In Othello, an agricultural city in central Washington, three bishops are serving in neighboring wards of the Othello Washington Stake who also happen to be first cousins.
Othello 3rd Ward Bishop Scott J. Harris was called in 2022, then Othello 1st Ward Bishop David K. Beus in 2023, then Othello 2nd Ward Bishop E. Brian Gentry in 2024.
Their parents are siblings and their grandparents are Evan and Alta Beus, who were pioneers in the farming community. But since they have different last names, the cousins don’t believe the stake president even knew they were related when he called them to be bishops.
These bishop cousins are close—almost like brothers.
“We like to go to lunch and just talk about what’s working, what’s not working,” Bishop Gentry said.
Talking to someone having a similar experience is helpful, Bishop Beus said. “To, generally speaking, say: ‘Hey, what’s been hard for you? What’s good for you?’ I always leave feeling better about life after talking to these guys for an hour.”
Visit the Church News to read more about the cousins’ experiences serving together.
More articles for you:
▶ The unexpected comment from a temple worker that pointed me toward Christ
▶ 3 steps to get more out of Isaiah (that require less reading)
▶ Meet the Armenian convert who’s served in the temple weekly for almost 50 years
