On November 10, 2024, the Portland Chapter hosted a fireside with Portland Temple President Lawrence Blunck, drawing an audience of about 150 attendees. President Blunck shared personal insights about his unexpected call to serve as temple president despite never having been a temple worker. Attendees were inspired by his stories of faith, including his baptism at age 16 against family opposition, his missionary experiences, and his approach to balancing a demanding legal career with church responsibilities.
A graduate of the J. Reuben Clark Law School, President Blunck practiced law in Oregon for nearly 30 years before becoming a temple president, beginning at Cosgrave, Vergeer & Kester Partner, at Hoffman Hart & Wagner, and for nearly 20 years at his own firm, Blunck & Walhood, LLC,
The event welcomed many non-attorney guests, particularly temple workers, marking a strong community turnout.
This fireside concluded the Portland JRCLS chapter’s events for 2024, with activities set to resume in January 2025.