Mission President Or Spy

Wallace Felt Toronto became a pioneering missionary leader among the Slavic people. Serving three missions among the Czechs, he continued as their mission president in absentia for another 25 years. He holds the longest term as a mission president: thirty-two years. The Nazi occupation of Czech lands in 1938 and 1939 led to the evacuation of all missionaries including President Toronto and brought the dissolution of the Czech mission during World War II. Much to his surprise after a seven-year hiatus, the Torontos were called once again to preside over the mission. With a larger missionary force, the Church expanded even after the February 1948 Communist coup. With the Communists restrictions growing, the young mission president came under more and more scrutiny. By 1950, Wally was considered one of the top wanted spies by the Communists, and both he and his wife were under 24-hour surveillance. In the end, all Czech missionaries were expelled, and the registration of the Church was canceled, and faithful Saints were now left without the opportunity even to hold branch meetings. After returning home, through cryptic letters, Wally kept in touch with the Saints for the next eighteen years, serving as the Czech mission president in absentia.