Charles Atkinson

 

During his time as Stake President, Robert Hill led with compassion and high expectations. He encouraged stake and ward/branch leaders to take commitments seriously, to follow the counsel of the First Presidency, and to help others along the path. One of his oft used phrases referenced Brigham Young’s efforts to bring the suffering saints of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies to safety. He related their plight on the plains to the modern-day plight of lost and suffering saints in our wards and branches. “Many of our brothers and sisters are on the plains with handcarts [so to speak]. Go and bring them in.” These words were often repeated with urgency, encouraging members of the stake to reach out to those around them and help others come unto Christ. Although no one in the stake was actually stranded on the snow-covered plains of Wyoming, President Hill felt that all around us there were many in need of our help and that all were deserving of rescue. “Go and bring them in” became a motivational watchword to those who served under his leadership