Australian descendants of Joseph Smith and Emma Hale Smith, early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gathered in Tuncurry, New South Wales, on 17–18 April 2026 for a family meeting centred on faith, heritage, and shared history.
The gathering brought together descendants, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and leaders from the Community of Christ, reflecting a spirit of respect, friendship, and interfaith cooperation.
Taree Devotional Opens the Visit
Activities began on 16 April with a devotional at the Taree meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ, where Elder Jeremy Jaggi, a counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency, met with members of the Coffs Harbour District.
Elder Jaggi and Dr Melanie Riwai‑Couch, Pacific Area Church History Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both addressed the congregation, sharing reflections on faith, history, and the value of understanding one’s spiritual heritage.
Also in attendance were Richard Fethers, a third great‑grandson of Joseph and Emma Smith, and his wife Karen Fethers. Richard Fethers spoke to the congregation and invited those present to attend the family gathering at Tuncurry Cemetery the following day. Three sister missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ later attended the graveside gathering.
Shared History and Friendship
On 17 April, descendants and Church visitors gathered at the Great Lakes History Museum, where curator Helen Duggan led a guided tour highlighting the Wright family’s role in founding the township of Tuncurry.
Sidney Garden Wright and Ina Inez Wright (née Smith)—a granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith and daughter of Alexander Hale Smith—were recognised for their pioneering contribution to the region. The Wright family features prominently in the museum’s local history exhibits.
Those attending included representatives of both faith traditions, among them:
- Lachlan McKay, Apostle of the Community of Christ with responsibility for the Pacific Area and a third great‑grandson of Joseph and Emma Smith
- Gay Elizabeth Berry, Descendant of John and Catherine Wright, founders of the Tuncurry township
- Dennis Carr and Meredith Carr, Community of Christ mission leaders in Australia
- Shane Osmotherly, Newcastle Stake President, and Sarah Osmotherly, NSW Director for Giving Machines
- Richard Osmotherly, Church history specialist
The day concluded with informal fellowship, including dinner at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, where descendants and Church visitors had further opportunity to build relationships.
Interfaith Engagement and Community Focus
On the morning of 18 April, participants met for breakfast in Tuncurry with a local Catholic priest, Father Dennis. Conversations focused on strengthening interfaith relationships and supporting those in need through community initiatives, including the Giving Machine programme.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approaches interfaith relations with a spirit of respect, cooperation, and shared purpose, recognising that all people are children of God the Father. Rooted in faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, this approach seeks to build understanding, serve communities together, and promote religious freedom for all.
Graveside Gathering at Tuncurry Cemetery
Later that morning, descendants gathered at Tuncurry Cemetery at the restored gravesite of Sidney and Ina Inez Wright. Family members, including Terry Wright and Richard Fethers, addressed those present, reflecting on family history and the significance of preserving historical sites.
John Edstein explained the restoration process and outlined possible future conservation work. A newly installed QR‑coded marker, developed by Richard Fethers, now provides visitors with additional information about Sid and Ina Wright’s lives and their role as pioneers in the Tuncurry area.
Concluding Reflections
The gathering concluded with lunch and remarks at the Community of Christ chapel in Tuncurry, where descendants and Church leaders from both traditions reflected on shared heritage, mutual respect, and the importance of preserving history while nurturing strong relationships today.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together across faith communities and generations, united by family connections and a shared commitment to service, understanding, and goodwill.