|
The following is an extract of a letter from Elder W. Woodruff to his wife; dated, Manchester, England, July 8th, 1840 and subsequently was reprinted in the Times and Seasons, Vol.1, pp.167-169 Times and Seasons, Vol.1, p.167 “I am enjoying the best of health and spirits, and am happy; and I never enjoyed myself better while in the vineyard of the Lord, and could I behold the face of my wife and children often, I would greatly add to my joy and consolation: but knowing that we shall have our reward for all the sacrifices that we are called to make in this life, for Christ‘s sake, and for all that we do in his cause and vineyard; causes me to be reconciled to his will. I wrote a letter to Pres’t J. Smith jr. in company with Elders G. A. Smith, and T. Turley, 27th, in which I gave him a brief account of my labors in the vineyard. p.168 We have had two conferences of late, in the South of England where I have been laboring; the first was held at the Godfield Elm Chapel, in Worcestershire, England, June 14th. Elder W. Richards was with me, we had an interesting time; we organized 12 churches, and transacted much business; the other was held on the 21st of June, at Stanlx Hill, Herefordshire, England. Elder Richards and myself conducted the meeting, or conference with the help of God; and I never saw more business executed in one day, than on this occasion. We organized 20 churches, ordained 4 elders, 7 priests, and 4 teachers; baptized 10, confirmed 20, and blessed 20 children, besides a multitude of other business, and broke bread to several hundred Saints, &c. The work had been so rapid, it was impossible to ascertain the exact number belonging to each branch, but the whole number is 33 churches, 534 members, 75 officers, viz: 10 Elders, 52 priests, and 13 teachers all of which had embraced the work in less time than four months in a new field which I have opened in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Glostershire, and the church now in that place numbers over 600; and the work never in a more prosperous state in that place, than at the present time. I have no doubt but what the churches in that place, will soon number 1000 souls. We have set all the churches in that region in order, with officers to preside over them: and they, are now baptizing daily in that region: about 50 of those baptized, were preachers of the different orders: between 3 and 400 of the above, I have baptized. So you see the sacrifice, which we are called to make, is not in vain. I feel very thankful to God, for the manner he has blessed me in my labors since I have been in England.
I also attended Conference at the Staffordshire Potteries, on my way to Manchester, and had an interesting time. I arrived in Manchester on the first day of July, and I spent 3 days with the Twelve, and other friends, in writing, transacting business, visiting the Saints, preparing for the Conference, &c. and had a pleasant time.
On Sunday, the 5th of July, I met with the Saints, and a large congregation of citizens, in the Joiner‘s Hall in Manchester, for public worship. This Hall, the Saints have hired for their regular place of meeting, they pay 100 pounds (about $500) yearly; it will seat about 2000 souls: the rent is paid by contribution. There was about one thousand persons present: I preached in the forenoon, and several testified in the afternoon, while we were communing with about 400 Saints: the power of God was upon the people.
Monday, July 6th, the quorum of the Twelve, and a general conference of the church of Christ, of Latter Day Saints, in Europe, met at the above named place; and we had an interesting day: there were Elders present from almost every church in England, and Scotland; there was 40 churches represented, containing 2,495 members, 59 Elders, 122 Priests, 61 Teachers, 13 Deacons, making an increase of about 824 members, 25 Elders, 70 Priests, 23 Teachers, and 5 Deacons, during the last three months; and 374 members, 9 Elders, 50 Priests, and 13 Teachers of the above number, were added in the Herefordshire churches where I have been laboring.
The foundation is now laid in such a manner in this country, and new doors opening in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, so that we have every reason to expect a greater increase for three months to come, than has been in the three that are past. I pray God to roll on his work in mighty power in this country, and in all nations, and enable us to be humble in the midst of prosperity, and work righteousness with all diligence, while the day lasts, and learn that it is the mercy, and work of God that giveth us souls as seals to our ministry.
July 8th. p.169 The Elders are mostly leaving Manchester to day for their missions abroad. The Twelve are all well, also Elders Hadlock, and Turley; bro. Clark has a little of the ague. Elder O. Pratt was not at our conference, but preaching in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, and has baptized 5. Elder Hadlock has established a preaching place in Glasgow, and baptized several. Elder Taylor has baptized 70 in Liverpool, but is intending to visit Ireland. Elder Young expecting to remain in Manchester for a season, to assist in printing the book of Mormon. We have 3000 copies of the Hymn book just out of press, which is a good selection. I am going to visit the city of London in about 3 weeks if the Lord will, in company with Elders Kimball, and G. A. Smith. We are determined to life the standard in that City, the Lord being our helper.
I remain as ever,
Yours &c.
W. WOODRUFF. |
Resources 
