Willard’s first six months of his mission were spent in Chster-le-Street and the Pelton Branch. After serving there, he was transferred to Carlisle where he would serve the remainder of his 2 year mission. On his first day in Carlisle, he met his future mother-in-law and future wife, Hannah Atkinson.
Below are his journal entries during this transition time of his mission:
Thursday, May 4, 2905 - Nice day
On coming downstairs this morning, found a letter from Pres. Adams releasing me from my labors in Pelton and appointing me to labor in Carlisle with Elder Everett. I was given two days to get ready … and to visit the Saints and my friends. Elder McFarlane and I sat out to do the visiting as I had no time to lose and Saints were very scatter[ed]. We visited the people at Newfield, West Pelton, and Grange Villa. In the evening attended Mutual at the Store Hall where I preached my farewell sermon. I regreted leaving my friends and work in Pelton, having become attached to it. But I suppose the people were glad to get rid of me. After Mutual we went to Jordans and took supper then home.
Friday May 5, 1905 - Beautiful day
We spent the whole day investing and bidding the Saints goodbye. We first went to Waldridge Fell. Called on Bro. Green. Had dinner then through the fields to Sacriston. Spent the afternoon at Bro. White’s. Took tea while there. Bro. White took my photo. Leaving Sacristan we went by Edmondsly to Grange Villa. Called on Sister Smith and Bro. Wiseman. From there we returned to Chester le St. Visited Bro. and Sister Lindsley. From there we came to lodge. Elder Walter G. Paul who had been appointed to labor in my place was awaiting our return after talking together a while we retired.
Saturday May 6, 1905 - Chester le & Carlisle - nice day
I spent most of the morning packing my trunk. Had it sent by advance luggage. Elders McFarlane and Paul accompanied me to the station. I left on the 1:19 train for Newcastle. Waited in Newcastle an hour then took the 2:55 for Carlisle. The train followed up the Tyne Valley for fifty miles. The scenery was beautiful. Arrived at Carlisle at 4:30. Was met at the station by Elder Choules and Everett. Elder Choules was released to go home and I was to take his place. I [saw] that my trunk was taken to the lodge by a porter. Then we three went to the lodge and had tea. In the evening we went out on the street to hold a meeting. It was held on the Cross on Market place. We had a nice meeting. I was called on to preach. It being my first time on the street, I felt shaky. Elder Choules next spoke. There was a good crowd present. After meeting, we went and listen to a Gospel Hall Evangelist preach. After he finished, we went up and asked him some questions. A long conversation followed. The people crowed around in hundreds. They were very bitter towards us and we received many sneers. I have cause to remember the first real opposition on the street, and I could see I must brace up my shoulders for the future work on the street. Elders Choules and Everett held their own with the opposing through. It was very late when we left the Cross. We went to a family of Saints to call on them. They run a laundry. The lady (Sister Atkinson) and her four daughters. We took supper there, then Elder Everett and I returned to lodge leaving Elder Choules there.
Continued in Volume 2
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Carlisle Cross and Market where Willard Preached
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Sister Atkinson and her four daughters
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