Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1896-12-12
From Newbury, BsTkshire & nriRnd
S RosEHURY PLACE, Greenham I'd,
Newbury, Berkshire, England
November 18TH, 1896


To the Editor:
Considering the many years since YOU
have heard from this part OF the Europ-
j.ean mission, we take this opportunity oil
describing the missionary work as we
have found il during our short expert
ence in This vicinity. This district was
not visited for four or five years prior to
June 18Th, 1896, when Elders Fred Lang
ton and b. J. Stewart were appointed to
open the field; where at one time a
tlourishing branch OF the Church exist
ed. These Elders labored together until
July 9TH when Elder Stewart was called
TO labor in Loudon, and Elder William
Stoneman appointed in his place. This
arrangement continued until October
ISih, when the district was divided and
Elders William Stoneman and w. +.
Scare were appointed to labor in Abine-
don, and Elders Fred Langton and L
c Stratiord in Newbury. The latest
account we can obtain OF any meeting
previously having been held IS May 27th,
1888 A, first only two members OF the
Cnurch could be found, but now and then
we have found others who were identi.
fed with the Church at time when the
branch was in a thriving condition.
Among these are Brother and Sister
George Peacock, at Cold Ash, who were
baptized in 1877, and have been success
iul in raising large family but have
never had an opportunity OF immigrat-
ing. They have one daughter now re
siding in Salt Lake. We found them
enjoying the spirit OF the Gospel, firm in
their religious belief, and able to bear a
strong testimony to the truthtuness OF
the work in which they are engaged
Brother Matthew Willis is another who
was baptized in 1852 at Cold Ash, and
is still enjoying the spirit OF the Gospel.
Sister Maria Herbert is one who has
always taken great interest in the com
fort and welfare OF the Elders, and is
still feeling well in the Gospel At all
Of these places we are invited to partake
OF the very best they have and are ex-
tended cordial welcome At first no
house could be secured in which to hold
meeting, SO we were obliged to stand
upon the streets to explain TO the people
the mission Of the Elders in this place.
The most suitable place to speak to the
people was found at Speenhamland in
front of a large cannon which was cap
tured at Sebastapol in 1855. In a short
time the way was opened and an offer
made by MIR. and Mis- Fisher for us TO
hold meetings in their house Since that
time they have embraced the Gospel
and are now able to bear a testimony to
the truthfulness OF the work Since this
good fortune has betallen us, others
have been led to investigate the truths
OF the doctrine we teach, and have freely
admitted that since listening TO the
principles OF the Gospel as taught by
the Latter-day Saints, they cannot enjoy
the services OF other denominations
The prospects are favorable for a good
work to be accomplished here, but as it
is the case in otner paris, we have
strong opposition to contend with and
we find that Il is necessary to be prayer
iul, and place our trust in Our Master
who oyerTules all for the best and opens
the avenues OF escape for His faithful
children. it is impossible to walk on the
streets without having the curious pub.
lie gaze ON US with wonderment, and in
many cases point the finger OF scorn az
us for being connected with such peo-
Pile as they claim the Latter-day Saints
to be Although many have not become
acquainted with us and have had no
business TO transact with us, still they
are able TO select US from others and
brand us with a name which we are
proud to bear, "Mormons, Some have
Said that they are familiar with our
doctrine and are iavorably impresse
with our mode OF spreading the Gospel,
still they are not willing TO discuss the
principles with us on account OF their
hearts being ipll Of prejudice against US.