Arrival in Liverpool, England

This past week, I returned from a business trip to China. While the Chinese culture is quite a bit different than our own, I also felt a strong reminder that we are also alike in many ways.  On the street  and in the markets, I saw mothers and fathers with their children, I saw people that were quickly moving through the streets on their way to work, and I saw those who were struggling to provide for themselves. While I’m sure there are signifiant differences in thoughts and culture, I think we also have many similarities and an inherent desire to do and be good.

How did Willard feel when he arrived in England?  Of course, the English culture was probably not completely foreign to him as his mother (Maud Mary Treseder Neeley) was born in England.  However, it was a country he had never visited before.

Below are entries from his first couple days in England.  Note the President Grant mentioned below is Heber J. Grant, who was serving as the president of the British Mission of the church, and would later become President of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Nov. 5/04.  Liverpool Dockyards.  Fine day.
We arose this morning.  Took breakfast.  Was towed to the landing pier where we came off board at 7 A.M.
There were come to meet us Elders Anderson and McAlister from the Liverpool office.  After having our baggage inspected, we were conducted to 10 Holly Road, Mission Headquarters.
Pres. Grant and a number of Elders were at the office and gave us a hearty welcome.  A meeting was held at 2 P.M.  Pres. Grant instructed us upon the important positions we were about to assume.  Telling us to keep humble and prayerful.  Be obedient to those over and, and above all to shun evil and temptation.  After meeting we were assigned to our respective fields of labor.  Elder Wootton and I were appointed to labor in the Newcastle conference.  Headquarters being at Sunderland Geo. Elder Wilkins as president. As it was too late to catch a train for Sunderland, we were obliged to lay over in Liverpool till Monday.  This being the case, we secured lodgings at the Iles Hotel.  The remaining part of the day we spent in sight-seeing.

Here's his entry from the next day.

Sunday. Nov. 6 1904. Liverpool.  Gloomy day.
The first Sunday spent in England.  How odd it seems, even in this large city of Liverpool.  Everything is quiet.  Nothing can be heard by the toll of church bells.  Traffic is stopped, even street cars, and railway trains which help to solemnize the Sabbath day.  In fact great lesson is taught to the rest of the world in Sabbath breaking.  How strange it seemed.
Elder Wooten and I went to Sunday School which was held at 10 Holly Road commencing at 11 A.M.  Elder Denniston conducted the theological class.  After Sunday School, we went though the Botanical Park which was beautiful and pleasing to the eye.  We returned at 2 P.M. to attend fast meeting.  We all bore our testimonies to the Gospel and the goodness of the Lord toward us.  After meeting, Elder Wooten and I went in search of a restaurant to get something to eat.  Most the eating houses were closed as it was Sunday, but after a long walk, we succeeded in finding a place to eat.  At 6:30 we returned to 10 Holly Rd for evening services.  The speakers were principally the new arrivals, me being among them, but I did not weary the people long.  After services, we returned to the Hotel and retired.

Clock tower built in 1848 overlooking the Liverpool Docks