RICHMOND – The Whitmer Symposium will be held virtually at 2 p.m. Sept. 25.

Planned first as a live event, the symposium will be virtual this year because of COVID concerns.

The symposium can be accessed at http://tiny.cc/WhitmerSymposium2021.

Speakers include Jonathan Jones, Dr. Michael Call and John Dillingham.

Jones’ address is titled “Ray County in the Border War.” Call’s topic is Isaac Russell. Dillingham will speak about Alexander Doniphan.

“The Whitmer Symposium is dedicated to preserving and expanding knowledge and awareness of Ray County’s rich history,” information from organizers stated.

The David Whitmer Community Service Award is presented annually to a member of the Ray County community who has exemplified a life of community service and integrity. Past winners have been Jimmy Carter, F.G. Weary III and Linda Emley. The David Whitmer Community Service Award 2021 recipient will be announced during the symposium.

“Established in 2017, The David Whitmer Community Service Award commemorates the lifelong example of community service and integrity exemplified by David Whitmer,” information from organizers stated.

Whitmer was a longtime resident of Richmond, where he operated a livery stable and won election to fill an unexpired term as mayor from 1867 to 1868. One of the three witnesses of The Book of Mormon, Whitmer was an active member of the Richmond community until his death in 1888.