Descendants of Willard Neeley
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Storm in Penrith
Sunday, October 11, 2020
All Were Melted to Tears + Visit to Leeds
Sunday, July 22, 1906. Bradford. Fine.
After arising and taking breakfast, we set out to walk to Bradford to attend morning session of conference. Elder Owen's uncle (Mr. Holmes) accompanies us. After a four mile walk, we arrived just in time for the meeting, which commenced at 10:30 in the Westgate New Hall. Commenced by sining How Firm a Foundation, prayer by Pres. Serge F. Ballif. Sining Come, Come Ye Saints. Pres. Grant who presided spoke first welcoming all present, then spoke upon the Hymn just sang. Referred to the trials and persecutions of the Pioneers. Patriarch George W. Larkin spoke next upon the same subject giving personal experiences. The congregation sang Do What is Right. Pres. Hurst of the Manchester conference and Pres. James Brown of the Scottish conference spoke briefly. Meeting closed by sining Hail to the Brightness. Benediction by Elder Neph Anderson.
We went to the Cafe for dinner. Returning at 2:30 for afternoon services, sang We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, prayer by Pres. Alex Nibley, singing O Say What is Truth. Pres. J Marlow Taylor of the Newcastle conf. and Wilford Day [of] Bristol, Miles L. Jones [of] London, William A. Noble [of] Birmingham, and Urvin Gee Grimsby delivered short addresses. School Thy Feelings was sung by Leeds quartet, Elders Jensen, McMurvin, Clawson, and Broadbent. The following then spoke briefly: Pres. Edgar Hill of the Irish conference, Joseph A Fife [of] Leeds, Arthur E. Anderson [of] Nottingham, Alex Nibley [of] Netherlands, Joel R. Parish [of] Sheffield sang Love at Home. Pres. Grant then spoke on the work being accomplished in the British Mission. Closed by singing Guide us O Thou Great Jehovah, benediction by Geo. Larkin. After tea at the restaurant, returned. At 6:30 meeting commenced by singing The Spirit of God etc. Prayer Joseph W. McMurrin. Sining What was Witnessed etc. The speakers were Pres. Henry A Grover [of] Norwich, J. Midgley [of] Liverpool, Jno. H. Taylor [of] Leige conf. and Wills B Brimhall [of] Amsterdam conf. of the Netherlands Mission. Mid Scenes of Confusion was sing [sung] by Miss Arvilla Clark. Elder Thos. Scofield [of] Sheffield, R. Enegen Allen and Nephi Anderson [of] Liverpool spoke. Pres. Serge F Ballif and Heber J. Grant spoke last. We went to Norwood Green to stop over night.
Monday, July 23, 1906. Bradford. Fine.
This morning we arose quite early to attend Priesthood meeting which convened in the West Gate Hall at 9:30 A.M. with a full attendance of the Elders of the British Mission and Pres. Grant who presided. And Patriarch Larkins recently from Weber and the Presidents of the Swiss & German and Netherlands Missions. Each conference was reported during the meeting by the president of the conf and prominent Elders who excelled in different lines of work. For instance, the Elder who had the greatest success in Street Meetings or the most successful tracter, would be called to give an account of how they proceeded, that others may [profit] by their success. The visiting brethren from the continent also spoke very encouragingly of the work in their fields and the progress being made in Scandinavia. The meeting continued in the forenoon from 9:30 A.M. till 1 P.M. Went to dinner, then reassembled at 2:30. Continued till 6:30 P.M. Pres. Grant gave the final discourse. He spoke with such power and the Spirit was so sweet and consoling that all were melted to tears. The meeting was full of advise and testimony. The power of the Lord was so great that it will last as a testimony of the power of His servants. After the meeting was out, a number of we Elders went to supper with one of the Saints in Bradford. We returned to the Hall at 8 P.M. to attend a concert. Miss Arvilla Clark sang a number of selections accompanied by Spencer Clawson. Also, the Leeds quartet sang a number of pieces; it consisted of Elders McMurrin, Jensen, Broadbent, and Clawson. The evening was well spent. After Concert I accompanied Elders Bolto, Enniss, and Stokes to Leeds to stop a few days with them. We went on the tram. Distance from Bradford 8 mi. We retired soon after arriving.
Tuesday, July 24, 1906. Leeds. Fine.
This morning I wrote a letter home. Did some reading till dinner. After which Bishop Enniss, Elders Bolto, Stokes and I went to the Roundhay Park to spend the afternoon. It is a very beautiful Park. We amused ourselves looking around at the beauties of nature, also the artificial work of man. The Park was principally natural. Elder Bolto and I took a boat ride on one of the lakes. Other Elders joined us and we had a nice time together. After visiting the Canal gardens, we took the tram back to Leeds. Went to the Ceylon Cafe, had tea, then Elders Bolto, Stokes, and I took a tram to Bagley 4 mi to hold a cottage meeting. Elder Broadbent was there when we arrived. Our meeting commenced at 8 P.M. in the home of Sister Wade, with a good attendance of strangers. Elder Stokes was first speaker, then I spoke, then Elder Broadbent. Elder Bolto gave closing remarks. A good Spirit prevailed. After meeting we were served with custard pie and a glass of milk. After a short chat with the friends and family of Saints, we returned to Leeds. Soon after retired.
Wednesday, July 25, 1906. Leeds. Fine.
This forenoon Elder Stokes and I went tracting. We had good success. After dinner, Elders Bolto, Stokes, and I went to the Kirkstall Abby, a huge structure built in 1152 and now in ruin. I copied the following description from a brass plate:
This Abby was founded by Henri de Laci, Baron of Poutefract in the year 1147. It was first established at Barnoldswick in Craven by the Cistercian Order of Monks. In the yr. 1152 the Monks removed to Kirkstall and on the present sight erected a temporary church. The present church and Cloistral buildings were completed during the life of the first Abbot who died in 1182. The Abby was surrendered to the Crown at the dissension of Monasteries on Nov. 22, 1539.
It is located on the River Aire, two miles from Leeds. It is of the Cathedral style. The carvings, arch, and pillar work is magnificent and grand. Many relics of interest have been found by excavating parties and are on exhibition in a small museum nearby. The Abby was purchased by a wealthy man and given to the the city of Leeds as a public property, as a pleasure place for the public. Leaving the Abby we returned to Leeds. Bishop Enniss joined us at the Town Hall. We went through it thence to the Leeds Museum where we spent several hours in the viewing of ancient relics dating from 1700 B.C. down. One Egyptian Mummy was that age. The collection was indeed fine and of every thing imaginable. From there we went to the Art Gallery and spent two hours viewing the works of Art. The collection consisted of some of the finest work from the most noted artists. Leaving the Art gallery we returned to lodge and spent the evening reading. A large fire broke out in Leeds and we could see it from the lodge. The Great Northern Hotel and a Drapers Shop were destroyed. Loss £250,000. Elder Bolto and I retired at 10:30.
Kirkstall Abby |
Thursday, July 26, 1906. Leeds.
This morning Elders Enniss, Bolto, Stokes, and I went tracting, also in the afternoon. We had good success. I met a number of nice people who delighted to confer on the Gospel with me.
In the evening I received a card from Elder Owen asking me to come to Bradford as his people wished to see me. The Elders accompanied me to the tram. I bade them good bye and went to Bradford. From there took the tram to Norwood Green. Met Elder Owen and a number of his relatives who were at his uncle's. There was also a friend of theirs, a Congregational S.S. [Sunday school] teacher. He questioned us on our doctrines which opened up a fine conversation and all present listen with deep interest. After spending a nice evening we were invited to call on some of Elder Owen's people next day before leaving for Carlisle. We retired at 11 P.M.
Friday, July 27, 1906. Bradford. Fine.
This morning we called on some of Elder Owen's people, then returned to his Uncle's for dinner, after which I took a sleep. In the evening we called on one of his aunts for tea. Had a talk with an Evolutionist on doctrine he believed sprang from a monkey (the Darwinian Theory). I was unable to bring up a convincing argument to him, but told him I had proved to my own satisfaction that such views were incorrect and had a firm testimony that we were children of God, superior to the lower Creations and that we previously existed as intelligent beings. From there we returned to Mr. Holme's and bade Elder Owen's people good bye. His Uncle accompanied us to Bradford to see us on the train O.K. We were two hours early so looked around Bradford. Went to the Library then to the Restaurant, then to the station where we met Elders Wootton & Jones. Our train left at 10:13 and we sped toward Carlisle arriving at 1 A.M. Went to 7 Regent Terrace. All were in bed, but we woke them up. We were glad to go to bed as we were very tired.
Sunday, September 27, 2020
More Street Meetings by the Monument
Sunday, July 8, 1906. Penrith. Fine day.
This morning we prepared to go to St. Andrews to Church, but on arriving there found it closed as repairs on the church were being made. The service was being held in the Parish rooms, but we didn't go. It was the church we desired to see. We returned to lodge and spent nearly all day studying. In the evening we went to the Monument and held a Street Meeting. Sang "Do what is right" and "Love at home". Elder Owen spoke first on the Holy Ghost. I then spoke upon the First Principles. There were about twenty good listeners. Leaving the Street, we came to lodge and got some books and went to call on Mr. Robinson. We spent a pleasant evening there, then came home and retired.
Monday, July 9, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
After breakfast I went to the taylors with my trousers to have them repaired. Also done some studying. Had dinner at 12:30, then went out tracting. I had good success, a number of good conversations. One Lady told me Jesus Christ was a Roman Catholic. I asked her to prove it. She said it was in one of her bibles. I asked her how many different bibles she had. Said three. I asked her which one was right as there could only be one right. If there was confliction it proved that two of them were wrong and that her information of Christ being a Roman Catholic was obtained from one of the incorrect ones. I asked her to show me her bibles and read to me where it said Christ was a Catholic but she said she didn't have time today and I don't think she will ever get time. After tea we called at a place where I left a Durrant for a lady to read. We then called on Mrs. Parker of Mill St. and spent an hour and a half conversing on the Gospel. From there came home, wrote & retired.
Tuesday, July 10, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
In the morning we studied a while, then went to Market with our grip to get the weekly supply of butter and eggs. Returning we had dinner, then went out tracting. My labor were confined to Castle Street. I had some very good cracks on the Gospel. Taking all in all, I met with good success. In the evening after tea, I went and called on a man and his wife who invited me to their home. Had a nice long talk on the Gospel, then came home. We retired at 11.
Wednesday, July 11, 1906. Penrith. Fine in forenoon. In the afternoon Rainy.
This morning we prepared and went out tracting. We were in the main part of town, therefore we tracted the shops, but the keepers were very busy and I didn't have many conversations. We came home, had dinner, then went out tracting again. Finishing the town with second tracts. When finished we came to lodge. Had tea, then went to the station to see when the Keswick convention was to be held. On our way met a local preacher we had previously met and engaged in a conversation with him on the Gospel for some time. He was a Campbellite. After leaving him we went on our way, then returned to lodge. Done some writing and retired.
Thursday, July 12, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
This morning we prepared to go tracting. Before noon we completed Graham St. with third. I met much indifference among the people, but one could hardly expect anything else among the wealthier class of people. After dinner we tracted Wordsworth St. I was invited into the home of Mr. Moffat, the Wesleyan minister, but we didn't agree together long and I was requested to take my departure. I wanted to quote from King James translation, but he wouldn't accept it, saying he would only accept the Revised Version. I asked him his reasons, but he said I'll bid you good afternoon. I obeyed, but bore my testimony before leaving. I met some indifference among the people as I went on tracting. When finished we came to lodge and had tea. In the evening we made two calls, one on Mrs. Parker and the other on Mrs. Beaty. Had a nice talk with her and her husband on the Gospel. From there we came home and retired.
Friday, July 13, 1906. Penrith. Raining all day.
We spent the day at lodge studying as the weather was unfit for tracting. In the evening we went to call on Mrs. Yates, but she was ill and we did not stop, but took a talk out in the field above Penrith. Returning done some writing and retired.
Saturday, July 14, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
This morning we tracted Lowther St. Didn't have very good success. I met the minister's wife who I had met previously. As soon as she opened the door, she said "what are you coming back here for, we don't need your doctrine. We are Christians. We don't need your rubbish at all. Go among the Chine and convert them." She didn't give me much of a chance to reply, although I told her the spirit she manifested was far from being a Christian, and in regard to the Principles which you say are rubbish, I can say they are of Christ and you had better be careful how you speak of those sacred Principles. She closed the door & left. After dinner we went tracting again. Completed Arthur St. and Peel St. after which we came to lodge for tea. In the evening we went to the Monument and held a St. Meeting. I was first speaker, subj. Extent of the Atonement and Necessity of Obedience. Elder Owen then spoke on the First Principles of the Gospel. Came home and made out our report, later retired.
Sunday, July 15, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
We spent the day at Lodge studying. In the evening we got ready to hold a meeting at the Monument, but it was very windy and few people were on the St. So we decided not to hold, but we took a walk out in the fields. Came home, retired.
Monday, July 16, 1906. Penrith. Raining.
It rained hard all the forenoon. Therefore we remained in. After dinner it slackened a little and we went out tracting a while, then went into the town to hood Elder Own a pair of shoes. Returning to lodge, we spent the evening at lodge studying, later retired.
Tuesday, July 17, 1906. Penrith. Fine.
Today we spent the forenoon at Lodge. In the afternoon went tracting. Had poor success. When finished we went to an English shoe shop to get Elder Owen some shows. We went to one and he brought out every pair of shoes he had nearly, but there wasn't a pair that would suit, so we left and went to another. After trying on all he had, managed to get a pair that suited for 16 - bob. The show shops are different here than home. Shoes are all strung up on the walls by strings, also suspended from the ceiling. We went to Mr. Robinson's and spent the evening, then home and retired.
Wednesday, July 18, 1906. Penrith. Cloudy, chilly, windy.
Spent the forenoon at lodge writing and reading. After dinner we prepped tracts an[d] went to Emont village one mile out of Penrith. Distributed first tracts. Part of the village is in Westmorland and part in Cumberland, the River Emont dividing the two. I had fairly good success, but the wind blew very hard, therefore the people wouldn't stand long. In the evening we visited Mrs. Parker. Had a nice chat on the Gospel. Came home & retired.
Thursday, July 19, 1906. Penrith and Carlisle. Fair.
We spent the forenoon at Lodge preparing to go to Carlisle, thence to Bradford. We took the 2 P.M. train to Carlisle. Went to 7 Regent Terr. where the Elders were lodging at Sister Atkinson's, having moved from 2 Aglionby St. since our last visit to Carlisle. In the evening we went to Sister Wetherell's to tea and spent a short time there. Then went to Sister Lighfoot's with some clothes. Arriving there we learned of the death of Bro. Lightfoot's Mother. After a short visit with them, we returned to the Lodge to stop over night. Elder's Wooton & Jones were out to Wetherell to stop over night so we slept in their bed. Retired at 11 P.M.
Friday, July 20, 1906. Carlisle. Rainy.
We arose this mooning and took breakfast, then done some odd jobs in the home for Sis. Atkinson. After dinner we made a few calls, first at Sister Thos. Sanders where we took tea, then on Sister Johnson, then to Bro. Armstrong's. From there came to Lodge, found the Elders back from Wetherell. I then went down to Mrs. Harper's to get a hat for Elder Owen. Returning we all prepared to leave for Bradford on the 1:52 A.M train. Sisters Atkinsons sat up till we left. Arriving at the station, the train was over an hour late, so it was 3 A.M. when we left Carlisle. The train was so crowded, the guard put us in a sleeper.
Saturday, July 21, 1906. Bradford. Fine.
Arrived this morning at 5 A.M. The city of Bradford was silent, not much astir. We tried to find where the Elder's Lodged, but all in vain, so Elder Own proposed for us to accompany him to Birkenshaw where his people lived. We could there take breakfast and return later in the day to hunt up the Elders. Elder Owen's people were not up, so we called on a family of Saints (Bro. Evans). Elders Wootton & Jones took breakfast there and Elder Owen and I later went to his Aunt's (Mrs. Owen) where we took breakfast. Elders Wooton and Jones preceded us to Bradford. It being about 10 A.M. when we went, we found a number of Elders from different conferences, but none we knew. We returned to Mrs. Owen's for dinner, then back to Bradford. In the evening (Birkenshaw is 3 mi. from Bradford) we seen a number of Elders we knew, one being Elder Bolto, my old school mate. Elders Bolto, Owen and I went out and held a street Meeting to announce the Conference of the British Mission to be held on the following day. We had a nice meeting. I was first speaker, then Elders Owen & Bolto spoke. After the St. Meeting, we went to the West Gate Hall where the Bradford M.I.A. [youth] was giving a concert. We attended the concert them Elder Owen and I took the Wyke car [not sure what this is] three miles then walked one mile to his Uncle and Aunt's (Mr. & Mrs. Holmes) to stop over night. They received us well. We ate supper and retired.
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Eden Hall Palace, a Shortcut, a Testimony, and a Spry Old Lady
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Conference with President Heber J Grant and Missionary Labors in Cumberland
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Whitsuntide in the Lake District, then Conference with President Heber J. Grant
Sunday, August 23, 2020
Missionary Meetings in Carlisle and then back to Penrith