Kensit Preachers and Four or Five Hundred People

Interesting experiences with Kensit Preachers and their congregation.



Thursday, June 1, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

Today being the first of June, also a beautiful day, we through invitation from Sister Taylor to accompany her and company on a picnic party to the beautiful Talkin Tarn.  We were ar the depot at 1:50, teetering there the company as follows: Sister Taylor, her two daughters Mary Lydia and Eva, and a Mrs. Smith, Miss Bashford, and Mr. Fred Wetherel, my companion Elder Everett and Myself made up the company.  After a ten mile ride, arrived at Brampton Station, walking a half mile from there we arrived at the rest.  The lake is very beautiful, surrounded by trees and grass.  Also on its shores are boat houses, boating being the main attraction.  On the opposite side of the lake was the Temperance Hotel where we ate picnic after which we went boating.  Elder Everett and I rowing, it was  fine sport.  After anchoring on shore, we took out leave for the station.  Taking the 8 P.M. train for Carlisle, arriving at the station we bade the company good night.  We came to the lodge, then went from there to Upperby to call on Bro. and Sister Lightfoot.  Had supper there then returned to the lodge about 11:30 P.M.  After prayer retired to rest.

Friday, June 2, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

We spent most of the day indoors today, writing up our journals and studying.  The main events that transpired today was the visit we received from a Church of England Minister who came to call on our land lady (Mrs. Harper) but she not being in, I answered the door and gave the Rev. Carrick R. Deckin an invitation in.  He responded and a Gospel Conversation followed.  But he would not talk a great deal on the Gospel.  After he left, we went to call on a Salvation Army General who had been reading the Book of Mormon.  He said it was just a novel written by man, that it was not inspiring and so on.  Finally, he got on the Gospel.  We let him go on and till all he knew.  Then we started in on him.  Met his argument with good sound scripture and reasoning and in nearly every instance he cut his own throat when he would see he was beat.  He would let in on Brigham Young.  We told him to please leave that dead man along, and defend himself from the scriptures.  Prove to us where the scriptures teach [peniten?] forms and why they did not teach baptism, repentance, and the reception of the Holy Ghost, we told him.  Well did the prophet Isaiah say 24-6 "They will transgress the laws, change the ordinances, and break the everlasting covenants." Paul to Tim, "The time will come when they will to endure sound doctrine, but after the own lusts heap to themselves teaching having itching ears. And they shall turn away from the truth and be turned unto fables." We bore our testimonies to him and left.  We called on a lady by the name of Mrs. Walkder.  Had a chat with her and her husband after which we came to lodge.  After prayer, we retired.

Saturday, June 3, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

We were not able to go tracting today, therefore spent the forenoon and part of the afternoon in study.  About 4 o'clock in the evening went down to call on an investigator (Mrs. Glesbee).  After returning from there, we went to the barber.  I had a hair cut.  From there went to call on a Church of England Minister.  I loaned him my Book of Mormon.  Had a short conversation with them, then returned to Atkinson's.  Had tea.  Came down to hold street meeting, but the Kensit Preacher occupied the Cross [Carlisle Market Cross] and did not close till 10 P.M. which was too late for us.  We left.  Went to Atkinson's then returned to the lodge.

Sunday, June 4, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine weather.

Arose this morning at 10 A.M.  Came down stairs.  Wrote a letter to Pres. Adams.  At 2 P.M. we went to the Hall to be ready to commence Sunday School. It being fast day day, time was occupied in testimony bearing. A good spirit prevailed.  The Saints bore strong to the Gospel.  After S.S. [Sunday School], we went to Sister Atkinson's for tea.  Returning at 6 P.M. for evening services, we had a good meeting.  I was first speaker treating the Holy Ghost.  Elder Everett occupied the remainder of the time distinguishing between Latter-day Saint  doctrine and the doctrine of the world.  After our hall meeting, we went out on the street to hold [a meeting] but found conditions unfavorable to begin a meeting.  Then, as the Kensit preachers were occupying the place, we waited a half hour till they finished.  Then we began.  The Kensit congregation came over to us.  After we sang, prayer was offered.  Elder Everett was first speaker and he spoke fine.  An excellent spirit was manifest.  All present paid strict attention.  I spoke next while Elder Everett passed tracts.  During the course of the meeting, we were opposed by the Kensit preachers, there being about ten of them.  We told them we would answer any reasonable question if they would accompany us to no. 47 Scotch Street after our meeting.  They agreed.  When we closed, we went to the Hall.  By the time we arrived, there were about four or five hundred people waiting patiently to get in to hear the discussion.  A policeman was at the door to keep order.  When we arrived, the police said "clear away and let these gentlemen in."  As we passed him, we told him not let any one in except the Kensit preachers.  About 20 crossed in and we locked the door on the remaining throng.  Entering the hall, we lit up and prepared to meet our opponents.  When all was in readiness, they presented their question.  Baptism is not essential to Salvation taking their text from 1 Corinthians 1-17.  Paul said, I came not to baptise, but to preach the Gospel.  This we met very easy.  There were other questions they asked and we answerd these without much difficulty. John 3:5 we were asked to explain which we did.  We remained with them till about 11 o'clock at which time they left and we departed to the lodge.  Retired afterwards.


Monday, June 5, 1905.  Carlisle.  Cloudy.

This forenoon we went to the photographers to see about some photos.  From there we went to the Park.  Spent the forenoon in study.  Leaving there we went up around the Castle.  Walked up the trail Mary Queen of Scots trod for recreation during her eight years of imprisonment in the Castle.  We spent part of the afternoon studying.  In the evening we called on Sister Atkinson and family.  Returning at 11 P.M. retired to rest.

Tuesday, June 6, 1905.  2 Aglionby St. Carlisle.  Cloudy.

Forenoon was spent in writing up my journal. Afternoon we studied till 7 P.M. after which we went down to the Cross to listen to the Kensit preachers.  From there we called at Bro. Armstrong's.  He not at home, we went to Bro. & Sister Sanders.  Spent an hour there.  Then went to Sister Atkinson's.  Had supper then returned home.  board 8-5.

Wednesday, June 7, 1905.  Carlisle.  Warm but windy.

Spent the forenoon in the lodge.  In the afternoon, took some tracts and went to Upperby.  Visited a few homes with tracts, then went to Sister Lightfoot'd.  I cobbled by shoes.  Also, Elder Everett's supper was prepared and we partook of it.  At 7:30 we left for Atkinson's to hold Mutual. After Mutual we remained a while.  Returning home about 11 P.M. and retired.

The Walk Through the Country Lanes and Fields Was Grand

Some interesting nuggets.

- helped console a mother who lost a young child to a tragic accident (May 28)
- sang a duet with his future wife, Hannah -- a "most striking feature of the program" (May 31)

Thursday, May 25, 1905.  Bonnie Carlisle.  Fine day.

After having breakfast, went down to the River Eden to spend the forenoon in study.  On the river side, the scenery is very beautiful.  Seats or benches are placed there for the benefit of the public.  The grand and trees make it very pleasant for a resting place to study.  Much of our time is spent there in rehearsing scriptures and conversing on the Gospel.  We returned to lodge.  Had dinner, then went tracting, commencing where we left off the day before.  had some fine conversations.  We left off tracting about 6 P.M. in the evening.  Went to visit Sister Taylor and family.  Then on to Upperby to see Sister Lightfoot.  Had supper and retuned about 11 P.M.

Friday, May 26, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

In the forenoon studied and wrote.  Had dinner at 1 P.M. after which we prepared our tracts and went tracting.  The people were very cold and indifferent today.  It was hard to get a conversation with them.  When we finished tracting, we returned to the lodge.  Spent the evening in study.

Saturday, May 27, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

Most of the day was spent in study.  Went to the River Eden.  Returned in the evening and prepared for Street meeting.  After singing and announcing the meeting, I arose and spoke for a while.  Quite a number of people gathered to hear us.  Elder Everett spoke last.  While he was speaking, a drunk came up disturbing the meeting, crying out to Elder Everett "That's not so, you are a hundred miles away," and so on!  Finally we shut him up and our meeting continued.  After which we distributed tracts to the listeners.  After meeting, we went up to Sister Atkinson's to supper.  Returned and went to bed at 11 P.M.

Sunday, May 28, 1905.  Carlisle.  Rainy in the evening

When we arose this morning, found a letter from a Mrs. Clark, an investigator, telling us of the death of her sister's little boy, Christopher Carr.  Telling us if we wished to see him we could by calling at her home.  After we were ready, we set out for her place.  When we arrived, we were shown the little boy, who was 1 yr 9 mo old and had been kicked by a horse.  While there, we consoled the mother of the child telling her of the justice of God in receiving a pure innocent child back into his presence.  It seemed to cheer up.  When we left there, we went to Upperby to take dinner Sister Lightfoot.  From there went to the hall to hold Sunday school.  I presided.  We had a good meeting.  All were prepared with their lessons.  After Sunday School, we went to Sister Atkinson's for tea, then returned to hold services.  I presided and spoke first.  After which Elder Everett spoke.  There were quite a number of strangers present.  A good spirit pervaded.  We did not hold street meeting tonight as it was raining hard, but we remained in the hall till quite late conversing with two young ladies upon the Gospel.  They seemed very interested and desirous of obtaining truth.  The parents of the young ladies were very bitter opponents to us.  After leaving the hall, we went to Sister Atkinson's for supper then returned to the lodge and retired.

Monday, May 29, 1905.  Wetherel.  Stormy in the forenoon.

We prepared to go out to Wetherel this morning, but it rained quite hard till noon.  Therefore, we didn't start till after dinner.  Wetheral is about 5 mi from Carlisle.  Bro. and Sister Porter invited us out.  So we set out after dinner.  The walk through the country lanes and fields was grand.  We enjoyed it very much.  Found Bro. and Sister Porter home.  Spent a most beautiful afternoon with them.  Bro. Porter took us through the garden and we gathered some onions, lettuce, and radishes for tea.  My how we did enjoy ourselves.  About 8:30 P.M. we started back toward home.  Arrived about dark.  The evening was spent in study.

Tuesday, May 30, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

Spent the forenoon in study.  The afternoon in tracting.   In the evening, called on Bro. Armstrong and family.  Had prayer with them.  Leaving there we went to call on Bro. and Sis. Sanders.  Leaving there, called on Sis. Atkinson's.  From there home.  Retired.     Board 7-9

Wednesday, May 31, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

After breakfast, we took our books and went to the riverside to study.  Elder Everett took his paints to do some painting.  At noon we returned.  Afternoon spent in making out our monthly report.  In the evening, we went to Mutual at No. 7 Regent St. in the home of Sister Atkinson.  Meeting commenced at 8 P.M.  All on the program responded.  One of the most striking features of the program was a song by Elder Neeley and Miss Hannah Atkinson.  (Sowing)  Miss Wetherel gave a select reading, after which the lesson (Condition of the Jews at the time of Christ) was treated.  All took an active part.  After mutual we returned to the lodge.

Fine weather

We've been living in Ireland for 9 months now and people love to talk about the weather here.  If a country had a "national topic", then weather would be it for Ireland.  The UK is quite close to Ireland and I'm sure Carlisle, England where Willard was shares some similarities in weather patterns with Ireland.  Many days in Willard's journal are annotated as a "fine day" or with "fine weather".  Speaking of which, Ireland has had several weeks of "fine weather"

Our family is going to the Carlisle Branch next week for church, so are excited to go visit some of the places where our Great Grandfather served and walked.

Monday, May 22, 1905. Carlisle.  Fine day.

We spent most of today in study.  In the evening went to visit Bro. Armstrong.  Then to Bro. and Sister Sanders then to Sis. Atkinson's then home.

Tuesday, May 23, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine day.

This morning we arose.  Had breakfast.  Studied a short time.  Then went to call on a Sister Pane who was ill.  After leaving her place we went to the Carlisle park.  Spent an hour or so there very happily.  On our way home, we purchased some paints and in the afternoon we drew a large map of Palestine to use in our Mutual.  Also studied our mutual lesson.
[Board. 10-6 1/2]

Wednesday, May 24, 1905.  Carlisle.  Fine weather.

Studied in the forenoon.  In the afternoon we went tracking.  Met with good success.  Came in contact with a Church of England minister.  Had quite a long conversation.  I didn't convert him nor he me. although I talked to him very straight.  He addled me on Polygamy, so I took him to the Bible.  Proved to him that it was a righteous practise and was sanctioned by God.  He could not get around it.  Finally, he begged to be excused as he was in a hurry to go some place.  So he said we part friendly.  I bade him good afternoon.  After we finished tracking, returned to lodge.  Had tea and at 7 P.M. went to M.I.A.  Sister Atkinson's Lesson.  Geography of Palestine.  We were just beginning the manual (Life of Christ).  After Mutual, had supper and returned to lodge.

An Old Lady

Sunday, May 21, 1905. Carlisle. Fine day.

We arose this morning, came downstairs, spent the forenoon in studying Sunday School lesson.  At 2 P.M. we went to the Hall to prepare for Sunday School which commenced at 2:30.  We had an interesting school.  The subject we considered was "the Atonement of Christ".  After Sunday School, we went to Sister Atkinson's for tea.  Returning at 6 P.M. to hold  services, Elder Joseph A. F. Everett presiding.  I was first speaker, subject was "Necessity of a living Faith".  Elder Everett then spoke upon Repentance.  After the Hall meeting, we went out and held street meeting on the cross [intersection].  I was first speaker.  Elder Everett next spoke.  We both treated the First Principles.  After we dismissed and was passing tracts around, an old lady came up, crying out: "You terrible Mormons!  How dare you stand up there deceiving the people.  Polygamy!  Polygamy!!  Brigham Young had forty wives."  When we passed our tracts, we left her standing, preaching to the crowd about those deluded Mormons.  We went to Sister Atkinson's, had supper.  Returning to the lodge at 11 P.M., retired.

"I never will forget the experience."

Thursday, May 18, 1905 - Carlisle. Fine weather.

In the forenoon we studied.  The afternoon we spent visiting.  The first place we visited was a lady who is investigating the Gospel.  Stopped at her place about half hour.  Then went to call on a Salvation Army man and leave him the Book of Mormon.  While at his place, we engaged in conversation on the doctrine of the Gospel.  Toward the last of the talk, the army man got warmed up.  We were refuting his doctrine on every hand and he started to run down our people saying all manner of things against them.  We bore to him our testimony, which he would not listen to and left him.  The conversation lasted about three hours.  After leaving him we went to Uperbea to visit Sister Lightfoot and spent the evening with her.

Friday, May 19, 1905 - Carlise. Fine day.

We spent the fornoon in study and in the afternoon we went tracking.  It was five o'clock when we finished tracking and we took a walk down to the river.  Spent an hour or so there on the bank of the river studying then came to lodge.  Had supper, wrote till bed time.

Saturday, May 20, 1905. Carlisle. Fine weather.

Today we devoted most of our time to study, memorizing scripture, and preparing ourselves to meet some points of doctrine that are advanced by the world.  In the evening we prepared to go out on the street to hold meetings.  It was after 8 o'clock when we began singing.  The first hymn which we sang very well (Love at Home).  After prayer we made an attempt to sing, Do What is Right and etc. but pitched it too high.  My what a discord.  How the people did laugh.  After getting through as best we could, I arose to speak. My subject was a Living Faith and I denounced the ideas of "By Grace are ye saved".  After I finished, my companion began to speak.  His subject was the necessity of obeying the Gospel Plan of Salvation.  While he was speaking, I took a handful of tracts to distribute among the people.  When he finished, when he said Amen, he called on me to dismiss.  I turned and laid the tracts behind me on some stone steps.  While I dismissed, a gust of wind came up and my how tracts did fly.  I continued praying till I finished.  The people hurried around and gathered them up for us.  But what a confusion it caused.  I never will forget the experience.  There were some people who were interested in the speaking and we had a pleasant conversation with them afterwards upon the Gospel.  From there we went to Sister Atkinson's to get our laundry then home.

Farewell, Part 2

Tuesday May 16, 1905 - Carlisle - Fine day.

Elder Hazen and I arose.  Took breakfast then came down to No. 2 Aglionby.  Spent the forenoon here.  At twelve forty, we went to the depot with Pres. Adams, Elders Taylor, ad Hazen to see them off for Newcastle.  In the evening, Elders Everett, Choules, and I went up to Atkinson's to spend the evening. Elders Glen and Baird were also present, stopping off here on their return from Scotland.  We spent a pleasant evening there after which Elder Everett and I returned to No. 2 and retired.

Wednesday, May 17, 1905 - Carlisle - Fine day.

We arose this morning at 8 A.M. Had breakfast and spent a short time in the lodge studying.  About noon we went to the station to see Elder Choules off.  He left on the 12:40 train. After bidding him goodbye we went to visit Sister Taylor who lives on the outskirts of town.  Took tea there.  Then returned to the lodge.  Drew a map of Palestine to use in mutual and in the evening went to the Atkinson's to mutual.  Took Lesson 1 in the manual of the Life of Christ.  After mutual, we returned home and went to bed.

Farewell to Elder Choules

Monday May 16, 1905 - Carlisle - Fine day.

Elder Haven and I arose about 8:30 and while Sister Lightfoot was preparing breakfast, Mary Agnes and I got the shoemaker tools and fixed my shoes.  After breakfast we came down to the lodge.  Spent the forenoon in reading about two o'clock P.M., Pres. Adams and I went up to the Lightfoot's to call on them.  Returning to Atkinson's at 4 o'clock as we Elders and the Saints were all going to have our photos taken.  The photographer got permission from a Church of England Minister to let us be taken in his garden which he consented to when we left, the Minister said the grass would grow better for having the Saints on it.  After the photos were taken we Elders took tea at Sister Atkinson's, after which we all went to the Hall, 47 Scotch St. to attend a farewell party given in honour of Elder Albert Choules.  He was released to go home.  We had an enjoyable time.  Program was rendered first after which refreshments were served and the remainder of the time was spent in playing games.  It was eleven o'clock P.M. when we dismissed our party.  Elder Hazen and I returning to Upperby, it was about 1 A.M. when we had prayer and retired.