Wards or Branches, depending on their size. The Monett Missouri Stake has nine such units.

Why does the Church sponsor dances? 

“The reason why wholesome recreation is part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is because it enhances our social/emotional health and is something to look forward to,” said Esther Pointer, Cassville Branch Relief Society president.

The restored Church of Jesus Christ also sponsors service projects for social/emotional health. The Cassville Relief Society women will be cleaning up one of the local graveyard’s headstones, documenting them, and sending them to https://billiongraves.com for public access. 

“Both recreation and service are vital to people’s health,” a Stake press release said.