A History of The Lancaster Congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter

A history of Latter-day Saints in Lancaster
A History of the Lancaster Congregation

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints
By James Perry
Acknowledgements
For kind help and advice rendered
Ruth Johnson
Robin Collins
Chris and Sue Mount
Church History Library
Contents
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION

LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN GREAT BRITAIN
THE LANCASTER BRANCH A HISTORY
NEWSPAPERS
57
LEADERSHIP
61
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY - A SUMMARY
62
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY A SUMMARY
63
THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY A SUMMARY
64
CONFERENCE/DISTRICT/STAKE
65
TIMELINE
67
THE EXPERIENCES OF ELDER NEWTON RUMMELL JACKSON
68
MISSIONARIES WHO HAVE SERVED FROM LANCASTER
81
MEETING PLACES
82
HISTORICAL MEMBERS
85
Preface
This first draft is designed to iron out any errors, and to continue the
data collection process. A period of almost 180 years is a long time,
with many, many people, events, and locations to be aware of.
There are of course formatting changes to be made, as well as more
foundational decisions on the structure. As this is designed to be an
in-depth and fairly comprehensive history, more needs to be done
with regards to the last fifty years (1960+), a time of considerable
developments.
James Perry
December 2015
Introduction
Nestled on the southern peripheries of the Lake District,
Lancaster and the surrounding district are home to approximately
138,375 people (2011 Census). Over its history it has played an
influential role in national, regional, and local events, with issues
ranging from slavery, and dynastic succession, to literary, and
religious developments taking place within Lancaster.
This work has a dual purpose, on the one had it operates as a
means of providing context and depth to the history of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Lancaster area, yet it also
serves as a memorial to the efforts and dedication of the men and
women who have lived and practiced the tenets of their faith. Being
comprised of a variety of sources, ranging from personal accounts
and experiences to official reports and publications, the intention of
this work is to provide a detailed framework of the congregation,
including its geographical elements, statistics, key moments,
influential individuals and families, and notable experiences.

This work is in no means a doctrinal or evangelical piece of
literature, whilst terms are defined, a more appropriate means of
learning about Latter-day Saint beliefs is found by speaking to one
of their missionaries, or by visiting the website, www.mormon.org.
The very nature of such a work requires the editing and sifting
of information to include and exclude, as such, it should be
recognised that what is included is but only a fragment of what has
happened over the last 175 years, and begs the apologies of those
events and experiences that are not included, such a
comprehensive task would be nigh on impossible to conduct, not
least because much remains hidden or unrecorded.
James Perry, 2015

jperry89@gmail.com
Latter-day Saints in Great Britain

The arrival and introduction of Latter-day Saints and their beliefs to
Britain was in the summer of 1837, with the arrival of Heber C.
Kimball, Joseph Fielding, and Orson Hyde and others who arrived in
Liverpool on 20 July 1837. Two days later the band of missionaries
headed north by coach to Preston. On 23 July, the missionaries were
invited to preach at the chapel of Reverend James Fielding, who was
the brother of Joseph Fielding. On 30 July, a week after their first
public appearance, nine of Reverend Fieldings congregation were
baptised in the River Ribble, with thousands of onlookers.
The first branch in the United Kingdom was organised on Sunday 6
August 1837, in the home of Ann Dawson, where twenty-nine people
were confirmed.
By 1840 there had been thousands of baptisms, approximately
8,000, although only 3,626 were recorded as being in England, with
thousands more recorded as having emigrated. Nonetheless,
membership continued to grow significantly throughout the 1840s
(see figure 1), until a sharp decline in the 1850s. This decline could
have been a consequence of concerted efforts for the emigration of
5

British converts, increased anti-Mormon efforts, and the introduction
of Plural Marriage and the Word of Wisdom.
The 1851 Census of Religious Worship, a census of places of worship
by the UK Government, identified 224 congregations, with a total
seating capacity for 26,941, and a total attendance of 45,505 on 31st
March 1851. The difference in the seating capacity and the number
of attendees was a result of the multiple LDS meetings held on a
Sunday, a common occurrence amongst religious denominations
during the period. By mapping the 1851 census it is revealed that
the Church had a strong presence in certain regions, notably
Lancashire, South Wales, North Wales, and then parts of West
Yorkshire, however, there were a large number of registration
districts and counties where members were not represented.
Notably areas in the North and East of England, along with a dearth
along the inner southern regions. It should be mentioned, as Cynthia
Doxey does, that a significant number of LDS meeting places would
have been meeting in homes or rented rooms, as a result, these
smaller congregations were often overlooked or ignored.1
1 Cynthia Doxey, The Church in Britain and the 1851 Religious Census, Mormon
Historical Studies, Vol. No. (2013), 108.
The latter half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the
twentieth century saw very little growth and expansion, although
missionaries continued to serve faithfully, most members tended to
emigrate to the US, with the church in Britain remaining stagnant in
its numbers and strength.
It was with the arrival of the 1960s and with renewed efforts by
Church leaders that saw a significant increase in the number of
members in England. The membership growth during this period
was due in part to the efforts to discourage emigration, the
dedication of the London England Temple, and a stronger emphasis
on public relations.
The Church has continued to witness a significant increase in
members in England and the rest of the United Kingdom, and as of 1
January 2015, membership in the United Kingdom came to 186,193,
in 335 different congregations.2
2 Mormon Newsroom, Facts and Statistics: United Kingdom, available at:

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/facts-and-statistics/country/united-kingdom/,
accessed 13 December 2015.
Figure 2: Latter-day Saint Membership Density 1851 Census of
Religious Worship
The Lancaster Branch A History

1840s
Lancaster was one of the locations identified by the Church leaders
as suitable for future expansion and the first missionary was
assigned on 6 July 1840, almost three years after the arrival of
missionaries to Great Britain. It was at a General Conference of the
Church held at the Carpenters Hall, Manchester, on the 6 July 1840,
that Elder Robert McBride was assigned to labour in Lancaster by
Elder Heber C. Kimball, which was seconded by Elder Willard
Richards.3
Elder Robert McBride was born circa 16 November 1803 at Rothesay
on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, and baptised 1 August 1837 at the
River Ribble, shortly after the first baptisms had taken place.4
Figure 1: Robert McBride First recorded missionary in Lancaster
3 Millennial Star, Vol. 1, No. 3 (July, 1840), p. 71.

4 Robert McBride, available at: https://familysearch.org/photos/stories/871803,
accessed 15 December 2015.
Robert McBride baptised Sarah Lishman on 8 September 1840.

Sarah had four children, and was a widow when she was baptised.5
It is possible she may have been one of the first LDS converts to be
baptised in Lancasters history.
Elder McBride did not appear to labour long in Lancaster. After being
assigned in the July he wrote to Elder Parley P. Pratt, and Elder
Brigham Young in the October of 1840. In the letter he said;
Dear Brethren,
I had a letter from Lancaster and the brethren wishes to
see me there again, but I have to say that I could not get the
favour of of that people I seem? I seem? To them as a root out
of a dry ground, I am in in work here at present so that I
cannot rightly leave to go to [lon?] found this week will finish
our work here at present for what I know and when I get
employment I will preach the gospel until I be more at liberty.
Bro Smith or Bro Whitehead will represent the church at
Lancaster.
I have nothing more particular to mention [thy off Bro
Headlock to them, I wish him to come and see me at
Churchtown and stop a few days with us if he can have an
appointment, if not to send word if he has seen my parents at
Rothesay.
My kind affection glows in my breast to you and our
prophet, and also the rest of the Saints that are faithful they
shall have my [favour?] here upon earth, or in heaven above.
The Lord help you. Yours in the E. lc Robert McBride. Oct 5th
18406
5 See Historical Members for more information.

6
10
His work and family commitments appear to have limited Elder

McBrides ability to serve in Lancaster, nonetheless he served
faithfully in the Churchtown branch, near Southport, where he and
his family lived for a number of years prior to their emigration.
Elder McBride had connections to the various early church leaders,
in December 1840, he received the following letter from Apostle
Heber C. Kimball;
London, December 17, 1840
Dear Brother Robert in Christ and to all the Saint in
Churchtown and Southport:
Greetings, and may God bless you wit peace, love, joy long life
and the good things in this life and in that which is to come, and I
say unto you all if you will be faithful and keep the commandments
of God you shall go to that land before long and I shall see you there
[in America] and eat and drink with you and when this time comes
to pass then you will know that I told you these things. Now, my
dear brothers and sisters, let your hearts be comforted, for all things
will work for good for them that love the Lord and keep his
commandments. I would say one word to Alice for her comfort, be of
good cheer for the time will come when your loss will be made up,
for you will have your little one in the next world. You say it has got
through with its troubles. When you begin to see what is coming in
the world you will rejoice. I have lost two, Sister McBride has lost
two.1 We know how to sympathize with you. Be of good cheer, for
all things will go good with you in the end.
11
I received your letter this morning. Was glad to hear from you. It
was written part by you and part by An.[Margaret Ann?] McBride.2
I feel glad to hear of the prosperity of the work in that part. I say
Brother, roll it on till thou hast gathered out thy people and prepared
them for thine own use that thy servant may see them crowned in
the Celestial world in the presence of the Father and son where we
can see each other face to face, where death mourning, sorrow, pain
will be swept away for Christs sake, Amen.
The work is going on steady here in the great city. I have baptized
five since I came here, Elder Woodruff baptized four before I came. I
baptized four last evening. There are others hanging by the gills that
will come in soon. The only way is to have patience with the
generation. If we were merciful with them the Lord will be merciful
with us, for he says as we measure to them it shall be measured to
us again, so let us do good the rest of our days, for this is the law,
this is what the Lord has placed us on this earth for, to do all the
good we can to each other.
You say you have the gift of tongues, then I am glad, but I wish to
give you some counsel, that is, not to speak before the world but it
is for the edifying of the Church. When you speak let is be when the
Church is together, as part of it; when there is an elder and a priest
present; and open your meeting with prayer then all things will be in
order and the devil will not have power over you. All the meetings
are to be led by the Elders as they are led by the Holy Ghost; it is
the Priesthood that governs the Church and not the tongues. You
see the I have much love for you and that all things may be right
before God. I have had some experience in these things. If all things
are done right at first and do not have to undo what we have done. I
know you want to do right and this is the reason I want to give you
counsel. Pray for the gift of wisdom. The Lord is pouring out his spirit
on all the churches. The work is spreading in all parts of this land,
not only here but in the land of America. On the third day of October
the Church held a conference that continued for three days. There
were five thousand people. There were so many baptized there were
ten elders in the river baptizing at once. Such a time has not been
known since Christs day. The glory of God shone upon them
The Church is growing through England, Scotland and Ireland.
The work will be great and powerful in these places. Great and
terrible trouble is coming to the inhabitants of America, that one
year will bring much of it to pass. Read this epistle to the Church
and not to the world.
You know that the Prophet Joseph told us of the Nephites and
that Moroni came with the plates that contain the Book of Mormon.
Speaking of your situation and of the work in Lancaster If you
are in a situation to go to America, you go. It is not wisdom to go
without your circumstances will admit (permit), but you know your
12

own situation. When you go there let them support you, if they will
not, learn them, you know the labor is worthy of the hire. Go ahead
and the way will be open for you. And it is your privilege to go when
you can.
I must close. Elder Young only stayed a little more than a week.
He has gone to Hirilpond Shire. I didnt expect to stay here when I
came but the spirit said it was wisdom for me to stop and the
brethren thought it best.
Elder Woodruff is here and sends his love to you all. Give my love
to your wife, Brother John and his wife, Brother Laide and his wife
and all the Saints for I have much care for you all. Please read this
to the church. May God bless you forever. I need your prayers and
you shall have mine. Give my love to Mother Dickerson. When you
receive this please write. I remain you brother in Christ.
(to Robert McBride)
H.C. Kimball7
The first mention of the Lancaster branch as an organised unit

comes from a meeting held on 15 May 1842.8
In 1846, Elder Oliver Boardman Huntingdon, a missionary serving in
the British mission recorded an experience where Elder John Taylor
visited him in his lodgings, followed by a short discussion, after
which John Taylor went to Lancaster before later returning to
Liverpool.9 Later Elder Huntingdon records how on one occasion
whilst heading to visit the Kendal, Holme, and Lancaster branches,
the train he was on did not stop at Lancaster and went straight to
Kendal, a place which he described as a very rough looking town.10
7
8
9 Diary of Oliver Boardman Huntingdon Book 5 (1846-1847), pp. 31-32.
10 Ibid, pp. 64-65.
13

Later Elder Huntingdon did succeed in making it to Lancaster, and
described some of the experiences in his diary. to my surprise, in
stepped Bro. Wm Wignal from
Preston, into the same
carriage I was in, when there
was a dozen others he might
have got into as well. He was
going near to Holme and
when we got to Lancaster I
persuaded him to go with me
to Holme and spend the
Sabbath. We searched for
Brethren in Lancaster but
found none, so we walked on,
13 miles to Holme, where I
Oliver Boardman Huntingdon, later in life, Unknown. found the Saints in a bad
condition; low and dull spirited; had no meetings for want of being
rebaptized. The Presiding Elder Thomas Beck was of little energy
and force, while his wife ruled him, and others contended as they
would with one another.11
Tuesday July 15th I returned to Holme and preached in the evening
and comforted the Saints much, and they were very fond of me
there saying that no Elder had ever been there and done as much
good as I had and none they loved so well, but now they had to take
the parting hard, and early Wednesday morning I started and walked
13 miles to Lancaster where I got dinner with a Brother Robert
Young who was living in tally and after eating he went with me to
get an order from a County justice, which when presented to the
keeper of the Castle would take me all through it, but none of the
justices were at home and I had but little time to spend, so I
contented myself with walking twice around it and seeing all there
was on the outside to be seen. I think it covered 3 or 4 acres of land
and all of solid stone, or made nearly solid by cement. It was truly
an interesting & romantic scene to me, and at one side close by side
of the wall was a pond of water surrounded with trees -------------That night Bro. Jacobs & I had a good meeting at John Newshams.12
In the General Conference of the Church held in the Music Hall,
Liverpool, on the 6th April 1844, it was reported that the Preston
Conference was represented by Elder John Banks, and included the
units of Preston, Lancaster, Kendal, Brigsteer, Holme, Heskin,
Hunters Hill, Euxton, Leyland, Southport, and Longton; comprises
594 members, 1 high priest, 16 elders, 23 priests, 17 teachers, 4
deacons. Baptized since last general conference 21.13
11 Diary of Oliver Boardman Huntingdon Book 7 (1847), p. 13.
12 Ibid, pp. 64-65.
13 Millennial Star, Vol. 4, No. 12 (April, 1844), p. 195.
14

In the General Conference meeting held at the Hall of Science,
Manchester, on 6th April 1845, it was reported that the Preston
Conference was represented by Elder Leonard Hardy, including 10
branches, viz., Preston, Lancaster, Kendal, Brigsteer, Holme, Heskin,
Hunters Hill, Euxton, Leyland, Southport, and Longton, including
505 members, 16 elders, 24 priests, 15 teachers, 4 deacons;
baptized since last general conference, 21.14
The branch then sadly disappears from the records of the Church
during the late 1840s.
1850s-1880s
There was no recorded LDS presence in
the 1851 Census of Religious Worship. A
newspaper article does record an AntiMormon lecture in Holme in 1852, with
members of the Church being in
attendance.
The next reference to Lancaster isnt until
1880, when Elder James Lovett Bunting
visited President L.J. Nuttalls family in
Lancaster on Thursday 29th January 1880.
They lived on Church Street in Lancaster
and were President Nuttalls cousins. L.J.
Elder James L. Bunting, Unknown
Nuttall was a prominent member of the
Church and served as personal secretary to Presidents of the
Church. After touring the Asylum, they returned to the Dawsons
(President L.J. Nuttalls family), and were treated quite coldly. She
had secured them some accommodation at the White Heart, but the
family, who were Catholics, had kept the daughters in the back,
afraid of letting them make acquaintance with the missionaries.15
In March, Elder Bunting returned again to Lancaster and visited with
President Nuttalls relatives. He visited a seed store on Market Street
that was run by Mr and Mrs Nelson, who were President Nuttalls
uncle and aunt. He found the Aunt to be in very bad health and was
a cripple.16
Later, in March of 1880, Elder Bunting visited President Nuttalls
family again, to find them in much better health. They also visited
14 Millennial Star, Vol. 5, No. 11 (April 1845), p. 166.
15 Diary of James Lovett Bunting, Vol. 3 (1879), pp. 77-78. James Bunting was an
English convert to the Church, and had been born on 5 October 1832 in
Attleborough, Norfolk, he later emigrated to the U.S. and arrived in Utah on 21
June 1858. Bunting served a mission as an older man, and left his family in the
U.S. whilst he did. His family were staunch Wesleyan Methodists and opposed him
following his decision to join the church. He later served a second mission for the
Church in England in 1893.
16 Ibid, p. 124.
15

John and Chs. Pyes, with whom they also had
dinner. They talked with a John Kew about the
signs of the time and the Latter-day work. They
were invited to come again and he left them
some tracts. They visited Mrs Maggie Pye, and
her daughter, at the Kings Head, Chapel Street,
Lancaster. Elder Bunting also visited President
Nuttalls relatives who were in the Asylum,
including a Mr and Mrs Standen. He had a letter
from President Nuttall which he read to all of the
family members he visited. Elder Bunting visited
a number of other individuals around Lancaster,
and left a positive impression on President
Nuttalls family.17
1880s-1899
President Leonard John

Nuttall, Unknown
In the 27th August 1883 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
by Elder Henry Leyland that Since you went on the Continent,
President W.F. Smith and I went to the north end of our District,
around by Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, and have opened that
part of the mission again. Elder Druce and I (after President Smith
had left me) found some stray sheep who had been looking for an
Elder from Utah for several years, and had found none until we
came, and through our holding open air meetings they happened to
hear of us, as the whole country seemed to be awakened after we
had been there a few days. Many up there are willing to listen to us,
and seem to be favourably impressed towards us. Several of the
reverend divines came to oppose us, and even threatened us, and
the Sunday before we came away they challenged me to a public
discussion. I accepted, and they notified the public there and then
that they would furnish the hall, come and make the arrangements
with me, and then let them know when and where it was to come
off. The next day we took a stroll into the country, to visit other
places and find some Saints and relatives of mine whom we had
heard of. We held meetings at Askham, where we found a good old
faithful sister and some of her sons, and some relatives of mine,
who treated us very kindly and gave a standing invitation for the
Elders to call upon them.18
The next reference to Lancaster came in the form of a letter in the
Millennial Star dated 2 October 1884, Elder John W. Thornley wrote
as follows;
On the morning of Sept. 5th, I left the town of Preston and walked to
Lancaster, 21 miles, where I met Brother L. J. Nuttall, Jun., who had
preceded me on business. We directly took our stand in the market
17 Ibid, pp. 131-133.
18 Millennial Star, Vol. 45, No. 35 (27 August 1883), pp. 557-558.
16

place, and raised our warning voices to the people for the space of
half an hour, when we were compelled to desist by a minstrel troupe
taking their stand close by and robbing us of our listeners. The
following day we started for the northern towns, viz.: Carnforth,
Bowness, Dalton-in-Furness, Barrow-in-Furness, and intermediate
places, holding meetings when opportunity was afforded.19
Later, in a letter in the Millennial Star dated 3 June 1885 from the
now President John W. Thornley of the Liverpool Conference, who
described some of the conditions of the local area;
I have been thinking that a few lines from here would not be out of
place, in order to let the readers of the Star see how the good work
of the Lord is progressing in this part of his vineyard. As may be
known to some, the teaching of the Gospel, for many years past,
has been little pursued in this neighbourhood, inasmuch that many
of the people here had never seen an Elder or heard him speak.
There being several towns, each with a population of from 25,000 to
60,000 people in them, I thought it prudent from advice given by
our worthy President of the Mission to break up new fields of labor
and sound the Gospel message in the ears of those who had never
yet heard it. Last evening, on Lancaster Market, we had more
indifference shown us; nevertheless, we had a good meeting, and at
the close, one local preacher, of the Primitive Methodists, walked
with us down the street to the river bridge, where another of his
colleagues joined him. We were reasoning with them until eleven
oclock, when they gave us their address for us to call the following
evening, that they might hear more of our teachings, as they were
not so sure of being saved, when they got through talking, as they
were in the beginning. I find there are a great many who desire to
investigate. I know not whether they will have the courage that is
required, to come forth and embrace such an unpopular doctrine as
it always was and always will be, until our Lord and Savior shall be
revealed from heaven, with His mighty angels, taking vengeance on
them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ; when He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords;
when everything that offends Him shall be cut off. I feel there is
good to be done in this part; the Elders are buoyant and energetic,
and will sow the Gospel seed and leave the increase unto God.20
It was on Thursday 4th April 1895, Elders Gerrard and Romney were
assigned to the Lancaster District.21
On Thursday 5th November 1896, it was reported at a council
meeting by Elder Parker that the Lancaster District was a new
19 Millennial Star, Vol. 46, No. 42 (20 October 1884), p. 668.
20 Millennial Star, Vol. 47, No. 25 (22 June 1885), pp. 397-398.
21 Liverpool Conference Lib Book #5249:61.
17

district, and that a great work might be performed there. There were
some very earnest investigators there.22
On Sunday 7th February 1897, it was reported that Heber T. Parker,
and Benjamin McCleery were assigned to the Lancaster District.23
On Sunday 25th April 1897 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that On Sunday April 25 1897, a special meeting of the
Latter-day Saints was held in Lancaster, situated in the Liverpool
Conference District. During the preceding week the President of the
conference Elder J W Grace and a number of the traveling elders
went there and distributed tracts and hand bills through the town
and advertised the meeting through the newspapers and by having
large bills posted in prominent places Brother J. H. Riley the only
member of the church in Lancaster also gave his hearty assistance
in arousing interest in the meeting the most commodious public hall
in the place was secured for the occasion and at the time appointed
there was quite a large and very respectable appearing audience
assembled the presidency of the mission attended and took part in
the services all who were present listened attentively to the remarks
made and many expressed their appreciation of what was said
during their brief sojourn in Lancaster several of the elders were
kindly entertained by strangers who were friendly disposed and who
took special pains to make their visit agreeable and pleasant.24
In the 23rd March 1899 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that On 28th February 1899, William Riley, aged 1, died in
Lancaster. William was the son of J.H. and Margarette Riley.25
In the 1st June 1899 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported by
President Merrill of the Liverpool Conference that No doubt, the
many letters of similar character to this, which come from the
various presidents, will lead you to believe that the field is white
already for harvest. In imagination I hear you give the same
admonition as did our Savior in His day, Pray ye therefore the Lord
of the harvest to send more laborers into the vineyard.
Not long ago, I was up at Lancaster and baptized seven into the
church. While there I had the privilege of preaching on two evenings
and from there now comes the cry, Come over and help us. There
are members enough now to start a nice little branch with the
prospects, judging from letters I receive from those who are
investigating, of more being baptized in the near future. It is my
great desire to place two Elders in that city, and there establish a
branch of the Church, and yet with the present very limited number
22 Liverpool Conference Lib Book #5250: 36.
24 Millennial Star, Vol. 59, No. 17(29 April 1897), p. 265.
25
18

of Elders in this conference, I hardly know from which field to get
them.26
In the 3rd July 1899 edition of the Millennial Star, it was recorded that
We extract the following from the letter of a young German lady,
lately baptized in Accrington and now living in Dublin, written to a
friend in Lancaster:
From what I see in the Standard, I just wish I could have a month
with you in these times of opposition, I could let them know that I
am not ashamed of being a Mormon or even a fool for Christs
sake. I hope the brethren will be strengthened from on high, with
power and influence over those who will listen to them, for I do long
to see more souls brought out of darkness into light; I can only pray
for you at present, but as for myself I do rejoice with you because I
have found the ground on which my souls anchor may remain, for I
have got joy and peace within me.27
The Lancaster branch was again organised on 13 September 1899. 28
James Elmer Taylor served as the Branch President of Lancaster,
presumably from its formation, before being released at the end of
his mission in 1900. A biographical extract describes him and his life
as follows; TAYLOR, James Elmer, Bishop of the Levan Ward (Juab
Stake), Juab county, Utah, was born Feb. 20, 1864, at Springville,
Utah county, Utah, the son of Elmer Taylor and Wealthy Ann
Spafford. He was raised in Levan and educated in Juab and Levan
and the B. Y. U. at Provo. He was baptized in 1872, by Eric Petersen,
ordained an Elder about 1885 and a Seventy in 1895 by B. H.
Roberts. In 1895-1896 he filled a mission to Great Britain, laboring in
the Liverpool conference. In 1898-1900 he filled another mission to
Great Britain, during which he presided over the Lancaster branch of
the Liverpool conference. He served as Ward clerk at Juab ten years,
and later, in Levan, he acted as assistant superintendent of Sunday
school and president of the Y. M. M. I. A. After removing to Levan he
became an active worker in that Ward, and in
1902 (Jan. 12th) he was ordained a High Priest and Bishop by
George
Teasdale and set apart to preside over the Levan Ward. Bishop
Taylor has filled many positions of honor and responsibility in the
interest of his fellow-citizens. Thus he served one term as a county
commissioner and ten years on the school board of Juab county. He
also acted as constable in the Juab precinct two years. In 1885 (Nov.
12th) he married Almira Ollerton (daughter of Seth Ollerton and May
Ann Newman), who was born April 7, 1868, in Parowan, Iron county,
Utah. This marriage has been blessed with eight children, namely,
26
27 Millennial Star, Vol. 61, No. 28 (13 July 1899), p. 439.
28 Church History Archive
19

Ann M., Joel E., Vinnie J., Frank S., Mary J., James Orlando, Wealthy
Eva and Olive. Farming and mercantile business are the Bishop's
main avocations. Bishop Taylor has already presided over the Levan
Ward for nearly eighteen years, and during that time, has taken a
leading part in building a meeting house, a modern school building,
a Relief Society building, and at the present time a $15,000
amusement hall is being erected in Levan.29
In the 11th January 1900 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that J.E. Taylor and J.H. Bodily were assigned to labour in
Lancaster as missionaries.30
In the 21st May 1901 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that L. I. Jenkins and H. L. Rigby were assigned as travelling elders in
the Lancaster district.31
In the 10th October 1901 edition of the Millennial Star, Liverpool
Conference President, William J. Facer, gave a report of the
conference and mentioned that We baptized six into the Church at
Lancaster.32
In the 28th November 1901 edition of the Millennial Star, Heber C.
Parker, and Oscar T. White were sustained as Elders assigned to
labour in the Lancaster district.33
that the Lancaster Observer gives a pleasant account of the picnic
given last week under the direction of the Mutual Improvement
association of the Lancaster branch.34
On Monday 25th May 1903, all of the Elders in the Liverpool
conference had their photograph taken, it was reported that James F.
Sheffield and James S. Robson were missionaries residing in
Carnforth.35
On Wednesday 13th January 1903, the Liverpool Conference was
reported as having the following branches; Barrow-in-Furness,
Burnley, Chorley, Great Harwood, Lancaster, Liverpool, Nelson,
Rawtenstall, and Wigan.36
29 Andrew Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia Vol. 3 (1920, Salt
Lake City, Utah), pp. 537-538.
30 Millennial Star, Vol. 62, No. 2 (11 January 1900), p. 26.
31 Millennial Star, Vol. 63, No. 21 (21 May 1901), p. 348.
33 Millennial Star, Vol. 63, No. 48 (28 November 1901), p. 781.
34 Millennial Star, Vol. 64, No. 33 (14 August 1902), p. 521.
20

On March 19th 1903, Tamer and Hannah Gunson from Morecambe
set sail for America with a company of saints and Elders on S. S.
Canada.37
On Monday 25th May 1903, James F. Sheffield, and James S. Robson
were reported to be stationed in Carnforth.38
On Saturday 27th June 1903, it was reported that Elder Elias W.
Crane was appointed to labor in the Lancaster District without purse
or scrip.39
On Saturday 11th July 1903, it was reported that Elder Elias W,
Crane had entered upon his labors travelling without purse or scrip,
and felt encouraged by prospect before him. Elder Robson was
transferred from Lancaster Branch to Rawtenstall Branch.40
On Saturday 29th August 1903, it was reported that Elder Brinton
was appointed to Lancaster with Elder Crane, as it would work a
hardship on the saints of that branch to labor during winter months
without purse or scrip.41
On the 29th October 1903, the paddle steamboat, Columbus,
departed from Lancaster, on board the ship was a company of LDS
emigrants and returning missionaries. Included within this group
was John H. Riley, and his family, who were from Lancaster. The ship
arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 42
On Wednesday 13th January 1904, it was reported that the Liverpool
Conference was divided into nine branches as follows; Barrow,
Burnley, Chorley, Great Harwood, Lancaster, Liverpool, Nelson,
Rawtenstall, and Wigan.43
In the 15th September 1904 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that President Joseph H. Brinton reports eight baptisms,
September 4th, in the Lancaster branch of the Liverpool conference.
There are many investigators and prospects are bright.44
In the 19th October 1905 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that Monday night Elders Bradshaw, Midgley, and I held a
42 Mormon Migration, available at :
http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/showDetails/db:MM_Europe/t:voyage/i
d:146/keywords:Lancaster, accessed : 19 December 2015.
44 Millennial Star, Vol. 66, No. 37 (15 September 1904), p. 587.
21

successful street meeting on the Market Square, Preston, and had
about two hundred attentive listeners. We feel quite encouraged in
our labors, and expect to have baptismal services in Blackburn and
Lancaster in the near future.45
In the 16th November 1905 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that Baptisms at Lancaster. At the Corporation Baths,
Lancaster, November
13th, 1905, three persons were baptized into the Church, Elder W. S.
Willes
officiating. The Elders report bright prospects in Lancaster as a
number are
earnestly investigating the Gospel, and they are also making many
friends.46
In the 7th June 1906 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that "We are also delighted to report that the work is prospering in
Lancaster. On Saturday, May 19th, five persons were baptized in the
Corporation Baths, Elder George Le Roy Rees officiating. They were
confirmed the following day. A district meeting was held there on
Sunday the 20th, and was well attended by Saints and investigators.
We have every reason to feel encouraged in our work in that part of
the Lord's vineyard.47
On Saturday 3rd November 1906, it was reported that LeRoy Reese
spoke favourably of the work in Lancaster.48
On Saturday 8th December 1906, it was reported that LeRoy Reese
of Lancaster branch, in fair condition.49
On Saturday 2nd March 1907, a Priesthood meeting of the
conference was held at Preston, it was reported that; Lancaster
Elders Reese and Rynearson said they had many investigators.50
In the 21st March 1907 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that At Lancaster, on the 13th inst. [March], five converts were
added to the Church. They were baptized in the Corporation baths
by Elder Le Roy Reese.51
On Wednesday 26th June 1907, it was reported that; Baptismal
services were held in Preston when 4 souls were added to the
47 Millennial Star, Vol. 68, No. 23 (7 June 1906), p. 363.
51 Millennial Star, Vol. 69, No. 12 (21 March 1907), p. 191.
22

church. Elder Reese performed the ordinance. Three were from
Lancaster and one from Preston.52
that On Wednesday, the 12th inst. [June], the Saints of the
Lancaster branch, with their friends, held a most successful social.
The party was given as a farewell to Elders Le Roy Rees and E. M.
Rynearson, who were leaving for other fields of labor. The program
rendered by a number of Saints and friends was enjoyed by all. Light
refreshments were also served during the evening. Two large group
photographs of the members of the branch were presented to the
Elders as a token of the love and best wishes of all present.53
On Saturday 19th October 1907, it was reported that; Baptismal
service was held at Preston when three persons from Lancaster and
two from Preston were baptised by Elder F. E. Wadsworth.54
In the 9th January 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that A very successful and largely attended social was held in the
Central Rooms, George Street, Lancaster, on Wednesday evening,
January 1st, 1908, when prizes were awarded to the members of the
intermediate department of the Sunday School, for punctual and
regular attendance. Timely advice was given to the children by Elder
Elbert H. Barlow, who also made the presentations. An interesting
program was rendered, after which refreshments were served by the
sisters. There were a number of people present who are not
members of the Church, and they, together with the saints,
expressed themselves as being highly pleased with the evening's
entertainment.55
In the 6 February 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that On Sunday, February 2nd, special meetings were held at the
Collegian Rooms, Gage Street, Lancaster, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.
President Charles W. Penrose and Elders Edward M. Rynearson and
L. Garrick were in attendance. The hall had been specially engaged
for the occasion; large posters had been prepared and hand bills
circulated announcing the meetings. In the afternoon about sixty
persons, two-thirds -of them non-members of the Church, were
present. Hymn leaflets were provided and were used by the
assembly with good effect. After the opening exercises the
sacrament was administered to the saints, and Elder L. Garrick
addressed the congregation on the first principles of the gospel,
gave an account of his conversion to them and his going to Utah
after traveling over most parts of the globe, where he found the
best people he had ever met with on the earth. President Penrose
23

followed, expounding the principal doctrines of the Church and
holding the congregation in close and earnest attention from
beginning to end. In the evening about ninety
persons were present, a very large
preponderance of them not being Latter-day
Saints. Elder Edward M. Rynearson explained in a
forcible manner the faith of the saints, referring
to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the
Doctrine and Covenants in support of his
remarks. President Penrose then delivered a
discourse on the order and organization of the
Church established by Jesus Christ and His
Apostles, showing that there was a real Church
built up by Christ, and the nature of its
constitution, officers and doctrines. He dwelt
upon the necessity of the birth of water and of
the Spirit, showing that both were essential to
salvation; depicted the falling away from that
Church and Divine authority and the absence of it
Charles W. Penrose
in Christendom and heathendom, and proclaimed
the restoration of that authority and Church through the Prophet
Joseph Smith, bearing strong testimony to the divinity of his mission,
and the outpouring and manifestation of the Holy Spirit in these
latter days. A profound impression was made upon the
congregation, many of whom were thinking people of an intellectual
and religious class, and most of them greatly enjoyed the meeting.
Some fine solos were rendered by two young ladies, and the entire
services were highly satisfactory and caused much talk in the town
on Monday of a favorable character. The meetings at Lancaster are
likely to bring forth much good fruit, and the saints there are greatly
elated over the event.56
President Charles W. Penrose (front and centre) and British Missionaries, c.

1910, Unknown.
In the 12th March 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that We take pleasure in reporting a baptismal service held at the
56 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 6 (6 February 1908), pp. 95-96.
24

Lancaster Public Baths, February 26th, 1908. Elder F. E. Wadsworth
spoke upon the principles of the gospel and exhorted the saints to
prove true to the covenants they had made. Five converts were then
baptized by Elder Roger W. Creer. Confirmations took place
immediately after the baptisms.57
In the 2nd April 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that A baptismal service was held at the Cable Street Baths,
Lancaster, on the 25th ult. About sixty saints and friends were
present to witness the ceremony, which was performed by President
Thomas S. Gregson. Seven persons received the ordinance of
baptism, after which they were confirmed members of the Church of
Christ.58
that On Sunday afternoon and evening last two special meetings
were held in Lancaster (Liverpool conference). President Charles W.
and Sister Romania B. Penrose, Elders William A. Morton, Kenneth R.
Woolley, Garland Pace and Caleb E. Summerhays were in
attendance. At the afternoon service President Penrose delivered an
excellent discourse on "Salvation for the living and the dead," in
which all present manifested a deep interest. "The divine
authenticity of the Book of Mormon" was the subject of an
interesting lecture given by Elder Morton in the evening. He was
followed by President Penrose, who enlarged upon this subject,
adding his testimony to that of Elder Morton that the Lord had
revealed to him that the Book of Mormon is a divine record, and that
Joseph Smith is a true and faithful prophet. There were quite a
number of visitors present, and they, together with the saints,
expressed much satisfaction with the meetings. Monday morning a
goodly company of saints and friends, accompanied by the visiting
brethren and sisters went on an outing picnic to Milnthorpe, the
birthplace of President John Taylor, where a most enjoyable day was
spent. In the afternoon the party hired a waggonette and drove to
Heversham. Through the kindness of the sexton's wife, the visitors
were given access to the church in which President Taylor was
christened, and were also permitted to examine the church records
in order to learn when the event took place. After a diligent search
the following entry was found: "John Taylor, second son of James and
Agnes Taylor, of Milnthorpe, born 1st November, 1808, baptized
December 4th, 1808." Returning to Milnthorpe, refreshments were
again served and an enjoyable impromptu program of songs,
recitations and stories rendered. The day was delightfully fine, and a
very pleasant time was enjoyed by all.59

58 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 14 (2 April 1908), p. 220.
59 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 24 (11 June 1908), pp. 381-382.
25

that On August 3rd, another member was added to the Church in
Lancaster. The ceremony was performed m Morecambe Bay by Elder
Garland Pace. Another baptism was held in the Lancaster Public
Baths, Friday, August 7th. President Crockett was present and
addressed the assembly on the necessity of the sacred ordinance.
Four converts were then baptized by Elder Kenneth R. Woolley, who
afterwards spoke briefly on salvation for the dead.60
that A largely-attended meeting was held in Lancaster on Sunday
evening last, commencing at 0:80. Elders Kenneth R. Woolley,
Garland Pace, and William A. Morton, of the Liverpool office, were in
attendance. The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, a large
number of strangers and investigators being present. Elder Woolley
delivered an excellent discourse on "The Apostasy from the Primitive
Christian Faith," and Elder Morton explained in a clear and
impressive manner the first principles and ordinances of the gospel;
told of the restoration of the gospel and bore testimony to the
divinity of Joseph Smith's mission. There was an excellent spirit in
the gathering, and a
very profitable time was spent.61
reported that The following account of a district meeting held in
Lancaster, on Sunday the 4th inst., is furnished by President Edwin
A. Crockett : "The Lancaster branch has been growing so rapidly that
it became necessary to secure a larger meeting room, and we were
successful in leasing the Victoria Hall, which is one of the best in
Lancaster. The district meeting was the first meeting in the new hall.
There were present Elders Charles T. Lesueur, clerk of the
conference, K. R. Wooley and Garland Pace, who have charge of the
work there, Elder Benjamin R. Birchall of Accrington, and myself.
The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity, about three hundred
strangers being present besides the saints and friends, and the
entire congregation manifested the deepest interest in the excellent,
scholarly address on 'Mormonism,' which was delivered by Elder
Birchall, who was for some time pastor of a Methodist Episcopal
Church in Utah. President Crockett adds: "The elders' reports at the
Priesthood meeting on the 3rd inst. were very encouraging. We
expect to baptize thirty-two converts this month. The saints are
united and the Relief Societies are doing good work."62

61 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 35 (27 August 1908), p. 558
62 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 42 (15 October 1908), pp. 670-671.
26
Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, c. 1910 (Possible venue for the Victoria
Hall).
On Sunday 25th October 1908, there was a Liverpool Conference

held at Preston. On Sunday, October 25th, 1908, at Preston, after
the afternoon service of the Liverpool conference, a meeting of the
Lancaster sisters was held in the Embee Hall. President and Sister
Penrose, Elders Kenneth R. Woolley and Garland Pace being present.
Sister Penrose explained the benefit and manner of organising a
Relief Society, after which it was voted to organise a society of the
Lancaster Branch. The officers were then chosen and presented by
Elder Woolley and sustained by all present. They are as follows:
Sister Rebecca Reid president, Isabella Bell 1st counsellor, Rose
May Horn 2nd counsellor, Francis Moore secretary, Selina Martin
treasurer. Sister Penrose then gave timely instructions along the line
of their duty and explained to all the sisters the necessity of
sustaining the officers by their faith and prayers, also of being
united in their labors. An excellent spirit was enjoyed.63 At the same
meeting it was reported that The conference assembled again at 2
p.m. Elder Kenneth R. Woolley reported the Lancaster branch to be
in a very satisfactory condition, and the people there very favorable
to the saints.64 In the same edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that On Wednesday evening, October 7th, four members
were added to the Lancaster branch of the Liverpool conference.
Prior to their baptism, a brief service was held at the public baths,
Lancaster, at which Elder Kenneth R, Woolley spoke on gospel
principles and ordinances. The converts were baptized by Elder
Garland Pace.65
reported that On Friday evening last, the 13th inst., a baptism was
performed at the public baths, Lancaster (Liverpool conference),
63 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 44, (29 October 1908) p. 702.
27

when two converts were initiated into the fold of Christ. The
ordinance was administered by Elder Kenneth R. Woolley.66
In the 3rd December 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that On Thursday evening last the saints and friends of the
Lancaster branch tendered a farewell social to Elder Kenneth R.
Woolley and Sister Margaret McMurtry. President Edwin A. Crockett
and several elders from other branches were also present. A
program of vocal and instrumental music, recitations and short
speeches, was presented and enjoyed by all present. Excellent
refreshments were served. Elder Woolley was presented with a
handsome traveling rug by the Lancaster saints, who sincerely
regret his departure.67
In the 11th February 1908 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that On Tuesday evening, February 2nd, 1909, a baptismal
service was held at the Public Baths, Lancaster (Liverpool
conference). Appropriate remarks were made by Elder George A.
Parry and Brother H. Jowett. Two candidates were then baptized by
Elder Garland Pace. They were confirmed immediately after.68
that Twenty Years Among the 'Mormons.'" An interesting lecture
on the above subject was delivered by Elder William A. Morton
before a large and appreciative audience in the Victoria Hall,
Lancaster, on Sunday evening last. Elder Morton told how he
became dissatisfied with the teachings of several of the sectarian
churches, of his severing his connection with them, of his prayers to
the Lord to guide him into truth, and how his prayers had been
answered in his conversion to "Mormonism," in which he has found
perfect satisfaction and rest for his soul. He explained the first
principles of the faith of the saints, and recounted some of his
experiences with the "Mormons" in Utah. An excellent spirit
pervaded the meeting, and all present, both saints and strangers,
expressed themselves as being deeply impressed with what they
had heard.69
that The anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society by the
Prophet Joseph Smith, March 17th, 1842, was duly celebrated by the
various societies in this mission March 17th, 1909. A number of
reports of the proceedings have been received, which were of the
most pleasing character. Great interest was manifested by the
sisters, aided in many cases by the elders, social entertainments
were provided and the annual donation from each member received.
67 Millennial Star, Vol. 70, No. 49 (3 December 1908), p. 782.
68 Millennial Star, Vol. 71, No. 6 (11 February 1909), p. 93.
28

The reports that have come to hand were from the following
societies in the order named, viz.: Carlisle, Leicester, Liverpool,
Lancaster, Preston, Sunderland, Dublin, Belfast, Norwich, Stratford,
Bradford, Sheffield and South London.70
In the 29th July 1909 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that On Wednesday evening, July 21st, a baptismal service was held
in the Public Baths, Lancaster (Liverpool conference). Appropriate
remarks were made by President E. H. Williams and Elder Vincent
Bennion, after which four persons were led into the water by Elder
Garland H. Pace.71
Opening ceremony of the Public Baths and Wash Houses, Cable Street,
Lancaster, England, 7 August 1863, Unknown.
"The present baths in Cable Street were presented to the town in

1863 by Samuel Gregson, at that time a member for the borough;
he died in 1865. The baths were enlarged in 1894." To the
inhabitants of his native town. Presented by Samuel Gregson, MP for
Lancaster, 1863.72
reported that At the Public Baths, Lancaster (Liverpool conference),

72 British History Online, Lancaster, (1914), available at:
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol8/pp33-48, accessed:
19 December 2015.
29

Wednesday, September 15th, 1909, three persons were baptized,
Elder Vincent Bennion officiating.73
In the 21st October 1909 edition of the Millenial Star, it was reported
that On Sunday, October 10th, a Harvest Festival was held in the
Victoria Hall, Lancaster (Liverpool conference). The hall was well
filled, a number of strangers being present. Elder Rushby O. Midgley,
who was visiting from the Southport branch, and Elder George H.
Lambert, gave spirited discourses which were appropriate for the
occasion. The remarks were interspersed by a quartette, "Do what is
right," rendered by Elders G. H. Lambert, R. C. Midgley, Brothers H.
Jowett and B. Townson. Brother H. Jowett also sang, "We Plough the
Fields." The hall was tastefully decorated with fruits, vegetables, and
palms, part of which had been contributed by strangers. The fruit
was all carried to the home of Brother Jowett where it was sold, the
proceeds going to the Relief Society. A social was held at the home
of Brother J. Dobson, where four large potato pies were sold, the
funds going to the above-mentioned cause.74
In the 3rd March 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that Elders Lambert and Lindsay report a baptismal service in
Lancaster (Liverpool conference), Tuesday night, February 22nd,
1910, at which seven persons were baptised, Elder George H.
Lambert officiating.75
In the 28th April 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that One of the saints of Lancaster (Liverpool conference) writes:
"The elders in the Lancaster branch are making a great many
friends. On Sunday morning, April 17th, 1910, Elder George H.
Lambert gave a lecture before the members of the Primrose Friends
Adult School, which is run on undenominational lines. The subject
was entitled, 'Christianity Anciently and Now,' and was handled in a
very plain manner, taking up about twenty-five minutes. Discussion
was allowed, and many questions were asked and answered. All who
were present declared it to be the best Sunday morning they have
had since the school was opened some six months ago, and
expressed a desire that the elders would visit them often. We
believe that much good can be done in this way. It was through the
instrumentality of Elder Holmes Jowett who gave a paper on '
Inspiration,' the previous Sunday that we were asked to give our
services. Arrangements are already being made for other lectures,
and we
hope that good may result from them.76

74 Millennial Star, Vol. 71, no. 42 (21 October 1909), p. 669.
30

that On Saturday evening, May 28th, 1910, the saints and friends of
the Lancaster and Morecambe branches (Liverpool conference) met
at their new meeting hall, 85 Church Street, Lancaster, where a
social was held in honor of Elder Vincent Bennion, who has been
released to return to his home. Elder Bennion was the recipient of
some nice presents. All enjoyed themselves and pronounced the
affair a success. Elder Bennion labored in this district for ten
months. His labors were much appreciated by his many friends.77
In the 23rd June 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that The elders of the Lancaster branch (Liverpool conference),
wish it known that they hold services every Sunday evening at 6:30
in the Alhambra Buildings, Lancaster Street entrance, Morecambe. 78
In the 7th July 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported that
The elders of the Liverpool conference and the saints of Lancaster,
had a splendid two days' jollification on Monday and Tuesday of this
week. On the 4th of July the elders met in the regular monthly
Priesthood meeting at Lancasterinstead of Preston, the usual
place and in the evening a social was held where a good,
impromptu program was rendered, elders and saints contributing
numbers, refreshments being served in excellent style by the sisters
of the Relief Society. Good cheer was a feature of the evening. Next
morning, three waggonettes were loaded to their capacity there
were fully fifty in the company and a drive of about eighteen
miles made to Milnthorpe, where is located the old church in which
President John Taylor was christened. It was a most delightful drive.
The scenery was entrancing, beautiful beyond our powers to even
commence a description. Everyone was in good spirits, as the
singing of songs and cracking of jokes joyfully testified. Arrived at
Milnthorpe, all took "tea," which was served by those ministering
angels, the sisters of the Relief Society. After "tea," all visited the
church; then some played baseball in, a field in the neighborhood,
some looked on and others went a mile farther up the road and
visited the beautiful Leven's gardens. A misty rain began to fall
about four o'clock and the company set out for home, making a
short detour to visit the ancestral home of the illustrious
Washingtons made particularly illustrious by the achievements of
General George Washington. At seven o'clock the whole company
was back safe and happy in Lancaster, and soon thereafter the
elders and visitors had taken leave of their generous hosts and were
on their various ways to their homes. The saints of Lancaster, and
Elders Larsen and Crawford and Lambert, with Elder Lambert as
Master of Ceremonies, are entitled to much praise for the truly fine
time had during the two days. Elder S. Norman Lee and Sister Lydia
S. Clawson and family, of Liverpool; Sister Taylor of Carlisle, and
31

Elders H. B. Clawson and Horace Bond of Sheffield conference were
among the visitors.79
In the 21st July 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that The address of the Morecambe meeting place: Alhambra
Palace, Lancashire Street entrance, Morecambe. This information is
for the benefit of saints who may find themselves in Morecambe
over Sunday.
In the 1 September 1910 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that The unmarried sisters of the Relief Society of the
Lancaster branch (Liverpool conference), gave a social and potatopie supper on Saturday. August 27th, 1910. A most enjoyable time
79 Millennial Star, Vol. 72, no. 27 (7 July 1910), pp. 430-431.
32

was had by the saints and their friends, and the sum of sixteen
shillings was realized, which was donated to the organ fund.80
On 2nd April 1911 the decennial census was conducted in the United
Kingdom. In Lancaster there were 4 Mormon Elders recorded;
Pashby Midgeley, John Cameron, O. R. Card, and Clarence L. Shaw.
At the time they were boarders living with Edith Simmonds and her
daughter, Winifred Simmonds. The Simmonds were members of the
Church.
80 Millennial Star, Vol. 72, No. 35 (1 September 1910), p. 558. Note the modern
equivalent would be around 73 in todays money.
33
Elder Alfred Parsons, From Utah, U.S.A, 8 November 1910 (Lancaster Castle/Shire
Hall)
34
Elder O. R. Card in 1911, Unknown.
35
Elders O. R. Card, and Clarence Shaw, Lancaster, April 1911, Unknown.
In the 25th May 1911 edition of the Millennial Star, the following
letter was reprinted [In the midst of persecution, there is distinct
encouragement in
words like the following, which were sent to President Young of
Liverpool conference the day after a crowd of clerical supporters
tried to "rush" the meeting room at Lancaster.]
Lancaster, April 27th, 1911.
Gentlemen,
I have read with shame and sorrow the report in today's Daily
Dispatch of the disturbance made at your meeting-house last
evening, and though 1 am not known to you and have no
connection whatever with any denomination, I feel I must express
my deep regret that any so-called religious people in this town
should act as these men have done.
I had previously read some scandalous writings (of a Reverend)
respecting your religious body, and could not help recalling Hood's
lament:
"Alas! for the rarity,
Of Christian charity,
Under the sun."
You have every bit as much right to spread your faith and make
converts to it as any other body has, and the persecution your
36

people are now having to endure in this country shows me that the
name "Christian England" is a misnomer (in some quarters). All
these loud-shouting people who are raging against "Mormonism "
to-day are near relatives of the Jews who crucified Jesus of Nazareth,
and if He were here to-day He would not spare them any more than
He spared the Pharisees of old. They know not what charity means,
and they have none of the spirit of the carpenter's Son.
I have not given you my name or address, as I have already suffered
enough in this benighted place for my opinions, and I desire peace,
but I felt that I must tell you that there was at any rate one in
Lancaster who altogether abhors and detests the at- tacks being
made upon you by so-called Christians. If your cause be the truth it
cannot fail; at any rate those who are raging against you are
showing in all they do that they have not the Truth nor the Life nor
the Light in them they are surely of their father the devil, for it is
his works they do. So far as I can judge you are far nearer the truth
than your persecutors and traducers, and as a stranger to you, but
one who loves justice and fair play, I say from my heart, "God be
with you and enable you to confound your enemies."
I am, respectfully,
One who thinks with Paul that "the greatest of these is Charity."81
Dated 30th June 1911, Elder A. Swift received soon after receive a
postcard
Dear Bro; Having been honourably released to return home, I sail
from Liverpool per S.S. Lancastrie (?) on the 8th July. Should you
desire to see me, or send aught to your people I will be at 295 on
Friday afternoon. I remain as ever your bro, Elder E. Davis.
that A baptismal service was held on July
12th, 1911, at Lancaster (Liverpool
conference) when five persons were
baptised in the River Lune, Elder Alfred
Parsons officiating.82
Elder Edmond, St. Marys Church, Lancaster,

England, 25th November 1911, Unknown
River Lune, St. Georges

Quay, Lancaster, 1908,
Unknown.
Elder Edmond, St. Marys Church, Lancaster, England, 25th November 1911,
Unknown.
81 Millennial Star, Vol. 73, No. 21 (25 May 1911), pp. 326-327.
37
Elders C. C. Edmonds, and O. R. Card, St. Marys Church, Lancaster, 26 November

1911.
38

reported that A farewell social was given at the Latter-day Saints'
Mission Hall, Lancaster (Liverpool conference), on Wednesday
evening, January 24th, 1912, in honor of Elder D. M. Campbell, who
is returning to his home in Zion. An enjoyable program was
rendered, the main feature being a comic sketch. The sisters of the
Relief Society furnished refreshments for the occasion. The
remainder of the evening was spent in games and social chat.
During the evening Elder Campbell was presented with a beautifully
bound volume of Shakespeare's works, and all present joined in
wishing him God-speed on his homeward journey.83
Elder D. M. Campbell, from Providence, Utah, Unknown.
that A baptismal service was held at the Corporation Baths, Burnley
(Liverpool conference), on Saturday, March 2nd, 1912, at which
39

eight souls were initiated into the fold of Christ, three from the
Lancaster branch, and five from Burnley. Elders Newtown R. Jackson
and Alma J. Larkin officiated.84
In the 16th May 1912 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that The sisters of the Relief Society at Lancaster (Liverpool
conference), were happily surprised Monday evening, May 6th,
1912. After their regular meeting, they were invited into a large
dining room, where Elders Wilford Reeder and Newton Jackson
treated them to a very dainty luncheon. The sisters are to be
complimented on their energetic spirit and the interest that is
manifest in their organization. The elders feel to encourage them in
their good work.85

40
Elder Wilford Reeder, From Brigham City, Utah, Unknown.
41
Elder Newton R. Jackson, From Provo, Utah, Unknown.
42
Elder Newton R. Jackson, 12 April 1913, Arthur Clinton, Preston.
43

In the 26th December 1912 edition of the Millennial Star, the
following article was submitted by a missionary serving in Lancaster
very short time spent in the mission field is sufficient to prove to a
Latter-day Saint missionary that people generally are not at all
anxious to hear his message. This condition is quite surprising to
him at first, for the statements which he makes seem to demand the
most earnest investigation from all who hear them. If his claims be
true, then the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Christ have
in these days been restored in all of their primitive purity for the
immediate benefit and ultimate salvation of mankind. The teachings
of the Latter-day Saints are broad, deep, uplifting, and in perfect
accord with the Bible. As such, they are surely worth consideration
from everyone. Yet how rarely does a searcher come with unbiased
mind and prayerful heart to seek to know of the doctrine, "whether
it be of God," or whether we speak presumptuously.
Our missionaries bear testimony to all the world of the divinity of
the work, and of the great blessings which it has brought to them.
Their lives are worthy of emulation; they have the highest regard for
honesty, truth, morality, and all things praiseworthy. Still, they
arouse only a listless curiosity, sceptical indifference, if not
antipathy and persecution.
Unaccountable as this may seem, we find many examples of similar
conditions both in past and present times. It has become well-nigh
proverbial that many of the greatest men have not been
appreciated or understood until after they have passed way. As
Archibald Henderson says in his biography of George Meredith, "It is
a neglected, rather than a forgotten, fact that the ideas prevailing at
any particular period are of two distinct classes. On the one hand,
there are the ideas which are in everybody's mind the clamant
topics of popular discussion, wide dissemination and general
acceptance. On the other hand, the really fertile and germinating
ideas, which overleap the boundaries of the present and, being
endowed with prophetic potency, herald and announce the future,
are only known to a few, and are recognized by them as the ideas
which the world must shortly be induced to ponder."
History presents many cases of scientists, artists and writers, who
were ceaseless toilers in obscure poverty, each with his sincere
message for the world and unwilling to abandon it to gain part in the
wealth and popularity showered upon less scrupulous or earnest
men. They have often been misunderstood, taunted, even martyred,
for their unyielding love of truth.
If there be any class of men which more than another has suffered
the calumny of the majority of mankind in every age, it is those who
have come in the name of the Lord. "Take, my brethren, the
prophets," counsels St. James, "for an example of suffering affliction,
and of patience." We find the inspired seers of old passing unheeded
44

or reviled and ridiculed, though they brought gracious warnings to
the erring. Noah spent one hundred and twenty years in unavailing
efforts to bring the people to a realization of the calamities awaiting
the unrepentant. The children of Israel frequently displayed a spirit
of rebellion against the commands of the Lord through Moses and
others, although they were abundantly and manifestly blessed when
obedient.
The prophet Samuel was rejected by his people, who clamored for
the rule of an earthly king, instead of the infallible leadership of a
prophet of God. So on down through the ages, until we come to the
time of the Savior Himself. Coming into the world with infinite love
and mercy for all mankind, to live and die for their redemption, He
passed through life in the main unrecognized, being understood only
by a few. "Crucify him!" was the cry of those claiming to be the
chosen people of God, and at their hands he was eventually slain.
Then His disciples were also called upon to meet the opposition of
the world, though the gospel which they proclaimed held out to all
the most glorious hopes and blessings conceivable. In general, their
wonderful gifts and promises proved to be " pearls before swine," for
Jew and pagan alike did all in their power to crush the Church of
Christ, that "sect everywhere spoken against." About 300 A.D. a
pillar was triumphantly raised to the honor, or dishonor, of that
zealous persecutor, the Roman Emperor Diocletian, "for having
everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ; for having extended
the worship of the gods."
Instances might be multiplied, but all evidence points to the
conclusion that many of the best people that ever lived have been
misjudged and often bitterly opposed by the majority of their
contemporaries. Especially has this been the case with those whom
the Lord has called to bear direct and special messages whether
timely warnings or principles of truth and salvation. This fact is
worth consideration by those who wonder about the unpopularity of
the Church to-day, for it plainly shows that general acceptance and
favor are far from being tests of truth. Often we hear statements to
the effect that the wide circulation and common belief of the vile
stories in print concerning the "Mormon" religion and people are
proof that such tales are re- liable. No greater fallacy can be
maintained in fact, the frequent use made of the weapon of
slander by the enemies of the Church proves nothing so much as
that they lack the sword of truth and are consequently forced to
resort to deceit and fiction.
Many who look back upon past events express surprise that such
rough treatment should have been accorded the greatest benefactors of man. "Why did not the people listen to Moses, to Christ, to
the apostles? How stupid they were in those days not to see that
Galileo, Columbus and Newton were right!" Ah, but are you not
stopping your ears against those who are proclaiming the truth in
45

these days. We look upon the past in perspective, we see the awful
results of prejudice, and understand and appreciate, to a certain
extent, the importance of the messages borne to the world by the
great ones of ages that are gone. We are as tourists visiting the
desolate battle-field long after the fray is over and calculating,
undisturbed, just what the vanquished should have done to gain the
victory. No noise, no smoke, nor bloody turmoil confuse our
thoughts; we are able to make our decision calmly, judicially, with
long-accumulated knowledge of the situation at our command. But
appreciation of the really great truths of the present is not so easily
had-. It can only come as we grow up to them by means of careful
investigation and earnest prayer. Prejudice must be laid aside; we
must open our minds to an unbiased consideration of the facts, be
they pleasant or disagreeable. Otherwise the real truth will never be
arrived at.
Under the name of "Mormonism" the principles and ordinances of
the true gospel of Christ are being preached in all the world "as a
witness unto all nations." That they are not commonly understood
or accepted is a regrettable condition, but one that is to be
expected. Blinded by prejudice, being turned from the truth unto
fables, and misinformed concerning our teaching and practice, the
greater number will be a long time in coming to a knowledge of the
truth. But, according to promise, the kingdom of God has been
established in these last days never to be thrown down, being
destined to spread over the whole earth. Eventually, then, our
message will be generally comprehended and received, though at
present but comparatively few recognize its importance. It will
finally overcome the powers of darkness, and the conviction of its
truth will yet enter into the minds and hearts of all mankind. For it is
"like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of
meal, till the whole was leavened."
Lancaster. Hermon J. Wells.86
86 Millennial Star, Vol. 74, No. 52 (26 December 1912), pp. 827-830.
46
British Mission Missionaries, c. 1912-1913
47
Elder Hermon J. Well, From Salt Lake City, Utah, Unknown.
48
49

Elder R. J. Owen, From Midvale, Utah, in Lancaster, England, December 1912,
Unknown.
In the 2nd January 1913 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that On Wednesday, December 18th, 1912, a successful social was
held at 85 Church Street, Lancaster, in honor of Elders Wilford
Reeder and William H. Wheelwright, prior to their departure for
home. A program of recitations and musical numbers was enjoyed
and a beautiful linen tea cloth was presented to each of the elders in
appreciation of their labors in the branch. Refreshments were served
by the Relief Society, after which games were indulged in. All
present seemed to have a pleasant time.87
that On Monday, June 2nd, 1913, a baptismal service was held at
Lancaster (Liverpool conference), when four souls were added to the
Church. Elder John F. Gunn, Jr., officiated.88
reported that A farewell social was held on Wednesday, September
3rd, 1913, at 85 Church Street, Lancaster (Liverpool conference), in
honor of Brother John Bell, who is emigrating to Canada. It was fully
enjoyed by all in attendance, and an appropriate token of esteem
was presented to the departing brother.89
In 2nd October 1913 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that A farewell social was held at 85 Church Street, Lancaster
(Liverpool conference), on Wednesday, September 2fth, 1913, in
honor of Elder John F. Gunn, Jr., who has been honorably released
from his missionary labors to return to his home in Salt Lake City. A
suitable program, including games, was the feature of the evening.
An appreciated token of esteem was presented to him by the
members of the branch.90
In the 23rd October 1913 edition of the Millennial Star, it was
reported that A farewell social was held at the Latter-day Saints'
mission hall, Lancaster, on October 7th, 1913, in honor of Elder
Leonard B. Nielsen, who has been transferred from the Liverpool to
the Leeds conference. A suitable program, including games, was the
feature of the evening.91

50
Elder Leonard B. Nielson, From Provo, Utah, Unknown.
51

reported that A farewell social was held in the Latter-day Saints'
Mission Hall, Lancaster (Liverpool conference), October 27th, 1913,
in honor of Sister Elizabeth Bell and her daughter Florence, who are
emigrating to Berlin, Ontario, Canada, to join Brother Bell, who is
already there. An enjoyable program was
rendered. An appreciated token of esteem was presented to the
departing sisters by the Relief Society of the branch.92
reported that On Wednesday evening, January 28th, 1914, a
farewell social was held by the Lancaster branch (Liverpool
conference), in honor of Elder Hermon J. Wells, who has been
honorably released to return to his home. The program consisted of
songs, recitations, and a short sketch, after which refreshments
were served. A token of love and esteem was presented to him by
the elders, saints and friends.93
In his diary, Elder Niels Anderson writes on 29 January 1914 about
the farewell social on the 28 January;
I might say that yesterday I came to Lancaster to Elder Wells
social. They were all surprised to see me and when I got at the hall,
they all made a rush for me, and nearly fell over themselves to get
to me first. It made me feel good, just as tho I was at home, we had
a nice program and a scetch, I sang the mission call and Shall I be
forgotten, I slept at Sister Reids that night, Mr Reid said it seemed
like home to see me, it sure made me feel fine to get off to the old
invironment again and see the old saints again, I felt as tho my
efforts had been appreciated by some in England. This morning I
went over to the lodge and we all sat talking on various points of the
gospel and after dinner we went to Morecombe to tract, while I was
tracting I called on ister Hartly. The Josephites had been at her, and I
had to set her right, I also sang her my song, we then went to Bro &
Sister Lancasters for tea, and enjoyed the evening in singing songs
and telling our experiences, they all told me of my improvement
since I was there last, and complimented me on the way I got
around the ooposition I hve been in contact with, we all walked
home, another instance I must not forget was that while we were
having prayers before going to bed, the cat climbed up on
Presidents back and stood there with head and tail erect, and
Labrum prayed for everybody and every thing for the longest time
out, the whole scene brought to my mind a cartune [cartoon] I once
saw, with the deacon praying with the cat on his back and the kids
fighting which was to me typical of some real facts and was very
92 Millennial Star, Vol. 75, No. 47 (13 November 1913), pp. 751-752.
52

humourous to me. I had all I could stomach, especially when Elder
Labrum kept praying so long.94
Saturday 30 May 1914
Then came to Lancaster and joined Elder Camron in tracting an
anti-Mormon play called The Mormon and his Wife, it all went off
very quiet no trouble at all.
Sunday 31 May 1914
Today all morning I went walking around with a stomach ache, till I
had to keep on the move like a Hyena to keep concentrated at noon
I felt a little better, I then went to Sunday School here in Lancaster
and it seemed nice to see all my old friends again and I must say I
felt a spirit of appreciation among all the saints for my visit, they all
spoke of it as a real treat. Too make my visit typical we sang some of
the old songs I used to teach them. We took our lunch to the hall
with us, and at night meeting I spoke 50 minutes on Christs
Winmoving (?) Fan, and the signs of the Time, and they all seemed
to enjoy it very much, After meeting we went out and held a street
meeting on the old market square, With Elder Camron and it was
sure funny, After we sang Oh My Father, Elder Camron stood on the
town hall steps, and spoke for a while, it was hard for him to hold his
crowd as he was back away from them so far, and he had to talk so
loud so when I started I got right down on the street and when I had
a nice crowd around me, an old drunk came staggering into the
middle of the circle, that was formed around me, there was a little
dog barking at his heels and it made the crowd laugh, he then
began to run against me, and then turn around to the people and try
to mock me in affront and justice, I appealed to the crowd several
times tot ake him away, but no one moved, till he fell on the street
in front of me, they then took him away for a while, but I had hardly
started well again, till he was back a doing the same thing, but this
time when he went to lean against me and got hold of my legs, and
the tail of my overcoat, and hung with it and with a death grip, till
some one came and got him away, by this time I had an awful big
crowd around, so it proved good in that way that I got a crowd, I
then used the event as an illustration and gave them a good sermon
on L, L, S, Character, and the restoration of the gospel, and put a
few questions to them on the godhead, I had the sympathy of the
crowd, and their attention, and the whole scene though made, may
result in a lot of good in some honest souls heart, we then took tea
with Sister Reid.
Monday 1 June 1914
Today the first thing I did was to write a letter home. We then went
and attended the Lancaster Sports in the Giant Axe Field, and they
were sure good, this took up all the afternoon. The features were the
foot races and especially the 2 mile one which was run very good,
94 Diary of Niels J. Anderson (1913-1914), p. 20.
53

the bicycle races were also very good, and the athletic
demonstrations were very good, and the police races and fireman
races. After tea we went up to visit Mr Bowkin and family and spent
a fine evening, Mrs Bowker had been to Settle and Ingleton, but got
back at 9 oclock and just before I left, Mr Bowker acknowledged
before Elder Camron that I had taught him a lot of things and what a
warm feeling he had towards me, and that since we met he had
defended the L. L. S. when ever he got a chance. We had supper
with them, and they told me to be sure to bring my wife to see them
when we got our chance, we left them feeling fine.
Tuesday 2 June 1914
Today I stayed in and studied in the morning and also listened to
Winnie Simmonds place the old pieces I used to enjoy. After dinner
we went up to visit Spidels and Bateman. But they were not home,
so we visited Dobsons, also Robbinsons, and I also called on a friend
on Cable St. Mr Cocking, no. 42 that I had made up here tracting,
she invited us in and told us how much she thought of the Elders of
the L. D. S. We then came to Sister Reids and had tea, and spent the
evening listening to Elder Camron talk about the stampedes in
Dixie, and all the local transcations that even took place down there,
all in all its been a day of visiting, and I suppose it has done its
share of good.
Wednesday 3 June 1914
Today the first thing we did was to visit Annie Spidel [Speidel] and
Bateman and got Elder Camron acquainted with them, We then
went to Bells and got an account of how they were departed, we
then went to Morecombe and had dinner with Sister Lancaster, and
Sister Needam also came in, we then spent a little while on the
promenade and then I came to Lancaster as soon as I could, I then
took the train for home
Tuesday 7 July 1914
Today we got up early and went to Lancaster for Priesthood
meeting and it was sure a ..? We all gave our own reports and then
we had a few minutes admission, we then formed in a sort of a
class and Elder Effertson then introduced a subject for us to debate,
called the suffering world, and the justice of God. It was sure
interesting. We all took part in the debate, I won out in both stands I
took, one was that God was not omicient in the literal sense of the
word, and the other was that suffering so pain was beneficial to the
world. We had a social at night, after which I went and slept at Bells,
they were sure tickled to see me, and treated me fine.
Wednesday 8 July 1914
Today we all got up early and went to Beetham in wagonettes which
was a pleasant ride, Elder Nielson, I and the four girls from
Lancaster rode in one little cozy wagonette, and on the way back
54

Elder Effertson took Nielsons place and we then had the same crowd
to same buggy and we had a real foolish jolly time all the way home,
we played ball while at Beetham, and the juniors won, I was umpire,
we got back at 10 oclock at night, I omitted saying that all the
saints took picknick, and we are it in a bowert we walked around to
the fairy steps and all in all we sure enjoyed the day. A few
investigators were with us.
Wednesday 30 December 1914
Today the first thing I did was ride my bicycle up to see Winnie
Simmonds, who was staying at her aunts on Accrington Road, they
received me very nice, and showed me a good time. Note; Winnie
Simmonds was a member from Lancaster, Elder Anderson had
stayed at her home whilst serving there.
Tuesday 5 January 1915
Today the first thing I did was to go down to the big rope factory to
get some rope for my trunk. I also had a few last glances around
town, soon after dinner, I took the train to Lancaster. I arrived there
at give oclock, I found the Elders all well at Reids, they were very
pleased to see me, Siser Neadom (?) was also there night we
went up to Mr Bowkers to spend the evening. They were all home
and very pleased to see me, we spent the evening in singing and
taling on various subjects, especially on my missionary experiences.
Mr Bowker practically acknowledged that Mormonism was true, it
sure seemed like old times to be with them again. I have sure left a
lasting impression with them. Mrs Bowker is like a real old mother.
Mr Bowker said I had been the only one he has come across for
many a year that he could converse with soul to soul he said it was
a precious gift of God; he looks just like Emilys father did. I gave
them my photo and they promised to send me theres.
Wednesday 6 January 1915
Today we visited Brother Bells, Dobsons, Jacksons, Mr Bateman,
and splendids daughter, Annie, this took up the whole day. At night
they held a social for me at the Hall, all the Saints were out, we
spent a fine evening. Bowkins also came down and took part with
us in the social in singing and playing games, I was presented with a
nice cushion from the branch & Bowkins gave me some nice Dresser
gloves for my wife & they both wrote a token of remembrance in my
autograph, the Hall was especially decorated for the occasion so it
looked very nice & I felt highly renowned which I was called upon to
give a little speech I remember how my emotions were aroused
saying goodbye was very hard for me to the Lancaster Saints, as it
was my first branch & one always holds dear his first
acquaintances.
Thursday 7 January 1915
55

Today I got up very early and took the train from Lancaster to
Burnley again, Ill never forget how hard it was for Sister Reid to say
goodbye, she sure thinks a lot of me, she says the only real pleasure
their son Will has had since he came to Canada has been in my
wifes acquaintance95
that A baptismal service was held at the Mill Race, Cote (Coat)
Green Farm, near Carnforth (Lancaster branch of the Liverpool
conference), on April 5th, 1915, when one soul was brought into the
fold of Christ. Elder J. Ensign Riggs officiated.96
In
the
18t
April 1918 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported that Brother
John Bell gave a brief report of the Lancaster branch.97
that A branch of the Church was organized at Lancaster, at a
conference held at 6 Rosebery Avenue, Morecambe, Sunday,
February 20th, under the direction of President Harold H. Bennett, of
the Liverpool Conference. Elder Fred J. Webley was sustained as
Presiding Elder, with Brother John Bell and Elder Rulon R. Free as
95
56

counselors. A spirit of earnest enquiry was noted among the many
visitors who attended the meetings. which were most inspiring.
Elder James I. May, from Liverpool, assisted at the conference. 98
that Sunday, the 22nd ult., the annual conference of the Lancaster
branch of the Liverpool conference was held at 6 Roseberry Avenue,
Morecambe. Among those present were President Q. David Hansen,
Elders Wallace R. Budge and Leonard D. Jensen, and Sister Ella
Brown. Brand] President Leonard 1). Jenseu conducted the services.
The speakers were Elder Budge, Sister Brown, and President
Hansen. President Hansen and Elder Budge sang a duet. The
presence of a number of new investigators was most encouraging. A
delightful social in honor of Sister Ella Brown was enjoyed on the
evening preceding the conference. Here, as at the Sunday service,
the efforts of the members to carry out the mission slogan was
manifest.99
that A candidate was baptized in the River Lune, near Lancaster,
Saturday night, the 2nd inst.. by President Q David Hansen. He was
confirmed the following Saturday by Elder Lyle A. Riggs.100
that The Lancaster branch of the Liverpool conference entertained
at an enjoyable social on Wednesday evening, the 27th nit., in honor
of President Q David Hansen. After all had participated in games and
refreshments, the guest of honor was presented with a splendid set
of dessert knives.101
that A successful district conference was held at Lancaster
(Liverpool conference) Sunday the 20th nil., at the home of Brother
John Bell. The speakers were President Ernest K. Preckleton and
Elders James D. Moyle and Alfred E. Randall.102
reported that The Lancaster branch conference (Liverpool
conference) was held the 19th inst., at the home of Brother John
Bell. President Ernest K. Freckleton presided. The speakers were
President Freckleton, Brother John Bell and Elders Howard Cook and
Daniel A. Thompson. A piano solo was rendered by Sister Florence
Bell.103
57
that Branch Conference was held at Lancaster (Liverpool
Conference) on the 17th of May. A large number of members and
friends were in attendance. The speakers were President Union W.
Openshaw and Elder James M. Armstrong.104
that Branch Conferences Of the Lancaster Branch, Liverpool
Conference, on April 11th. President Virgil M. Groo and Elders Wilford
L. Hansen, Seth W. Pixton, Z. Vernon Derrick and James K. Knudson
took part in the proceedings.105
On Sunday 11th April 1926, Apostle James E. Talmage, then serving
as the President of the European Mission, relates an experience
where the British Mission staff at Durham House all travelled by car
to Lancaster for a branch conference. All of the Durham House staff, and Son
John, as also Sister Harriet Lowther our good housekeeper, went by auto to Lancaster to
attend the meetings incident to a branch conference. I was the only inmate left at the house. I
attended Sunday School in the forenoon and Sacrament Meet- ing at night and spoke at each
of these services, with Elder Jesse Smith, President of the Liverpool Branch as a companion
speaker at night.106
Over the next couple of years, the only reference to Lancaster

comes in the way of Branch Conference announcements. In the 27th
October 1927 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported that
Branch Conferences: Of the Lancaster Branch, Liverpool District, on
October 2nd. Gospel discourses were given by District President
David M. Kennedy and Elder William Fred Forsey. Good accounts of
the conference appeared in the Lancaster Observer and the
Lancaster Guardian.107
that Of the Lancaster Branch, Liverpool District, was held on March
17th. The " Restoration of the Priesthood " was the theme used in
the morning session. President Joseph S. Savage and Elder Howard J.
Williams were the speakers.108
that; The Lancaster Saints (not yet organised into a branch),
Liverpool District, held their conference on April 18th. All present
eagerly portrayed, in music and speech, the value and power of
faith. Elder H. Wendell Jacob was present.109
106 Journal of James E. Talmage Vol. 3 (1926), p. 9.
58

In the 2nd October 1930 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that the Lancaster Saints held their branch conference in the home
of Brother John Bell, on August 31st. An interested of group of friends
and members of the Church thoroughly enjoyed the meetings.110
that The members of the Church and their friends residing in
Lancaster, Liverpool District, where there is no organized branch of
the Church, held an enjoyable conference on March 1st. A beautiful
spirit attended the meetings. Missionaries present were: President
Gordon B. Taylor and Elder John F. Hawkins.111
On Sunday 27th March 1932, Lancaster was not recorded as being an
organised branch within the Liverpool Conference, but on Sunday
24th April 1932 it was described as being unorganised.112
that the spring conferences of the Liverpool district were successful,
with a session held at the Lancaster branch, which was recorded as
being unorganized.113
that Brother John Bell of the Lancaster Branch, Liverpool District,
passed away on May 19th, at the age of seventy-seven. Brother
Bell's kind and loving influence as president of the Lancaster Branch
will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services were held in
his home on May 21st, after which he was buried in the Scotford
Cemetery. President Rock M. Kirkhain conducted the services and
dedicated the grave.114
reported that Saints of Lancaster meet each month in the capacity
of a cottage sacrament meeting at the home of Sisters Isabella and
Florence Bell. The meetings are presided over by an elder from the
Liverpool district office at Preston.115
In the 2nd January 1941 edition of the Millennial Star, it was reported
that HARTLEY Sister Jane MacFarlane Hartley of the Liverpool
District passed away December 12th. 1940. at the age of 68 years.
The grave was dedicated by Brother Clifford Hartley, son of the
deceased. Sister Hartley was one of the original members of the
Lancaster Branch organised in 1914 and had been a member for 30
years. The interment took place at the Lancaster Cemetery on
112 Qt. Hist. Report & Millennial Star, Vol. 94, No. , p. 367.
59

December 16th. The burial service being conducted by President
Herbert Webster, of the Wigan Branch.116
In the August 1947 edition of the Millennial Star, Lancaster was
identified as an area that was to be opened when their numbers are
sufficiently increased.117
The Lancaster branch was reorganised around 1961.
It was reported in the April 1961 edition of the Millennial Star that;
Sylvia Moss had been baptised.118
It was reported in the May 1961 edition of the Millennial Star
that; .119
It was reported in the June 1961 edition of the Millennial Star that;
George Henry Corless, John Robert Corless, and Stephen Frederick
Jackson had been baptised in Lancaster.120
It was reported in the July 1961 edition of the Millennial Star that;
Michael Stewart Latham, Elizabeth Margaret Helen Gardner,
Frederick Joseph Jackson, Robert William Gardner, Rosalind Elizabeth
Gardner, and Jonathan James Gardner had been baptised in
Lancaster.121
It was reported in the August 1961 edition of the Millennial Star that;
Roland Charles Leicester, Patricia Lillian Leicester, and Sydney Moss
had been baptised in Lancaster.122
It was reported in the September 1961 edition of the Millennial Star
that; Christine Leicester, Anne Christine Wilby, June Elizabeth Wilby,
and Frederica Cliff had been baptised in Lancaster.123
It was reported in the October 1961 edition of the Millennial Star
that; George Henry Corless was ordained a Priest, and John Irving
Clilf, and Sandra Mary Saunders were baptised.124
It was reported in the November 1961 edition of the Millennial Star
that; Joseph Sigmond Wojciechowicz, George Reginald Watts,
Margaret Watts, Michelle Watts, Michael David Wojciechowicz,
116 Millennial Star, Vol. 103, No. 1 ( 2 January 1941), p. 14.
117 Millennial Star, Vol. 109, No. 8 (August 1947), p. 232.
118 Millennial Star, Vol. 123, No. 4 (April, 1961), p. 214.
119 Millennial Star, Vol. 132, No. 5 (May, 1961), p. 259.
120 Millennial Star, Vol. 123, No. 6 (June, 1961), p. 307.
122 Millennial Star, Vol. 123, No. 8 (August 1961), p. 401.
123 Millennial Star, Vol. 123, No. 9 (September, 1961), p. 456
124
60

Stephen Peter Wojciechowicz, and Doreen Eason had been baptised
in Lancaster.125
It was reported in the January 1962 edition of the Millennial Star
that; Vincent Alan Wilby was baptised in Lancaster.126
In the January 1962 edition of the Millennial Star, there was a letter
from Clifford Hartley, who had attended meetings in Lancaster, his
mother had been a member there for many years;
LETTER OF INTEREST
1540 South 2nd East,
Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Editor,
The Millennial Star,
London.
Dear Brother,
It is almost 12 years since I and my wife and eleven children left
Liverpool on the m.v. Britannic to make our home in the United
States.
My family has naturally grown up, and we only have six left to take
care of prior to them reaching the age of marriage. During those
twelve years we have kept close contact with work as it progressed
in Great Britain, and it is very difficult to describe our feelings as we
read about the remarkable progress that is being made in our old
country. As I read the Star I feel so much the desire to return and
share with you the wonderful spirit of the work, and it seems more
so when 1 think of the lean years when as president of the Preston
Branch and later the Wigan Branch, I struggled to keep the work
alive with but a very few members. Yet as I look back over the many
street meetings that I had the privilege of sharing with the
missionaries, it seems as if we were in some way laying a little bit of
the groundwork for this wonderful NEW ERA. I like to think so,
anyway. I have found that the power of the Gospel is indeed
remarkable when combined with missionary work, and though we
have had some difficult times here in Zion, my testimony of the
truthfulness of the Gospel has never wavered one iota since
becoming active in 1927. I thrill to see the names of people from
Lancaster who have joined the Church, as that was the town where I
and my wife first attended cottage meetings.
We constantly pray that our own relatives may be among those who
will hear and accept the Gospel, and we pray always for our
125 Millennial Star, Vol. 123, No. 11 (November, 1961), p. 548.
126 Millennial Star, Vol. 132, No.1 (January, 1962), p. 23.
61

missionaries who labour among our own people. May God bless you
all.
Very sincerely,
CLIFFORD HARTLEY.
The Lancaster branch was discontinued and combined with the
Morecambe branch on 29 August 1965.
The Morecambe branch, which had been organised on 22 October
1964, is the unit from which Lancaster has its unit origins.
On 5 September 1965, the name of the unit was changed to the
Morecambe-Lancaster branch.
In the August 1966 edition of the Millennial Star it was reported that;
there was a Senior Aaronic School held in the Lake District, which
was held in the Morecambe-Lancaster branch under the direction of
President Frederick Jackson, with the Lake District President, Ransom
Hatch, as the instructor. Seven members completed the twelveweek course.127
In the January 1967 edition of the Millennial Star, there was a report
regarding a Four Seasons Fair organised by the Lake District. It was
held in Heysham and was attended by a TV star, Julie de Marco.128
In the June 1967 edition of the Millennial Star it was reported that
there was a Visiting Teaching convention organised by the Lake
District Relief Society, the Morecambe branch was awarded a VT
trophy as a prize for achieving the highest levels of visiting
teaching.129
In the July 1969 edition of the Millennial Star,
there was a report on the North British Mission,
within which the Morecambe-Lancaster
congregation was recorded as being presided
over by President Frederick Jackson, belonging to
the Lake District (including Carlisle, Kendal,
Barrow-in-Furness, Morecambe-Lancaster, and Wo[r]kington).
President Jacksons counsellor was Brother Willie B. Baines.130
President Frederick Jackson (possibly born 4th July 1904, died
December 1976).
127 Millennial Star, Vol. , No. (August 1966), p.
128 Millennial Star, Vol. 129, No. 1 (January, 1967), p. 50.
129 Millennial Star, Vol. , No. (June 1967), p.
62

Pres. Jackson is a native of Oldham, Lancashire and joined the
Church May 20, 1951. He and his wife Joan were sealed in the
Temple April 27, 1963. They have two boys and one girl.131
On 15 July 1973 the name of the Morecambe-Lancaster branch was
changed to the Lancaster-Morecambe-Kendal branch. Brother Robin
Collins, who at the time was serving on the _______ District
Presidency, recalls how the Presidency were tasked by the Mission
President and Regional Representatives to resolve some issues that
had emerged within the District. Consequently, the Lancaster, and
Kendal branches were shut down, everyone was released and the
branch was renamed the Morecambe-Lancaster-Kendal branch, of
Brother Collins was then called to serve as
the Branch President.
On 19 September 1974, at Bridge End Farm,
Stainton, Westmorland (today in Cumbria),
there was an unveiling ceremony for a
historical marker commemorating the
birthplace of President John Taylor. President
Taylor was the third president of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and
remains the only English President of the
Church. Elder James Faust presided at the
meeting, which involved a selection of
remarks, music, and the unveiling.
Bridge End Farm where President Taylor was
born in 1808.
131 Ibid
63
President John Taylor, c. 1878.
Around 19 November 1975, the name of the branch was changed to

just the Lancaster branch.
On 2 December 1984, the Lancaster chapel was dedicated, the first
purpose built place of worship for the Saints in the Lancaster area.
In the August 1987 edition of the New Era, Sister Angela Jones (then
aged 19) was honourably mentioned for her submitted selfportrait.132
132 The 1987 New Era Contest Winners: Portraits of Ourselves, available at:
https://www.lds.org/new-era/1987/08/the-1987-new-era-contest-winners-portraitsof-ourselves?lang=eng, accessed: 11 May 2015.
64
Newspapers
The Lancaster Gazette (7 February 1852), p. 3.
Mormon Farce Burton-In-Lonsdale
On Monday evening, the 2nd inst., Mr McMaster, the Mormon priest,
gave a lecture in the Mormon Room, on plurality of Wives. In
consequence of a report that an opposition was intended, the room
was well filled. In the course of his lecture he quoted the Book of
Mormon, and the Doctrine of Covenants, to prove that the Mormon
church does not allow polygamy. He defied any one present to prove
from the book of Mormon or any of their publications, that polygamy
is sanctioned in their church. At the close of the priests address, Mr.
Gibson stood up and said that an individual was present who could
prove from the Book of Mormon and Doctrine of Covenant, that what
he (Mr. McMaster) had advanced was false, to which there was no
reply. Mr. Gibson remarked that the public opinion was, that
polygamy is allowed in their church. He (Mr. McMaster) had been
attempting to prove that they did not allow a plurality of wives. His
friend was waiting to come forward to prove from their own works
that polygamy was sanctioned in their church. How was the meeting
to decide? The priest commenced giving out a hymn and closed the
meeting. Mr. Sibbalds then stood upon a form requested permission
to read a few extracts from the Book of Mormon. He said he held in
his hand a challenge of Mr. Theobald, Oak Brook, Derbyshire, to any
Infidel Mormon in the world, and the propositions he would read, if
the audience would hear them. The cray was read. The following
was accordingly read. 1. That Mormonism is a system of error and
infidelity. 2. That the leaders of Mormonism are wicked and vile
imposters, and that they know it too. 3. That the Book of Mormon is
not divine, but a filthy wicked romance. 4. That the doctrine of
Water Baptism for the dead as taught by the Mormons, is a false and
soul damning dogma. 5. That Mormonism when reduced to practice,
produces evil, and evil only of the most debasing kind. 6. That Water
Baptism is not essential to salvation, and that mankind will never be
damned for not being dipped in water. 7. That the laying on of hands
as taught by Mormons, does not communicate the Holy Ghost, nor is
it essential to salvation. 8. That the literal gathering of Mormons in
California, is nowhere taught in the Bible; but is anti-Christian and
65

the drift of political rebels. 9. That a man has no need of any book
but the Bible as a divine revelation to teach him the way to heaven.
10. That Protestantism is in accordance with the Bible. 11. That
genuine Protestantism is real Christianity, and when reduced to
practice, produces good, and good only of the best quality. 12. That
Mormonism does not teach repentance towards God, and faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ, as essential to salvation, but its advocate pretend
that it does in order to beguile the ignorant and unguarded. 13. That
repentance of past sins and faith in the son of God, is essential to
salvation, independently of human merit. Mr. Sibbalds to Mr.
McMaster. Q. Will you accept this challenge or not? A. No. Q. What
are your reasons? A. Because it is contrary to the word of God to
hold public discussions/ Q. How does it happen that you have been
acting contrary to the word of God, as last week you was engaged in
a public discussion at Grassington on the subject of Mormonism? A. I
was attacked in the room and merely stood up in my own defence.
Q. Did you not enter into an engagement to meet this appointment
at Grassington, and had you not made previous arrangement for
that discussion? No reply was made. Q. How does it happen that you
can act contrary to the word of God at Grassington, and so
tenaciously adhere to it at Burton-in-Lonsdale? A. (Evasively) you
may get your man and provide your room and he may lecturer to
you. Q. But will you
meet him and discuss the propositions I have just read? A. No. Then
what do you think of yourself after challenging any individual to
discussion for the last eight or nine months, and now you refuse to
meet me or Mr. Theobald, what will the audience think of you?
Several voices you are a coward. As Mr Sibbalde was coming out
of the door, he said to Mr. McMaster, if you could have allowed me
to proceed, I should have proved your statements to be false, from
the Book of Mormon. Mr M. replied he could have proved your
statements to be false, from the Book of Mormon. Then how does
Mr. M. reconcile the following passages from divine authority, No. 1,
page 16, Joseph Smiths doctrine is reasonable, scriptural, perfect,
and infallible, in all its precepts commands, ordinances, promises,
blessings, and gifts. On the following morning Mr. McMaster went to
the house of Mr. Sibbalds and told him he would meet Mr. Theobald,
on the conditions which he read last night. To which he replied no,
but he would draw up a string of propositions and send them to Mr.
Theobald. He replied he could not meet Mr. Theobold till the latter
end of March or beginning of April, as he had engaged for two or
three discussions betwixt now and that time.
The Lancaster Gazette (3 July 1852), p. 6.
INGLETON Mormonism
On Tuesday evening last, one of the Mormon impostors again made
his appearance at Ingleton, and as usual proceeded to deliver a
noisy address, condemning the purest doctrines of Christianity, but
his audience chiefly consisted of children.
66
The Lancaster Gazette (2 September 1854), p. 5.

Anti-Mormon Lecture, At Holme
The Latter-day Saints having succeeded in stealing away two or
three of the weaker members of the Church and Wesleyan body, by
imposing upon them their counterfeit religion, Mr. William Dent
Thompson, mechanic, of Holme Mill, (a zealous and warm-hearted
Churchman), deeming it his duty to God and to man to expose the
real character of Mormonism, and its founder Joseph Smith,
delivered an address upon the subject on Saturday evening last, in
the club room at the Kings Arms, Holme. The attendance was very
numerous, the room being filled almost to [suggestion?], and many
unable to obtain admittance crowded the doors and windows. The
utmost order was preserved and the greatest attention paid to the
address, which lasted [three?] hours, during which the lecturer
laboured most zealously and effectually, exposing the characters of
Mormondom, Joseph Smith, and the vauntetd witnesses of the truth
of the book of Mormon, substantiating his assertions by public
documents and reports of indisputable authority. Several of the
Latter-day Saints attended and were accommodated with seats
close to the speaker, but did not attempt to contradict or interrupt
him, though, it was quite expected they had attended with the
purpose of defending their faith. Much credit is due to Mr. Thompson
for his exertions in the noble work of informing[?] the ignorant, and
convincing the erring, upon a subject of such vital importance to
their eternal welfare. He besought his friends and hearers to hold
fast the blessed Bible as the only anchor of the soul, leading them to
Christ and, through his merits, to the heavenly Canaan. Mr
Thompson was ably supported by his friends, Messrs. Isaac
Wadesdon and William Cummings the former as chairman,
opening the proceedings of the evening and the latter proposing a
vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was unanimously carried by a
simultaneous applause
The Lancaster Gazette (6 August 1887), p. 4.
THE LATE MORMON LEADER A WESTMORLAND MAN
Taylor, the president of the Mormons, whose death was announced
last week, unlike his predecessors Smith and Young, was not an
American, having been born at Milnthorpe, in Westmorland. He
worked as a wood turner for some years in the Milnthorpe
neighbourhood, but, through getting into financial difficulties
hurriedly left his native country and emigrated to Canada when
about twenty-two years of age. He seems to have had few
educational advantages, as his parents were in very humble
circumstances, but he was possessed of considerable intelligence
and shrewdness. At Toronto he was an ardent student of Biblical
lore, and soon became attached to the Mormon community,
rendering valuable service in organisation and other ways. For years
he was Speaker of the Territorial House of Representatives, and was
67

also a probate judge. On Brigham Youngs death, Taylor became by
seniority the Chief of the Council of Twelve, and head of the Church.
When the Mormons were harassed by the police last year, Taylor,
who was a polygamist, kept in hiding. He professed to have received
frequent revelations. According to one of his prophecies, New York
has only seven more years of grace.
Lancashire Evening Post (3 September 1908), p. 4.
MORMON PROPAGANDA IN LANCASHIRE
To the editor of the Lancashire Daily Post
Sir, - It is impossible for me to express in words how sorry I feel that
our noble and gallant friend has decided so early on to issue his
parting letter, and so discontinue his tirade of abuse. We have had
to look round for a larger hall in which to hold our meetings. and I
am given to understand that the Elders who are labouring so
energetically in this part of the vineyard have been successful in
obtaining one of the best halls in Lancaster, where we shall be able
to meet the large crowds who come out to our meetings. I have no
need to appeal to your readers to judge who has got the best of the
argument, because we have already seen the results of this
correspondence. During the past two Sundays vis., August 23rd and
30th, our meeting room has been crowded to its utmost capacity.
This in itself should be proof enough for Mr. J. that the more he kicks
at the doctrines as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, the higher it rises, and its ranks are reinforced by scores of
intelligent people. We have been brought more before the public
during the month or, say, from August 4th than we have for some
years past, and I should consider it a very ungentlemanly act if I did
not offer my heartiest thanks to the editor of this most valuable
paper for the kind assistance he has given the Church in these, the
last days.
So far as my replies being unsatisfactory is concerned, it is only
what could be expected under the circumstances. Our friend with
the unpronounceable name seems to be shaking hands with himself,
and patting himself on the back, feeling confident, I suppose, he has
done a great and marvellous deed. I dont blame him, poor thing, he
doesnt know any better. Yours, &c., H. Jowett, Lancaster.
Lancashire Evening Post (5 September 1908), p. .
MORMON PROPAGANDA IN LANCASHIRE
To the editor of the Lancashire Daily Post
Sir, - The old game well played. Accuse somebody of what you are
guilty of in order to justify yourself. Such is the case of H. Jowett, of
Lancaster, in last evenings Post.
Fancy him talking about abuse! He must think all your readers
are void of sense. But he is a Mormon, you see. I rather think he is
casting a net upon the intelligence of Lancastarians when he alleges
the wonderful increase of the Latter-Day Saints, or Mormons, at
Lancaster.
68

However, if what he says is true. I thank him for the impetus it
will give Christians to pray and seek more earnestly that the
perverts to the apostates of Mormonism may ere long be led out of
darkness into light, and be converted unto God.-Yours, &
John W. Challen
Elcho Terrace, St. Thomass Road, Preston
Sep. 4th, 1908
[This correspondence is now closed.-Ed. L. D.]
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser (27 April
1911), p. 10.
MORMONS AT BAY
CURATE LEADS ATTACK AT LANCASTER
At Lancaster last night a crowd of Anti-Mormons, led by the Rev.
Frederick G. Llewellin, curate of St. Thomass, attempted to rush the
Mormons meeting. They were met by mr Richard W. Young,
president of the Liverpool Mormon Mission, and others, who, after a
great struggle, succeeded in repulsing the rush, but not before a
glass in the vestibule had been broken.
Mr. Young said he was prepared to debate with searchers after truth,
but not with blasphemers and hooligans. (Loud hooting.)
Mr. Llewellin afterwards addressed the crowd, several police
attending to preserve order. Mr. Llewellin declared his determination
to clear the Mormons out of Lancaster.
http://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/local/missionaries-warnedoff-the-buses-1-3759098
Leadership
One of the defining elements of a Latter-day Saint congregation is
its leader, Latter-day Saint terminology refers to a units overall
leader as a Bishop (for a ward), or Branch President (for a branch).
Table 1 reveals the Branch Presidents and Bishops of Lancaster
throughout its history.
69
The Lancaster branch became a ward on 13 October 1985, the then

current branch President, John Greathead, became the new bishop
of the ward following the upgrade, and served for a further 4 years,
for a total of 6.5 years as unit leader, the longest continuous stretch
until Bishop Timothy Johnson.
Assignment
Name
Active Date
Released Date
Branch
1840s
President
Branch Inactive
Branch
13 September
1916?
President
1899
Presiding Elder
Fred J. Webley*
20 February 1922
Branch
John Bell
19 May 1932
President
death
Branch Inactive
Branch
?
1961
President
Branch
Albert Henry Lewis
1 January 1965
1 January 1966
President
Branch
Ransom Hatch
1 January 1966
1 January 1967
President
Branch
Frederick J. Jackson
1 January 1967
July 1969
President
Branch
President
Branch
Mets J. Lerwill*
1 January 1970
1 January 1971
President
Branch
Clifford Masterman
1 January 1971
1 January 1974
President
Branch
Robin Charles Collins
1 January 1974
17 June 1976
President
Branch
William Baldwin
17 June 1976
1 January 1978
President
Underwood
Branch
Peter M. Kirlew
1 January 1978
27 June 1982
President
Branch
John Greathead
27 June 1982
13 October 1985
President
Bishop
John Greathead
13 October 1985
1 January 1989
Bishop
Christopher Mount
1 January 1989
12 December
1993
Bishop
Matthew L. Quesne
12 December
29 November
1993
1998
Bishop
John Andrew Lisgo
29 November
1 December 2002
1998
Bishop
David L. Hester
2 December 2002
6 June 2004
Bishop
Christopher Mount
6 June 2004
7 December 2008
Bishop
Timothy J. Johnson
7 December 2008
70

Bishop
Richard Gallagher
*Missionaries, including Mets J. Lerwill, served in the capacity of a
Branch President at times when the church was not able to be selfsufficient.
The Nineteenth Century - A Summary

Lancaster in the nineteenth century was not exactly a hive of Latterday Saint activity. Whilst missionaries and members lived and
preached the gospel, the numbers never reached a significant level,
certainly not compared to the likes of branches in Preston, Liverpool,
or Manchester.
By the end of the nineteenth century, President Merrill, the Liverpool
Conference President, visited Lancaster and described his
experiences and hopes for the city in 1899
Not long ago, I was up at Lancaster and baptized seven into the
Church. While there, I had the privilege of preaching on two
evenings and from there now comes the cry, Come over and help
us. There are numbers enough now to start a nice little branch, with
the prospects, judging from letters I receive from those who are
investigating, of more being baptized in the near future. It is my
great desire to place two Elders in that city, and there establish a
branch of the Church, and yet with the present limited number of
Elders in this Conference, I hardly know from which field to get
them.133
It is hard to imagine it, but Morecambe did not come into being until
1889 when the area was officially named Morecambe, prior to that it
had been a collection of small hamlets (Bolton-le-Sands, Bare, and
Torrisholme). It was the urbanisation and population explosion from
the 1850s onwards. Consequently, the catchment area of the
Lancaster branch would have realistically been rather small, being
almost exclusively comprised of Lancaster. It was to this backdrop
that visiting Conference President Elder Thorley remarked in 1885
that there was great potential in the area, likely alluding to the
significant growth in the area that had arisen there in recent years.
However, it was not until the close of the century, on 13th
September 1899 that a branch was formally organised in Lancaster.
Missionaries had been assigned to Lancaster and the surrounding
environs on Thursday 4th April 1895, with Elders Gerrard and
Romney being assigned to the Lancaster District.134
133 Millennial Star, Vol. 61, No. 22 (), p. 348.
71
Current

Ultimately the nineteenth century had not seen Lancaster emerge
as a particularly productive or fruitful location. The few years that
the Church was in operation we know little about. For many of the
interim years there appears to have been occasional visits, and a
scattering of members, but few apparent efforts to re-establish the
Church there.
The Twentieth Century A Summary

The twentieth century was witness to a series of peaks and troughs
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lancaster.
Whilst certain periods saw flurries of baptisms and activations,
72

others saw the emigration and dispersal of its members to other
locations. The period 1900-1914 was a particularly busy period,
notwithstanding the many emigrations.
Within Europe, the period 1911-1912 was one of serious antagonism
and aggression, spurred scurrilously by journalists and anti-Mormon
agitators.135 Arising chiefly from concerns of the targeting of young
girls, the twentieth century saw a modest shift from theological
concerns, although they did still exist, to those of a social and
cultural nature.
By 1916, the Church appears to have become disorganised,
effectively operating as a group. Due to the war, the Church
effectively died out as its members emigrated or moved away, and
as restricted numbers of missionaries were assigned elsewhere. The
lack of missionaries was acutely felt and as members died, the
branch was eventually unable to function effectively.
On the 20th February 1922, a branch was once again formed in
Lancaster at 6 Roseberry Avenue, Morecambe, with Elder Fred J.
Webley assigned as the Presiding Elder. The branch appears to have
survived until 19th May 1932, when John Bell, one of the Churchs
most faithful members in the area, died - after which, the branch
appears to have entered a period of dormancy, with monthly
meetings being held in the home of Isabella and Florence Bell, the
widow and daughter of John Bell.
Although there were desires to and efforts to rekindle the work in
the 40s and 50s, it was not until 1961 that the Church was once
again re-established.
The Twenty-First Century A Summary

The first 15 years into the twenty-first century have been busy and
productive, with considerable numbers of people joining the church,
many of whom were from Asian countries, returning there following
their studies. Over the years there have been members representing
countries from around the world; from Scotland to South Africa, USA
to Kuwait, and China to Peru, in addition, members have come from
135 Brian Q. Cannon, and Jacob W. Olmstead, Scandalous Film: The Campaign
to Suppress Anti-Mormon Motion Pictures, 1911-12, Mormon History, Vol. 29, No.
3 (2003), 42-76.
73

all corners of Great Britain. Regardless of the nationality, culture, or
ethnicity, Lancaster has served as a place where all have been
warmly welcomed.
Conference/District/Stake
An important element in the history of a unit is the
Conference/District/Stake or the mission to which it belongs. Training
and leadership within the Church is passed down from the Prophet
and Apostles through the Stakes and Districts down into the wards
to the members.
It took a while in the early days of the Church to establish, manage,
and utilise conferences (as they were initially known as). Part of the
74

reason for this was due to the rapid growth of the Church, the rate
of emigration, and the shortage of experienced members.
From the 1860s there was a move towards Liverpool, Manchester,
and Preston Conferences began being overseen by a Church leader
in a district, akin to the contemporary Co-ordinating Councils that
cover the Stakes within a Mission. These leaders would represent
the Conferences at Mission meetings.
It was from Saturday 20th June 1868 that Preston and Liverpool
Conferences were to be combined, as were the branches of the
Church in Ireland, all of which was to be presided over by Elder
Marius Ensign.136 The cause of the merger was due to such high
levels of emigration and the decreased replacement rate of new
converts, ultimately the Conference and the missionaries were the
victims of their own success.
The Preston District had entered operation again in 1963, breaking
from the Liverpool Conference, having been merged in 1868.
The Lake District appears to have been formed sometime in 1925,
and was in operation until 1977, when it was merged with the
Preston District and the Preston Stake was formed.
Lineage of Conferences/Districts/Stakes that Lancaster Ward has
adhered to;
Preston Conference (1837) Liverpool Conference (1868) Lake
District (1925) Preston District (1973) Preston Stake (1977).
In the 1920s, there was a move away from using the term
Conference, instead favouring Districts. It was reported that
There has been something akin to incongruity in the double usage
of the term Conference as designating (1) a church assemblage of
people, and (2) a geographical area of specified boundaries
constituting a territorial unit in a Mission.
The custom of using this word Conference with plainly different
meanings is objectionable on the grounds of inconsistency and of
the inevitable uncertainty or confusion arising therefrom.
By recent action of the First Presidency and the Council of the
Twelve the term District shall be substituted for the word
Conference when reference is made to a territorial division of a
Mission. This ruling by the presiding authorities is heartily
welcomed; and henceforth we are to speak of the main divisions of
the British Mission, of which there are fifteen at present, as Districts.
136 Millennial Star, Vol. 30, No. , (), p. 393.
75

Already this usage of the term has been followed unofficially; but it
now becomes an established designation.
We shall continue to hold our Conferences; and these will be down
as Branch Conferences and District Conferences respectively. Our
presiding officers will be known as Branch President and District
Presidents. The change is already in effect; and it is desired that
uniformity shall prevail in this distinctive use of the term District.
In foreign language Missions those in which English is not the
mother tongue the equivalent of District is to be used exclusively
as the main territorial division, and the term corresponding to
Conference is to be restricted to the appointed gatherings or
assemblies as so designated heretofore. J.E.T.137
Timeline
To appreciate and understand the long history of Latter-day Saints in
Lancaster, it becomes necessary to analyse it from a chronological
perspective. The timeline below sets out some of the major events
that have happened in the units history.
137 Millennial Star, Vol. 89, No. _ (7 April 1927), p. 216.

76
July 1840
15 May 1842
Late 1840s
13 Sep 1899
Elder Robert McBride was assigned to labour in Lancaster

Lancaster branch referred to in a General Conference
Branch disappears from Church records
Branch reorganised
1912
Elder Newton R. Jackson assigned to labour in Lancaster
1916
Lancaster branch disorganised
20 Feb 1922
Lancaster branch organised again
19 May 1932
President John Bell dies, branch recorded as unorganised
Aug 1947
Lancaster identified as a location to re-open soon
Early 1951
Missionaries assigned to Lancaster
Early 1961
Sometime in
1961
29 Aug
1965
Missionaries assigned again to Lancaster

Lancaster branch re-organised
5 Sep 1965
Lancaster branch combined with the Morecambe branch

Renamed the Morecambe-Lancaster branch
15 July 1973
Branch renamed the Lancaster-Morecambe-Kendal branch
19 Sep 1974
Historical Marker Unveiling of President John Taylor Birthplace in

Milnthorpe
Lancaster-Morecambe-Kendal branch renamed the Lancaster branch
19 Nov 1975
2 Dec 1984
Lancaster Latter-day Saint Chapel on Ovangle Road dedicated
13 Oct 1985
Lancaster Branch became a Ward
2015
Lancaster ward history completed
The Experiences of Elder Newton Rummell Jackson

Newton Rummell Jackson was born on 3 June 1889 in Fillmore,
Millard County, Utah, to John Jackson and Seraph Celestia Noyes. He
was the fourth of five boys in the family, but the first two had died
before Newtons birth. His grandfathers were both early converts to
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and helped settle
Fillmore. From 1904 to 1909 Newton studied at Brigham Young
University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, and obtained his high school
diploma. Of his experience there he wrote that the high ideals of
77

the institution makes it a character builder for every student who
comes under its influence.
In 1911 Newton was called on a mission to Great Britain. Upon
arriving in Liverpool he was assigned to the Liverpool Conference
and labored for most of his mission in Lancaster. Evidently
possessing a passion for learning, Newton recorded in his diary not
just missionary experiences, but also observations of the language,
culture, and history of the English people. He also purchased and
read numerous books while in England. Newton experienced
considerable opposition to his message, recording on one occasion:
As we started home the crowd of about 30 of them followed us
yelling Mormons, Mormons and everything else they could think
of. To supplement his own experiences, he collected many antiMormon newspaper articles that were published in England during
his mission. Newton felt strongly about the principle of obedience,
stating that if we understand Gods laws and the blessings
obtained by obeying them, we also know what our dues are for
disobeying. Newton also was sensitive to the Spirit, recording after
one meeting that as usual the spirit of the Lord was there in
abundance and we had a spiritual feast.
On 1 January 1912 Newton was appointed clerk of the Liverpool
Conference. Soon thereafter he wrote a letter to his home bishop,
testifying that there is one and only one true Church of Christ, and
that we the chosen servants of God are to prepare this world for
the second coming of our Lord. In the capacity of clerk he spent
much time preparing reports and writing rebuttals to the antiMormon propaganda in the British press. In July 1912 he took a
sight-seeing trip to the continent and visited Holland, Germany, and
France. On 6 December 1913 Newton boarded the
ship Victorian and bode farewell to Old England.
After returning home Newton pursued a liberal education and
graduated from Brigham Young University in 1917 with an Artium
Baccalaureatus (A.B.), a degree that signifies knowledge of Greek,
Latin, and classical civilization. While attending BYU he met Jessie
Isabella Hammond from Provo, Utah. Her grandfather, Francis A.
Hammond was a prominent pioneer, missionary and church leader,
as well as a founder of Provo. They were married on 5 June 1918 in
Salt Lake City and in their marriage they were blessed with three
children, Maxine (b. 7 November 1919), Robert (b. 28 September
1924), and Marilyn (b. 18 September 1918). Marilyn, unfortunately,
died just a week after birth.
78
Newton R. Jackson, BYU Graduation Yearbook, 1917
Yearbook quote; With all good cheer he spake and laughed.

After graduation, Newton enlisted in the United States Army and
was stationed at Camp Fremont, California, where he obtained the
rank of sergeant in the Army Medical Corps. Upon his release from
the army he enrolled at the University of Utah and studied
medicine. After a year of study there he transferred to Stanford
University in 1919, where he received his M.D. with honors in 1921.
The Latter-day Saint Hospital in Utah then hired him as intern for a
year and he remained there an additional year as a resident
surgeon. His training complete, Newton opened his own practice in
Salt Lake City as a surgeon and physician.
After completing fifty years of practice, Newton was recognized by
the Salt Lake County medical society for his service to the
community. Upon retirement he actively participated in the Red
Cross blood bank program. Newton Rummell Jackson died of natural
causes in Salt Lake City on 25 July 1976.138
Monday 3rd January 1912
Leaving Liverpool in the morning I returned to Lancaster. Went
tracting at 2 o'clock and put out 76 tracts. While out I had a long
conversation with two women and in the course of the same I was
ask a very peculiar question, which was as follows:-- "Does God
138 Jeffrey S. Hardy, Newton Rummell Jackson, available at:
https://lib.byu.edu/collections/mormon-missionary-diaries/about/diarists/newtonrumell-jackson/, accessed: 27 September 2015.
79

have a home in Salt Lake and will he settle there permanently when
he comes to earth?". Much surprised at the ignorance of the lady I
endeavored to explain the truth to her. I left her with a much
different idea of the workings of God. Attended mutual in the
evening, where we studied the Book of Mormon. We sat and talked
with the saints for about an hour after meeting.
Thursday 4th January 1912
Raining hard most of the day so we remained at the lodge studying.
About 4oclock we started on a nine mile walk to Morecambe. Had
tea and held a cottage meeting at Sister Hartleys. We all three
spoke on the principles of the gospel. Leaving there at 9 oclock we
returned home in a drenching rain and arrived wet as drowned rats.
We had been informed not to go over there this particular evening,
for if we did there was a trap out for us and we would be in danger.
We took a chance but didnt get caught.
Saturday 6th January 1912
To-day is our home day Saturday is our easy day we never tract.
Spent the day at the lodge in a general clean up. Straightening up
our room, getting our clothes ready for the coming week having a
bath etc. Spent the evening studying for Sunday.
Tuesday 9th January 1912
Remained at the lodge all forenoon and finished reading the
book--"Voice of warning" by Parley P. Pratt. About 2 o'clock the sun
came out so Elder Edmunds and I took our kodaks and went out on
the Lune river taking pictures. Returning home I read the
book--"Sonnets of the Portuguese." Spent the evening and had tea
at Bro. Sycamore's, Elder Edmunds, Campbell and I. On our way
home we bought some apples and grapes, and when we arrived
home we sat all of us around the grate and devoured them.
Wednesday 10th January 1912
Slept late and had breakfast about 10:30. Prepared my mutual
lesson (The 2 ch. of Alma) At two o'clock I went out tracting alone
down on Daisy street. While out I was attacked by a blood-hound
and almost eaten alive; I used my cane to good advantage and kept
him from grabing me. Returned home at dark and after tea I gave
my lecture in mutual improvement ass'n.
Passed the forenoon by reading and gading up town. Elder
Edmunds and I went out looking for a book sale. Received two
letters from home one from mother and one from, Elvan, so sat
down and answered them. We walked to Morecambe in the
afternoon and held a cottage meeting at Sister Lancaster's Had two
investigators out. After supper we returned home.
80

Friday 12th January 1912
Rain, Rain, Rain, all day long, compelled to stay in the house most
all day. Read Ella Wheeler Wilcoxs' book called "Poems of Passion" in
the forenoon and after dinner I pressed my clothes and done did
what mending I had to do. Went visiting out to Bells in the evening.
Had a hard time finding the place for we got on the wrong street.
Returning home I found the Deseret News so sat up for a while and
read all the news.
Sunday 14th January 1912
Sunday School at 2.30pm, Sacrament Meeting at 6.30pm
The girls teased me nearly to death about my beard.
After services Sister Reid came up to me and taking me by the hand
said she had enjoyed my discourse and that it was the best lecture
on repentance she had ever heard. This made me feel as though I
had accomplished something.
Monday 15th January 1912
After dinner Elder Edmunds and I went out for a little stroll up
around the Town Hall and the Queen Victoria monument. Went down
to Relief Society meeting at 7:30 where we took up-- "One Hundred
Years of Mormonism". At the close of the services we (the Lancaster
dramatic co.) went up in our room and had a rehearsal of our
comedy--"Sour Grapes".
Tuesday 16th January 1912
Went in Sister Simmond's room and played the piano a while then
she and I rehearsed our parts for the play. Clyde and I took a walk
up town and posted our letters. Elders Campbell, Edmunds and
myself went out to Blenkhorn's about two miles to spend the
evening.
The most dreary kind of weather. As I awoke I was greeted by a
howling wind and a blizzard of snow. We sat by the fire and toasted
our shins most of the day Elder Edmunds and I went down to the
coal yards and bought some coal for two poor girls, who we thought
perhaps would be freezing to death.
81

After dinner Elder Edmunds and I walked
over to Morecambe to hold a cottage
meeting. We had to walk against a very
disagreeable blizzard all the way. Went to
Sister Lancaster's and after tea we held our
little meeting. Returned to Lancaster on the
9:10 train and went to the Hippodrome
where they were playing "The Victim of the
Mormons". It was very disgusting. After the
show we got out at the door and passed
tracts. One old woman tore up my tract and
throwed it in my face and said take your old
tract you rotten thing. Ha-ha- said I.
At 9 o' clock Edmunds and I went up to the
Hippodrome, where they were showing the
"Victim of the Mormons," and gave out about
400 tracts to the people as they came out. We went back again to
the second show and gave out about the same number. As we
started home the crowd about 30 of them followed us yelling
"Mormons," Mormons" and everything else they could think of. They
followed us clear home but didn't molest us in any way.
Sunday 21st January 1912
There were several investigators out so we called on Sister
Gastreen to bear her testimony. I then spoke about 40 minutes on
the general principles of the gospel. Elder Edmunds then spoke on
the "God-head." While he was speaking a mob from the out side
tried to break in through the doors. Brothers, Bell, Sycamore and
Blenkhorn went out and they dispersed, but there was quite a noise
outside for a long time.
Tuesday 23rd January 1912
The bright morning afforded us a good opportunity for picture
taking, so Edmunds and I spent the forenoon getting ourselves in all
kinds of poses. We went up town and bought some supplies then
returned and printed our pictures. Clyde recd. a letter from Pres.
Richards who appointed him as conference clerk, so he packed up to
leave. Had dinner at 6 o 'clock then started for Brotherton's, but we
lost our way and didn't get there until 9 o 'clock.
Had Elder Campbell's farewell in the evening.
Program
SongCongregation
Prayer-- Tillston
Solo Elder Campbell
82

Rec. Mary Lancaster
Duet Sissie and Edith. Rec Madge Lancaster.
Play Sour Grapes-- Lancaster Dram. Co.
Cast:-Jonathan Waddle --Myself
Ephriam Bateman - Elder Edmunds
Dorethea Snooks - Mrs. Simmonds
Matilda - Miss Martin
Bridget - Mrs. Parkinson
Sisters Reid and Simmonds served lunch, then we played games
until 11 o 'clock then dinner.
We walked up and down the "prom" for a while then went down to
Sister Lancaster's. Sisters Reid and Gastreen came over then we all
had a fine supper. Leaving Sister Lancaster's we went up to Mrs.
Newton's and blessed her daughter who was sick. This was the first
time I had taken part in blessing the sick. Being detained longer
than expected we missed our train and had to walk home. Before
arriving the sweat was running off in streams.
When Edmunds left I became the treasurer for Lancaster branch, so
I balanced up the tithing, star, fast offerings, rent and expense
accounts and sent the money in to the office. In the afternoon Elder
Tillotson and I got some films and walked out to the city park about
3 miles distant. The park is surrounded by a high rock wall and we
entered it through some huge iron gates. The whole enclosure was a
garden of flowers and green trees. In the central part was a
beautiful building erected by Lord Ashton in honor of one of his
wives. Not far from here was a hot house containing all kinds of
pretty plants and flowers, among which were various kinds of ferns,
palms and lilies. All over the park were the finest of rock walks.
Before retiring I went in Sister Simmond's and sang them a solo or
two.
Sunday 28th January 1912
For the first time in my life I took charge of the services both in
Sunday School and afternoon meeting. In Sunday School I took up
"Christs authority demonstrated" and in the evening Elder Tillitson
spoke. There were eleven or twelve investigators out in the evening.
At the close of meeting we sat and jollied with the saints for a long
time.
Thursday 2nd February 1912
About 7:30 we went over to Bro. Hoyle's in Skerton, where we had
supper and spent the evening.
Saturday 3rd February 1912
83

Spent the day at the lodge as usual on Saturday. Don't go tracting
because the people are usually out shopping on Saturday. The gas
lights froze up, so we were left without light and had to sit up by the
fireplace to read. Sister Reid called at the lodge and talked with us
for an hour or two concerning her desires to go to Utah.
Monday 5th February 1912
Elder Reeder and I went to Sister Reid's for breakfast and stayed
until noon. She gave us some newspaper clippings from various
papers concerning the opposition toward the Mormons. The gas man
came early in the afternoon and I helped him thaw out the gas pipes
so we could have some light. Owing to the fact that it was very cold
we held Relief Society up in our room. I took up the time by reading
to them from the "Hundred Years of Mormonism" After the meeting
we all sewed on a quilt. Elder Reeder and I sat up and debated on
"Pre-existance of Spirits" until 1 o' clock A. M.
Wednesday 7th February 1912
"Oh what an awful day". The wind blew and our fireplace smoked so
that it drove us out of the room. I practiced my music for two hours
then Elder Reeder and I went out for a walk up by the park. Held
mutual up in our room at 7:30 the hall being to cold. I lectured to
them on the 12th Ch. of Alma in the Book of Mormon. It was
concerning the resurrection of the dead. After meeting Edith and
Dora Robinson stayed and I showed them some of my pictures. And
thus ended the seventh day of Feb- 1912.
Thursday 15th February 1912
Walked over to Morecambe in the afternoon and held a cottage
meeting at Sister Lancaster's. We studied the 3 rd and 4 th chs. of
the Acts of the Apostles. Had supper and walked home at 10 o
'clock. Sister Simmonds and Winnie came in and talked with us a
while about Utah as they were desirous of going out.
Friday 16th February 1912
Spent the evening at Bro. and Sister Bells: They being poor people
we tried to cheer them up and cause them to be thankful for what
they had.
Monday 19th February 1912
Down to mother Reids for breakfast. Stayed until noon. Returned to
the lodge and went out and paid our rate, gas, electricity and
window cleaning bills. Went out in the market and done some
gaffering.
Tuesday 20th February 1912
"Pan-cake Tuesday, everybody eats pan-cakes". For dinner we had
pan-cakes straight. Elder Reeder and I went out tracting at 2 o' clock
and were out until 5:30. We had a bad district as the people were
84

disagreeable Stopped in Hoyle's and preached tithing to him for a
while then returned to lodge. Spent the evening up at Sister
Brotherton's.
Friday 23rd February 1912
After having a bread and jam dinner we studied the bible a while.
Evening came and we went to Skerton to Hoyle's. He played the
piano for us a while then we had tea. After a jolly conversation we
returned home and on our way we seen saw many drunkards. Friday
night is pay day so they all get on a drunk to spend what little
money they have.
Tuesday 27th February 1912
Tracting was out of the question as it rained all day. Pres. Richards
wrote and said I would have to go to Burnley and do some baptizing.
Reeder and I went down and spent the evening with the two Jackson
girls. They live alone their father and mother both being dead.
Wednesday 28th February 1912
Mutual in the evening myself presiding. I gave them a lesson from
the Book of Mormon. The wind howled through our old house until it
sang us to sleep.
Thursday 29th February 1912
Oh what a fine day. As the 29th of Feb only comes once in four years
it should be good. Reeder and I went up town and had a good spring
hair cut. Returned to the lodge, got the kodak out and took some
pictures. After dinner I trigged up and went to the studio and had
my picture taken. It being a beautiful day we started on our regular
trip to Morecambe a little early that we might loiter along the fields.
Sister Lancaster gave us our supper as usual then we had a cottage
meeting, Sisters Lancaster and Hartley being present. Morecambe
being a sea coast town we went out on the promenade and watched
the tide come in on our way home.
Saturday 2nd March 1912
Sister Hartley called in the forenoon and we had her stay for dinner.
I caught the 12:45 train for Preston, went up and spent a couple of
hours with the Elders then Pres. Richards and I met Elder Reeder
and a company from Lancaster and we all took a train to Burnley. At
8 o' clock we held a baptism at the public baths and it was there
that I done did my first baptizing. There was a large crowd of saints
present. After singing a couple of hymns and dedicating the water,
Pres Richards spoke a few minutes. Then I went into the water and
baptised in order as follows-- W m John Ren of Morecambe, Mrs. Jane
Sycamore of Lancaster, and Miss Dora Robinson of Lancaster. After
the services we all returned to Lancaster arriving at 10:30. Rode on
a train from London at the rate of about 75 miles per hour.
85

Sunday 3rd March 1912
Our regular fast day so we had but one meal and that at 4 o 'clock.
Spent most of the time during the day studying. In Sunday School
we devoted the time to testimony bearing. In our meeting at 6:30
we confirmed the three that were baptized in Burnley. I confirmed
Sister Dora Robinson and Reeder the other two. After this work I
talked to them 45 minutes on the Book of Mormon. There was a
large crowd of investigators out and after meeting one lady came up
to me and ask for a book to read as she had become quite
interested.
Tuesday 5th March 1912
Spent the afternoon arranging my post cards in series and in fixing
up an old bicycle. The Utah mail came in the evening and after
reading it we went up to Bro. and Sister Arthur Sycamore's where
we had supper and spent the evening. Returning to the lodge at 11
o' clock and retired. On our way home we noticed many drunk
people. The public houses being full of both men and women.
Friday 8th March 1912
Very cold and windy. The wind blew smoke out of our fireplace until
we could hardly stand it. Sister Edith Robinson came and spent most
of the forenoon with us at the lodge. In the afternoon we went down
to the baths. Sister Reid called on us in the evening and stayed until
10 o 'clock. Sister Parkinson also called and brought us some cakes
and candy.
Sunday 10th March 1912
Pres. Richards and I spent the forenoon in discussing the various
affairs of the branch. Held our regular Sunday School at 2:30 taking
up -- "Peters testimony of Christ". Sister Reid came up in the lodge
and had dinner with us and stayed until evening meeting. In the
evening services Pres. took up most of the time speaking on the life
of Joseph Smith By invitation we spent a couple of hours at Mrs.
Potter's, an investigator. It was a fine home and we were treated
very cordially.
Monday 11th March 1912
Rather overslept myself and was late for breakfast. It was a fine day
so the Pres. and I went over in Skerton tracting. We had a awful
time; crowds of people of people followed us around yelling. We
returned to the lodge at 1 o 'clock and had dinner. At 2 o 'clock we
went through the Lancaster castle and had the points of interest
explained to us by a guide.
Thursday 14th March 1912
Elder Reeder and I walked to Morecambe in the afternoon. Had
supper as usual with Sister Lancaster. Later in the evening we held a
cottage meeting taking up the "Acts of the Apostles". Sister Hartley
86

brought us a cake, which we enjoyed very much. Returned to
Lancaster over the Midland R.R. at 10 o 'clock.
In the evening we went up to Brothertons and gave them some
money to help them out as they were very poor. On our way home
we walked around through town and the streets were thronged with
people. Friday night is the big night out.
Saturday 16th March 1912
Having suffered quite severely most of the night with the cramp, I
was anxiously awaiting morning. "Too much rhubarb the night before
for supper seemed to be the trouble.
Sunday 17th March 1912
Held Sunday School at 2:30 P.M. taking up Christs transfiguration
Held meeting at 6:30. I done most of the speaking and broke all
former records by talking an hour on "Faith". After the meeting the
saints sat around the fire place and talked to us for a couple of
hours before they left.
Monday 18th March 1912
Received a bunch of Utah mail, letters, papers etc, and spent most
of the forenoon reading them. Elder Reeder and I went over in
Skerton tracting in the afternoon and had one awful time. The
people were sure in a bad humor and acted really crazy as they ran
around the street howling. In about an hour and a half we finished
our district and returned to the lodge and laughed at the ignorance
of some people.
Tuesday 19th March 1912
The short spells of sunshine that alternated with heavy showers
made it a hard thing for us to leave the lodge. The thing most
miserable of all was our smoking fireplace; the soot blew out until
we were covered. Spent the evening and had supper at Bro. and
Sister Arthur Sycamores. They run a grocery store and I had all kinds
of fun running around helping myself to things. About mid-night we
went home in an awful shower.
Friday 22nd March 1912
Took another cross-country ramble. We went over to Skerton to
tract but decided it was to cold, so we went out viewing the country.
Following the banks of the Lune we came to the Wagon & Machine
works where about 6 or 7 thousand men were employed. From there
we climbed some rock steps that lead us to the canal. On this
stream they had boats loaded with coal etc and were pulled up the
stream by a horse on the bank along side of it. About 2 or 3 miles
further on we located a town called Bolton. We remained there until
about sun down then returned over a different road. On either side
87

were beautiful rolling hills covered with grass, and cattle, horses, &
sheep grazing on them. And close by our side was the sparkling
waters of the slow flowing Lune.
Thursday 28th March 1912
We had scarcely washed our faces and eaten our "force" (mush)
when Sister Needum and her mother called on us at our lodge. They
ask us for some information concerning baptism for the dead, and
we gladly explained it to them. Without any dinner we walked to
Morecambe arriving about 4 o 'clock. Sister Lancaster gave us a big
feed at 5 o' clock. Later we held a cottage meeting after which we
returned to Lancaster over the Midland. The coal strike is becoming
severe, people are seen in large crowds out around the rail-road
tracts picking up old cinders to burn and many are half starving.
Mr. Lancaster of Morecambe called on us in the forenoon. The wind
blew most of the day and our fireplace smoked us out of the room.
The ashes and soot that blew out were suffocating. Sister Parkinson
gave us a "fish and chip" supper about 10 o' clock in Sisters
Simmonds room. In England where the breezes blow, and down the
chimneys swiftly go-- The rooms are filled with "soot and smoke",
and to sit and breathe it is no joke. You can stay and cough and
choke and freeze, till your face and clothes are black if you please.
But for me I'll look for a more pleasant spot, And in the valleys of
the mountains cast my lot. Parody on Lancaster.
Saturday 30th March 1912
Bro Bell called on us in the evening and stayed two or three hours
telling us his troubles and affairs. A bunch of Utah mail dropped in
on us and entertained us for a while. As the church bells sang the
hour of eleven, and as the howling drunks were driven from the
public house across the way, I retired and the music of the clogs
tramping up the rock walks put me to sleep.
Sunday 31st March 1912
Held Sunday school at 2:30 and took up the subject--"As a little
child." Also had our regular meeting at 6:30. There were a large
crowd of investigators present so we called on Bro. Sycamore and
Sister Reid to speak a few minutes. They bore strong testimonies
Elder Reeder and I also spoke a few minutes.
Monday 1st April 1912
"April fool day" was a rather quiet one. The cold wet weather kept
us in the house all day. Due to scarcity of coal we went in Sister
Simmonds room and let our fire go out.
Friday 5th April 1912
88

Leaving Lancaster Elder Reeder and I with some of the saints
followed the banks of the Lune for about five miles to a place
called-- "Crook A-Lune", a very beautiful spot where the river forms
a circle. The scenery along the banks was immense. Following the
trail we were at times lead over the large rocks near the water and
other times we found ourselves in the woods. The ladies furnished a
fine lunch. After a jant of about 12 miles we all returned tired.
Friday 12th
April 1912
Soon after
dinner we hit out
for Heysham to tract. We walked until almost sundown but didn't
find the town so we returned rather disappointed, but the walk was
very enjoyable as the country around us was very beautiful and we
stayed close to the river where we could see the ships unloading
etc.
Monday 15th April 1912
A big day out in the country. Having the spirit of tracting we set out
for Heysham to try our luck there. After a walk through the
meadows for about 6 miles we reached this quaint little village
located on the banks of the Morecambe Bay. As the tide was out we
walked out on the sands and partook of the refreshing sea breeze.
Located on the rock cliffs near the shore and over looking the sea
was a rustic looking structure which on inquiring we found to be
called St. Patricks Church. This edifice was erected in the fifth
century and was the first place St. Patrick preached in England,
being drifted ashore there as he came from Ireland. After tracting
the town we returned to Lancaster arriving at 8. P.M. Having walked
about 12 or 15 miles we were very tired.
Tuesday 16th April 1912
We had an exceptionally early caller. The policeman came in at 2
o'clock and woke us up to inform us that we hadn't locked our
outside door
Wednesday 17th April 1912
In the afternoon we tracted some of the old maids over in Skerton.
Under appointment we met with the saints in the hall and had a
singing practice to learn some new songs.
Thursday 18th April 1912
89

After lunch we loaded ourselves with tracts and set out for Bare to
finish tracting there. After tracting for a while we walked out on the
promenade and had our pictures taken. Later our attention was
drawn out on the sands where we sat in the gravel and sunned
ourselves for some time. Leaving Bare we followed the promenade
to West Morecambe and there had supper at Sister Lancaster's
Walked home arriving at 10:30 P.M.
Friday 19th April 1912
Found a wheel down in the basement that some of the elders had
left, so I cleaned it up and took it up to the cycle shop to have it
repaired.
Saturday 20th April 1912
Showed a little life by getting up at 6 o'clock. The morning was to
beautiful to sleep longer. Just before breakfast the Jackson girls
brought us some coke on a wheel-borough, so I had to go and put it
in the coal bin. Went up to the bike shop and got my wheel and took
a little cycling tour over toward Morecambe. Riding along the Lune I
seen saw the large boats steaming up to the shipyards. They come
in with the tide and go out with it. I also came by Lord Ashtons
linoleum factory as the men came out for dinner Three or four
thousand of them walking on the pavement with their clogs made
and awful noise Sis. Reid and Elsie Parkinson came in and spent the
evening.
Monday 22nd April 1912
Influenced by an early streak I was up between five and six and
soon aroused everybody by playing the piano Bro. Maurice Hoyle
(shoe-maker) and I left early in the afternoon on our wheels for
Morecambe. We went around through Bare and came on the
promenade up to East Morecambe, thence along to the West End,
and down almost to Heysham. Sitting on the shore we watched the
tide come in and go out. A very interesting place we visited was the
Rock Pier where they were tearing to pieces old ships. Returned in
time for Relief Society, having enjoyed a pleasant day on the sea
shore.
Wednesday 24th April 1912
The day went on with its regular performances. Tracting over in
Skerton was the feature of the afternoon, the people there being
very much in opposition to Mormons thinking they have many
wives.
Sunday 28th April 1912
Regular semi-annual conference in Preston. First session at 10:30
A.M. Elders Larkin, Cord and Pres. Clawson spoke. Between meeting
I had a fine luncheon with Sisters Reid, Martin, and Dobson our
Lancaster saints. Second service at 2:30. Elder Benson, clerk of
mission, Elder Ireland, associate editor of Star, and Elder Birdshal,
90

formerly a Methodist minister, spoke. The ladies gave me another
feed. The last meeting was at 6 o'clock Elder Richards, Pres. of the
Conference and Pres. Clawson spoke. Close to 200 saints from
various branches were present. After an hour or so of hand shaking,
and conversing with the saints and friends we went up to the hotel.
Monday 6th May 1912
In the afternoon Elder Reeder and I decided to have a little party for
the Relief Society so we go busy; got Winnie to help us and prepared
for a luncheon. We set two large tables in our dining room and had
them decorated with flowers and fruits. After meeting we brought
them into the dining room and surprised them. The luncheon
consisted of hot coco, sandwiches, cakes, cheese, fruits etc.
Thirteen of the Sisters were present. I acted as "hostess."
Tuesday 7th May 1912
Received a letter from Pres. Richards calling me to labor in Wigan.
Elder Reeder and I were quite surprised and hated to leave one
another At 1 o'clock we went to the depot to meet Elder Reuben
Owen a new comer who had been sent to labor with Elder Reeder.
We all three went up to Bro. Sycamore's for supper. Elder Reeder
and I were washing dishes most of the forenoon and cleaning up
after our party.
Wednesday 8th May 1912
After dinner I had Winnie and Elsie play some duets. Took a ride on
my wheel out toward Morecambe. In the evening Bro. and Sis.
Hoyle, Dora and Violet all called to see me before I left. They were
all sorry I was going.
Friday 10th May 1912
All aboard for Wigan. Found the baggage man and sent my trunk by
advanced luggage. Sis. Reid came in to see me; she was afraid I
would go before she seen saw me. I had her stay and eat breakfast
with me. In the afternoon we all went down to her house on the
Marsh and caught her baking so we stayed and had a feed. In the
evening Sisters Martin, Reid, and the two Jackson girls called in to
see me. We spent a very pleasant evening.
The End of Elder Newtons time assigned to Lancaster.
91
Missionaries who have served from Lancaster

Mary Kim Illinois Chicago Mission (1979)
Adam Greenhalge California (1981)
Kathy Edwards California Sacramento Mission (1983)
Noel Marshall Arizona Holbrook (1983)
David Kurecko England London South Mission (1987)
Angela Jones England London South Mission (1988)
Paul Freeman Argentina Cordoba Mission (1990)
David Hester England London South Mission (1992)
Darren Green England London Mission (1992)
Mark Johnson England Bristol Mission (1993)
Lee Johnson England London Mission (1993)
Owen Freeman England London South Mission (1993)
Ian Greathead England London Mission (1996)
David Lisgo France Paris Mission (1997)
Simon Greathead Utah Provo Mission (1997)
Simon Hester South Africa Johannesburg Mission (1998)
Damian Johnson Canada Calgary Mission (1998)
Mark Day Greece Athens Mission (2000)
Daniel Lisgo Switzerland Zurich Mission (2000)
Nathan Lisgo France Marseille Mission (2000)
Al Kurezcko Poland Warsaw Mission (2000)
Robert Johnson Ireland Dublin Mission (2003)
Daniel Kirk Ireland Dublin Mission (2003)
David Makins England Bristol Mission (2003)
Sam Ward Washington Kennewick Mission (2010)
Suzanna Marshall England Birmingham Mission (2015)
Sam Carr Adriatic Mission (2015)
92
Meeting Places
c.1910
Alhambra Palace, Lancashire Street, Morecambe, LA4 4EU
The Morecambe Alahambra Palace Theatre was built in 1901, and
was converted to a Cinema in 1930. Right on the prom, missionaries
would hold meetings here at 6.30pm on a Sunday evening. It is not
known how long meetings were held here for, but the first mentions
of it being used as a meeting place was in 1910.
93
___ 1910 c.1916

Lancaster LDS Mission Hall, 85 Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LP139
Formerly used by Gillows furniture company. A very large property
spread over 5 floors. At time of use, the property was inhabited by
Edith and Winifred Simmonds (mother and daughter), who typically
had four Elders lodging with them. The property was used, it can be
surmised, until around 1916 when the branch appears to have been
un-organised, likely due to the lack of members and missionaries
a result of the First World War.
139 http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-383121-85-churchstreet-lancashire#.VnrMXZOLSS4, accessed: 23 December 2015.

94
Sunday 20th February 1922 Unknown

6 Roseberry Avenue, Morecambe,
The Lancaster branch was organised here on Sunday 20th February
1922, and it seems as if they met here for a while until meetings
moved to the home of Brother John Bell.
95
c.1961
Unknown
- 2 December 1984
St Johns Ambulance Hall
96
2 December 1984 Current

Lancaster LDS Chapel
Since its dedication on 2 December 1984, Latter-day Saint services
have been held at the Lancaster Latter-day Saint Chapel. There was
an Open House from 3 December 7 December. Many former
Branch Presidents were involved in the dedication programme. Due
to the fact the designated Stake Centre for the Preston Stake is in
Chorley, Lancaster is regularly used for Stake meetings due to its
geographical centricity to the rest of the Stake.
Historical Members
There is no single type of person who joins the Church, in reality; it
really could not be more diverse, with a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. A particularly strong
period for the Church in Lancaster was from the years 1900-1916,
the first time the gospel really took hold in the area. The following
are a series of members that have been identified from Census
records, and have been mapped according to the addresses
recorded.
Having mapped and explored the distribution of members around
the town, it does provide some insights into the areas missionaries
may have worked, the socio-economic activity of members, and how
members might have interacted with each other.
97
The below map depicts where identified members lived in 1911.
98
99
A few of the Key LDS Sites in the Area (at a glance)
100
Dora Robinson
Born: 1896, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Baptised: Saturday 2nd March 1912, Burnley, Lancashire, England
Occupation: Laundry hand
Address: 5 Wolseley Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Dora lived with her parents Thomas and Sarah Robinson, along with
her brother, and six sisters, and a boarder.140
Edith Robinson
Born: 1891, Kendal, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Single
Occupation: Ring Spinner
Address: 5 Wolsely Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Edith was the sister of Dora, and it would seem that a few of their
family joined the church.141
140 1911 England and Wales Census, Class: RG14; Piece: 25530, available at:
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Dora&gsln=Robinson&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster
%2c+Lancashire%2c+England&mswpn=84902&mswpn_PInfo=8%7c0%7c0%7c3257%7c3251%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c5271%7c84902%7c0%7c&MSA
V=0&cpxt=1&cp=11&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ig3&pcat=ROOT_CATEGORY&h=265
84736&db=1911England&indiv=1&ml_rpos=1, accessed: 10th August 2015.
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Dora&gsln=Robinson&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster
101
Jane Sycamore
Born: 16 April 1882, Gracefield, Yorkshire, England
Baptised: Saturday 2nd March 1912, Burnley, Lancashire, England
Occupation: None
Died: 22 July 1967, Brigham City, Utah, United States.142
Address: 24 Gardner Street, Skerton, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Jane lived with her husband Arthur, who was also a member of the
Church. By 1920 the family were living in Box Elder, Utah, along with
their three sons.143
Maurice Gershon Hoyle
Born: 1872, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Occupation: Bootmaker and Repairer
Died: 15 December 1935, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Address: 17 Lune Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Maurice lived with his wife Mabel, and Brother and Sister in law,
Thomas and Edith, as well as his niece, Hilda.144
John R. Blenkhorn
Baptised:
Occupation: Linoleum Printers Labourer
Died: 1932, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Address: 104 Dorrington Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
John was the head of the household and lived with his wife Margaret,
and three daughters, Minnie, Marie, and Edith.145 Elder Jackson
recorded that he felt they were not very well off financially.
Margaret Blenkhorn
Born: 1877, Bradford, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
142 Find a Grave, available at: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?
page=gr&GRid=14092466&ref=acom, accessed: 10th August 2015.
143 1920 U.S Census, Year: 1920; Census Place: Box Elder, Box Elder, Utah;
Roll: T625_1861; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 311, available at:
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?
indiv=1&db=1920usfedcen&h=22830856&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&rhSource=2
352, accessed: 10th August 2015.
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Maurice&gsln=Hoyle&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster
db=1911England&indiv=try&h=26576458, accessed: 10th August 2015.
102

Occupation: None
Died:
Minnie Blenkhorn
Baptised:
Occupation: School (Student)
Died:
Marie Blenkhorn
Baptised:
Died:
Address: 104 Dorrington Road, Lancaster, England
Edith Blenkhorn
Baptised:
Died:
Edith Annie Simmonds
Born: 1868, Silsden, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Widowed
Occupation: Housekeeper
Died: 11 May 1957, Cheshire, England
Address: 85 Church Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Edith had her daughter living with her, along with 4 Elders, Pashby
C. Midgley, John Cameron, O. R. Card, and Clarence L. Shaw.146
Ediths husband, Arthur James Simmonds died in July 1906. Edith
later moved away from Lancaster.
Winifred Mary Simmonds
Born: 4 July 1897, Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Died:
146 1911 England and Wales Census, , available at:
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Edith&gsln=Simmonds&mswpn__ftp=Lancaste
r%2c+Lancashire%2c+England&mswpn=84902&mswpn_PInfo=8%7c0%7c0%7c3257%7c3251%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c5271%7c84902%7c0%7c&MSA
V=0&msbdy=1868&cpxt=1&cp=11&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ig3&pcat=ROOT_CAT
EGORY&h=38548348&db=1911England&indiv=1&ml_rpos=1, accessed: 14th
August 2015.
103

Address: 85 Church Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Winifred appears to have got married to William H. Hughes in South
Manchester in September 1926.
Sister Dobson (described by Elder Jackson)
Possibly Agnes Dobson
Born: 1844, Overton, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Widowed
Occupation: Shop Keeper
Died:
Address: 7 Ripley Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Selina Martin
Born: 1883, Ulverston, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Occupation: Domestic Servant
Died:
Address: 29 Sun Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Selina was recorded as living with her parents in 1901, she does not
appear in the 1911 census (she may have been away). She comes
from a large family, although the records suggest that she may have
been the only one of her family to join.147
John Reid
Born: 1859, High Bentham, Yorkshire, England.
Baptised:
Relationship:
Occupation:
Died:
Rebecca Reid (nee Carr)
Born: 1864, Low Bentham, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to John Reid
Occupation: None
Died:
Address: 34 Salisbury Road, Lancaster, England
Rebecca lives with her husband John, son Robert, and a boarder
called Thomas Turner.148 They emigrated to Canada on 30 April
147 1901 England and Wales Census, RG13; Piece: 3989; Folio: 67; Page: 19,
available at: http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?
db=uki1901&indiv=try&h=25563954, accessed: 10th August 2015.
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsln=Reid&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster%2c+Lancashire
%2c+England&mswpn=84902&mswpn_PInfo=8%7c0%7c0%7c3257%7c3251%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c5271%7c84902%7c0%7c&MSA
104

1921, where she recorded her religion as C. J. C. Latter-day Saint.
Her husband and son Robert, identified as Quakers, whilst her other
son, William, recorded himself as Church of England, in his
attestation papers for the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.
William Reid
Born: 30 September 1887, Lancaster, England
Baptised:
Relationship:
Occupation: Tailor
In 17 August 1915, when he enlisted for the Canadian Over-Seas
Expeditionary Force, he recorded his religion as Church of England.
Robert Algernon Reid
Born: 18th October 1892, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Baptised:
Relationship: Married Gertrude Redhead, 29 April 1915, Toronto,
Canada.
Occupation: Apprentice Printing Press Maker
Died:
In 30 July 1915, when he enlisted for the Canadian Over-Seas
Expeditionary Force, he recorded his religion as Quaker, as he had
done when he got married.
Jackson Girls
May and Doris? Living in a school?
Walter Lancaster
Born: 1854, Leeds, Hunslet, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Ada Lancaster
Occupation: Master Tailor/Mariner
Died: 3 February 1929, Milnthorpe, Lancashire, England.
Address: 2 Parliament Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, England.149
Walter and his family lived in Morecambe and regularly opened their
home to the missionaries for use as a location for Cottage Meetings,
as well as feeding the missionaries. They were an active core
element in the unit. The family later moved to Milnthorpe where
Walter died, Ada, Mary, and Marjorie all moved to British Columbia,
Canada, where she and Marjorie died just a few years later. Walter
had five children from his previous wife who died before he met Ada.
In Leeds, Walter lived two doors down from Ada, on Hunslet Road.
Ada Lancaster (nee Gibbons)
Born: 1866, Keighley, Yorkshire, England
105

Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Walter Lancaster, December 1904, Skipton,
West Yorkshire, England.
Occupation: None
Died: 29 July 1933, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.
Address: 2 Parliament Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, England.
106
Mary Lancaster
Born: 1907, Morecambe, Lancashire, England.
Baptised:
Relationship: Married Soren N. Hoyrup, 6 September 1929,
Vancouver, british Columbia, Canada.
Occupation: None
Died: 1994, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada.
Address: 2 Parliament Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Frances Marjorie Lancaster
Born: 23 November 1907, Heysham, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married Einor Einard Rova, 17 November 1928,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
107

Occupation: None
Died: 7 February 1937, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
Address: 2 Parliament Street, Morecambe, Lancashire, England
Sister Parkinson
Hannah Parkinson
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to William Parkinson
Occupation: None
Died:
Address: 32 Salisbury Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Hannah lived with her husband William, and daughters Sarah Ann,
and Elsie. They lived next door to the Reid family in the Marsh area
of town.150
Sarah Ann Parkinson
Baptised:
Occupation: Shop Assistant
Died:
Address: 32 Salisbury Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
It is quite likely that Sarah was also a member of the Branch.
Elsie Parkinson
Baptised:
Died:
Address: 32 Salisbury Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Elsie married John Methuen Flatters on 6 November 1929, at Clee,
Lincoln, England.
Elizabeth Alice Needham (nee Leak)
Born: 12 September 1874, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Frank Needham, August 1897, in Lancaster,
Lancashire, England.
Occupation: None
Died: December 1960, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Address: 1 Tomlinsons Yard, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Elizabeth is the individual suspected to be who was described by
Elder Jackson as Sister Needum.151 I estimate her mother to be Ann
108

Leak, who was living at 84 Addle Croft, Scotforth, Lancaster,
Lancashire, England.152 Elizabeth lived with her husband Frank, son
Joseph, and three boarders. There is no evidence to suggest her
family joined the church, she died in Lancaster, but does not appear
to have remained active.
Jane MacFarlane Downham Hartley
Born: 15th November 1872, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Thomas Hartley, 30 December 1900.
Occupation: None
Died: 12 December 1940, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Address: 24 Cross Street, Bolton-le-Sands, Lancashire, England
Jane lived with her husband Thomas, and her sister Mary at the time
of the 1901 Census, he was a plasterers labourer.153 Clifford, her
son, was born on 18 May 1903 in Morecambe, Lancashire, England.
He later served in the Church and emigrated to the USA.
Mrs Newtons
db=1911England&indiv=try&h=30691044
John Bell
Born: 1855, Kirkby Stephen, West Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Isabella Bell
Occupation: Tailor maker
Died: 1932, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Address: 14 Brunton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
John lived with his wife Isabella, daughter Florence, and a boarder
called Joseph Saunders. He worked as a tailor maker, he served as
the Branch President for many years.154
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsc&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsln=Leak&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster%2c+Lancashire
%2c+England&mswpn=84902&mswpn_PInfo=8%7c0%7c0%7c3257%7c3251%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c5271%7c84902%7c0%7c&MSA
V=0&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ig3&pcat=35&h=26586499&db=1911England
&indiv=1&ml_rpos=5, accessed: 10th August 2015.
153 1901 England and Wales Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 3986; Folio: 50;
Page: 19, available at: http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&gsfn=Jane&gsln=Hartley&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster
%2c+Lancashire
%2c+England&MSAV=0&msbdy=1872&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ig3&pcat=R
OOT_CATEGORY&h=25546217&db=uki1901&indiv=1&ml_rpos=3, accessed: 11th
August 2015.
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angsg&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=John&gsln=Bell&mswpn__ftp=Lancaster
V=0&msbdy=1855&cp=0&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ig3&pcat=ROOT_CATEGORY&h
109
Sister Bell, John M. Bell, and Flrie Bell, November 12th 1911
Isabella Bell
Born: 1855, Penrith, Cumberland, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to John Bell
Occupation: None
Died:
Florence R. Bell
Born: 1889, Bradford, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Occupation:
Died:
Holmes Jowett
Born: 20 December 1875, Bradford, Yorkshire, England
Baptised:
Relationship: Married to Mary Elizabeth Horn
Occupation: Miller
Died: 24 December 1956, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Address: 78 Pinfold Lane, Lancaster, England.
=26575997&db=1911England&indiv=1&ml_rpos=1, accessed: 14th August 2015.
110

Emigrated to Canada, left from Liverpool, Lancashire, England,
aboard the Corsican, and arrived in Quebec, Canada, 12 May 1913.
Notes: His wife and children followed the year after (1914). He
served in WW1 Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.
Cardston News (3 January 1957), p. 1.
Tamer Gunson
Born: February 1871,
Baptised:
Relationship: None, never married.
Died: 11 March 1924, Salt Lake City, Utah.
111

Address:
Emigrated:
Hannah Gunson
Born:
Baptised:
Relationship: Married Christopher E. Wilcock, 14 November 1906.
Died: 18 November 1961, Idaho Falls, Idaho, U.S.A.
Address:
Emigrated:
Winnie Simmonds, Lancaster

1 Cavendish Street, Lancaster c. 1911, Joel Richards
112
Violet Bunning, c. 1911

Address: 17 Lune Street, Lancaster, England.
113
Sister Edith A Simmonds

85 Church Street, Lancaster, England
114
Winifred Simmons and Elsie Parkinson, Lancaster, England.
115
Lizzie Marsden c. 1910

67 Alfred Street, Lancaster, England
116
Sister Rebecca Reid, 34 Salisbury Street, Lancaster
117
William B Underwood, b. 1907, Hornby?
118
Lancaster and Morecambe

Other possible members/LDS connections
The Beck Family
Originating from Warton but being around Lancaster as well, many
members of the Beck family emigrated to Utah, U.S.A. However,
they were Episcopalians. The question emerges of how and why
they would have gone to Utah, particularly some of the small
southern Utah communities. Possibly Less Active members?
Harold Beck and Doris Beck, c. 1910
Harold Faulkner Beck

Born 28 June 1899 or 20
June 1900, Warton, Lancaster, England.
Relationship: Married Iris Berry, 6 June 1925,
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Died: 2 December 1974
Emigrated: Arrived in New York, New York, 19 August 1924.
Note: He was recorded as being a member of the
Episcopal church. He served in the Royal Fusiliers during
WW1.
119
Isaac Beck
Born: 8 April 1893m Warton, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married Agnes Beck (?) on 12 November 1919, Christ
Church, Lancaster, England.
Died: 18 December 1958, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: Lived in Salt Lake at least by 1930. Appears to have married
his cousin. They had one daughter, Doris Audrey Beck.155
Agnes Beck
Born: 18 May 1887, Warton, Lancaster, England.
Relationship: Married Issac Beck (?) on 12 November 1919, Christ
Church, Lancaster, England.
Died: 18 August 1974, Salt Lake City, Utah.156
The Evans Family
Peter and Anne Evans were both from Wales, but lived and worked
in Lancaster during the 1840s and 1850s. A number of their children
were born here before they emigrated to the USA. In 1851 they lived
at 5 George Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, England. He worked as a
journeyman plumber. The family emigrated in 1861, and was
supported by the Perpetual Emigration fund to do so.
Jane Anne Evans
Born: 28 November 1842, Lancaster, Lancashire,
England.
Baptised LDS: 6 October 1856.
Relationship: Married and sealed to Samuel Chester
Young, 7 October 1861, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
Died: 24 November 1914, Perry, Box Elder, Utah,
U.S.A.
Notes: Had 12-13 children. Seem to have met her
husband after joining the church.157
Christopher Thomas Allen
Born: 26 February 1856, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married Sarah Frances Mace in 1879.
Died: 19 April 1913, Salt Lake City, Utah.
155
http://person.ancestry.co.uk/tree/21579343/person/1106643293/fact
s
156
s
157 http://person.ancestry.co.uk/tree/2347201/person/1845610150/facts
120

Notes: His father was Irish and they seemed to move around a lot.
He was born in Lancaster but then moved away almost immediately.
His mother was from Preston.158
Grace Clark
Born: 1805, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married William Preston Affleck on 7
December 1825, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Died; 1879, Smithfield, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: Appear to have lived in a number of places,
notably Preston where it is likely they may have
joined the church. Appear to have had 9
children.159
John Proctor and Family
Born: 21 August 1862, Caton, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Sarah Ann Downham, 22 May 1888,
Cockerham, Lancashire, England.
Emigrated: Arrived in Boston Massachusetts, 20 May
1905.
Died: 17 December 1928, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: 1891 General carter, living with family and
lodgers in Dolphinholme. Eventually had six children,
Louisa (b.1889), Francis/Frank
(b.1890), Florence (b.1892), Richard
(b.1894), Morton (b.1896), and
Dorothy (b.1905). In 1901 they were
living in 5 Windermere Road,
Lancaster, where he was recorded as
being a Steam Sawyer, they were
living with their five children.160
Elizabeth Warren
Born: 27 May 1874, Lancaster,
England.
158 http://person.ancestry.co.uk/tree/12388403/person/97963267/facts
159
http://person.ancestry.co.uk/tree/61656416/person/42379729433/fa
cts
160
cts
121

Relationship: Married Heber Thomas Booth, 11 April 1899, Utah,
U.S.A.
Died: 23 September 1948, Pleasant View, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: Had one daughter, Alta Booth, born 8 December 1908, died
19 June 1994.161
Margaret Wade
Born: 16 January 1863, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married John Starley Jr., on 10 April 1880, Salt Lake
City, Utah, U.S.A.
Died: 14 April 1907, Fillmore, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: Had 6 children, Harriet (b. 1881), Bertha (b.1883), John
(b.1885), Thomas (b.1887), Stanley (1891), and Orvil (b. 1896).
Lived most of her life and died in Fillmore, Utah, U.S.A. 162
William Makin
Born: 15 September 1830, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married Laura Lovina Shimer, in Salt Lake City, Utah,
U.S.A. in 1804.
Died: 24 April 1904, American Fork, Utah, U.S.A.
Notes: Had two children. John (b.1865), and Irvine, (b.1868).163
Elizabeth Warmsley
Born: 7 December 1816, Lancaster, Lancashire,
England.
Relationship: Married James Corbridge on 16
February 1835, Minersville, Beaver, Utah, U.S.A.
Died: 13 April 1896, Minersville, Beaver, Utah,
U.S.A.
Notes: One son, William (b.1837).164
Jane Lishman
Born: 29 December 1798, Broughton, Lancashire, England.
Baptised: 8 September 1840, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Relationship: Married James Jack, 1833, in Lancaster, Lancashire,
England.
Died: 31 January 1872, Grantsville, Tooele, Utah, U.S.A.
161
cts
162
s
163
cts
164
cts
122

Notes: Four children, Mary (b.1822), Jane (b.1824), Sarah (b.1827),
and Maria (b.1832). In 1841, was recorded as living on Back
side/street of Germany street.165
Mary Lishman Maria Lishman

Annie Speidel
Birth: 1890, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Baptised:
Relationship:
Occupation:
Address: 26 Dumbarton Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, England.
Died:
Notes: In 1911 lived with father John Gottlieb Speidel, and four
siblings (Frank, Louisa, Dorothy, and Lena). There were also two
lodgers staying with them at the time of the census. Her father was
a pork butcher from Germany, her mother, Mary, appears to have
died prior to the census.166 She is referred to in the journal of Niels
Anderson, and appears to have been an investigator or less active
member. The family later moved to Ireland.
165
cts
123
Bibliography
Cynthia Doxey, The Church in Britain and the 1851 Religious
Census, Mormon Historical Studies, Vol. _, No. _ (2013), 107-138.
Index
1
1851 Census of Religious Worship, 6, 9,
16
A
Alahambra Palace Theatre, 108
anti-Mormon, 6, 62, 85, 91
Apostles, 27, 87, 98, 101
Askham, 17
B
baptismal services, 24
baptisms, 6, 10, 24, 28, 85

baptized, 13, 16, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28,
29, 31, 33, 67, 83, 100
Barrow-in-Furness, 17, 18, 23, 74
Bishop, 21, 82, 83
Blackburn, 24
blessing, 97
Book of Mormon, 28, 77, 78
branch, 6, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 48, 58, 61, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74, 76, 82,
83, 84, 86, 97, 100, 110
breakfast, 94, 98, 101, 105, 106
Brigham Young, 11, 80, 91, 92
Brigsteer, 15
166 http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?
db=1911England&indiv=try&h=38545892
124
Burnley, 23, 24, 48, 65, 99, 100, 116, 117
C
cake, 98, 101
canal, 102
Carnforth, 18, 22, 23, 66
Castle, 15, 38
Catholics, 16
Chapel Street, 17
Charles W. Penrose, 26, 28
Chorley, 23, 24, 112
Church Street, 16, 34, 58, 109, 119, 120,
134
Churchtown branch, 12
comforted, 12, 15
Conference, 3, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24,
25, 26, 30, 66, 68, 70, 83, 84, 87, 88,
89, 91, 105
Congregation, 1, 96
congregations, 7, 8
Corporation Baths, 24, 25, 48
cottage meeting, 93, 94, 95, 98, 99, 101,
102
Crook A-Lune, 103
Cynthia Doxey, 7, 145
D
dinner, 15, 17, 61, 63, 64, 94, 95, 96, 98,
99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106
district meeting, 25, 29
Doctrine and Covenants, 27
E
E. M. Rynearson, 26
Elders, 13, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 37, 40, 46, 48, 58,
63, 64, 67, 68, 80, 83, 84, 95, 99, 105,
109, 119
Elias W. Crane, 23
emigrate, 7
emigrated, 6, 16, 79, 86, 121, 127, 139,
140
England, 6, 7, 8, 13, 16, 33, 41, 44, 45,
58, 61, 91, 92, 102, 104, 107, 116,
117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 125,
126, 127, 128, 129, 133, 134, 135,
136, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144
Euxton, 15, 16
F
F. E. Wadsworth, 26, 28
G
Gage Street, 26
General Conference, 10, 15
George Le Roy Rees, 25
God, 12, 13, 14, 19, 41, 47, 52, 53, 54,
64, 65, 73, 78, 79, 81, 91, 93, 96
Gospel, 18, 24, 69, 73
Great Harwood, 23, 24
H. L. Rigby, 22
Hannah Gunson, 23, 131
Heber C. Kimball, 6, 10, 12
Heskin, 15
Heysham, 74, 103, 104, 105, 125
High Priest, 21
Holme, 14, 15, 16, 79
Holy Ghost, 13, 77
honor, 21, 35, 47, 53, 58, 59, 61, 67, 97
Hunters Hill, 15
Hymn, 26
I
investigators, 19, 24, 25, 29, 64, 67, 94,
96, 97, 100, 103
J
J. H. Riley, 19
James F. Sheffield, 22, 23
James Fielding, 6
James Lovett Bunting, 16
James S. Robson, 22, 23
John H. Riley, 23
John W. Thornley, 18
Joseph Fielding, 6
Joseph H. Brinton, 24
K
Kendal, 14, 15, 74, 116
L
L. Garrick, 26
L. I. Jenkins, 22
L.J. Nuttalls, 16
Lancashire, 7, 36, 74, 80, 81, 108, 116,
117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 125,
126, 127, 128, 129, 140, 141, 142,
143, 144
Lancaster, 1, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37,
38, 40, 41, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52, 54,
58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,
69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79,
80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 91,
93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 102,
103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 110,
112, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121,
122, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131,
133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 139, 140,
141, 142, 143, 144
Latter-day Saints, 1, 3, 5, 6, 19, 27, 47,
52, 59, 61, 75, 79, 80, 85, 90, 91
LDS, 7, 11, 16, 22, 23, 109, 112, 116,
139, 141
Leonard Hardy, 15
letter, 11, 12, 17, 18, 20, 40, 63, 72, 80,
91, 96, 106
Leyland, 15, 16, 17
125

Liverpool, 6, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 37, 40, 41, 47, 48, 58, 59, 61,
66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 81, 83, 84, 88,
91, 93, 129
London England Temple, 8
Longton, 15, 16
Lune, 42, 67, 94, 102, 103, 105, 117, 133
M
membership, 6, 8
Millennial Star, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 47,
48, 52, 54, 58, 59, 61, 66, 67, 68, 69,
70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 84, 88, 89
mission, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 27, 29, 32,
52, 59, 61, 67, 87, 91, 105
Missionaries, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 16, 22, 23,
28, 52, 55, 69, 73, 81, 83, 84, 86, 88,
107, 108, 110, 113, 122
missionary, 10, 14, 52, 58, 64, 73, 91, 92,
93
Morecambe, 23, 29, 34, 35, 36, 66, 67,
73, 74, 84, 86, 93, 94, 95, 98, 99, 100,
101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 108, 110,
120, 122, 125, 127, 139
Mormon, 7, 8, 13, 16, 20, 24, 27, 28, 37,
53, 62, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 93, 98,
99, 100, 145
N
Nelson, 16, 23, 24
newspapers, 19
O
Oliver Boardman Huntingdon, 14, 15
Orson Hyde, 6
P
Parley P. Pratt, 11, 94
Plural Marriage, 6
Preston, 6, 14, 15, 18, 24, 25, 26, 30, 32,
35, 51, 70, 73, 81, 83, 88, 99, 105,
112, 141
Priesthood, 13, 25, 30, 35, 64, 69
Primitive Methodists, 18
Prophet Joseph, 13, 27, 32
R
Rawtenstall, 23, 24
resurrection, 98
River Ribble, 6, 10
Robert McBride, 10, 11, 14
Robert Young, 15
S
sacrament, 27, 70
Saints, 11, 14, 15, 17, 25, 65, 69, 70, 76,
79, 81
Sarah Lishman, 10
Savior, 19, 20, 53
served, 3, 12, 16, 21, 26, 29, 31, 35, 58,
61, 82, 83, 86, 96, 107, 127, 128, 129,
139
Skerton, 97, 99, 101, 102, 104, 105, 117
social, 26, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 47, 58, 59,
61, 64, 65, 67, 86
Southport, 12, 15, 16, 33
street meeting, 24, 62
Sunday school, 21, 26, 62, 68, 94, 97,
100, 101, 103
T
tithing, 97, 98
tracting, 61, 62, 63, 93, 94, 97, 98, 101,
104
tracts, 17, 19, 93, 95, 102, 104
train, 14, 63, 64, 65, 95, 97, 99
U
U.S.A, 24, 38, 131, 139, 140, 141, 142,
143
Utah, 16, 17, 21, 22, 27, 30, 32, 38, 47,
49, 50, 56, 58, 60, 72, 91, 92, 97, 98,
100, 101, 103, 107, 117, 130, 139,
140, 141, 142, 143
W
W. S. Willes, 24
Wigan, 23, 24, 70, 73, 106
Willard Richards, 10
Word of Wisdom, 6
126

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