Remember the Worth of Souls

In Willard’s journals, he doesn’t speak much of his own thoughts and feelings.  They’re more of a narrative of his activities—had dinner, visited a family, wrote letters, went to church, went to the dentist, walked a certain number of miles, etc.  Nevertheless, his narrative provides a glimpse into what his days were like and some entries help remind us why he lived in England for two years.

Here’s his entry from Monday, January 23, 1905:

I spent the forenoon visiting the candidates for baptism and giving them instructions as to how they should prepare, what trains they should take and so on.  I first called at Lindsley’s.  Then to Waldridge Fell [called] on Greens. Took dinner with them. From there went to Grange Villa.  Called of [on] Lilly Theobald’s sister.  Got her consent to Lilly’s baptism.  Also got Lilly’s genealogy.  I called on Sister Collins and a Mr. Strong.  Then went to Sister Smith’s. Bro James Fitches was ill and through request I administered to him.  After taking tea a[t] Smith’s, I went to Newfield.  Found the Jordan’s getting ready to go to Newcastle.  A little later and we all gathered at the Pelton station and took the train to Newcastle.  Arriving there we met Elder Cottrell who had gone in the morning to get things ready.  After waiting a short time other members came on the Durham train.  When all had arrived we took a train to the Snow St. [Street] Baths where the service was conducted.  Elder Cottrell led twelve honest souls into the waters of Baptism.  The confirmations took place at the pool side with the following Elders officiating: Cottrell, Davis, Godfrey, McFarlane, Lowe, and myself.  The persons baptized were Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley and their daughter Rebecca of Chester le St., Mr. and Mrs. Green of Waldridge Fell, Mrs. Jan Jordan, her two sons George & Stephen of Newfield, Sarah Chapman her daughter Elizabeth Studham and her son George Bennett of Crashed, and Lilly Theobald of Grange Villa.  After the baptisms we all returned to the Central Station.  After waiting an hour took the Pelton train for home.

Willard's Journal Entry

Map of where he was this day - Waldridge Fell toward the bottom of the map and Newcastle on the top.

List of those baptized this day