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England Leeds Mission Reunion

of 1973-1976

6th June 1998

"Planting seeds and harvesting souls"

by any means without permission in writing from the publisher,

Fisherhouse Publishers - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Printers Scan Copy Print Inc. – Edmonton, Alberta Canada

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way or

trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated

without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other

than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being

imposed on the subsequent purchase.

ISBN 1-896255-23-X

1172 Liverpool seems to have been a place of embarkment for the conquest of Ireland by Henry II. Henry granted John, his son, the lordship of Ireland. From this time on John

appears to have realised the significance of Liverpool in relation to keeping control of Ireland.

1207-1237

1207

John brings Liverpool back under crown control giving lands in exchange to Warin de Lancaster to obtain it. Five days later, 28 August 1207, John`s Charter creates the Borough of Liverpool. The Charter made "all who have taken burgage houses at Lyrpul shall have all the liberties and free customs of the town of Lyrpul which any free borough on sea has in our territories." It would appear that John`s Charter created 168 burgesses, some of whom took the opportunity of moving from the West Derby manor to become freemen in Liverpool. Liverpool geographical area consisted of seven streets, Dale Street, Bank Street, Castle Street, Moore Street, Mill Street, Chapel Street and Juggler Street. Around these streets the burgesses had their strips of land for growing food. To the south of the Pool was the waste where the townsmen dug for peat. Only access to the waste was via a ferry over the Pool.

1220

Circa 1220 Randalph Blundeville, Earl of Chester, had the Everton Beacon erected, it was used for many centuries as a navigational guide. It was used as a gaol in its later years. The beacon stood for nearly six hundred years.

1229

Henry III Charter confirmed the 1207 Charter and also granted the burgesses freedom from paying tolls, passage, stallage and customs. He also made Liverpool a "free borough for ever." The Charter also granted the fee farm lease to "his honest men of Leuerepul" for four years, at an annual rent of £10.

1235

William de Ferrers, the Earl of Derby, given royal assent to build Liverpool castle. This makes him de facto Lord of Liverpool.

1237

Liverpool Castle built on the site that today houses the Queen Victoria Monument in Castle Street/Derby Square

The dedication of the Preston Temple represented an especially thrilling milestone for President and Sister Derrick (and myself). Twenty-five years earlier, after great efforts by local leaders and the district presidency, the Preston-Liverpool saints had attained stake-hood. One hundred forty years earlier Preston's River Ribble was witness to the restoration's first baptisms in Europe. Now the Preston Temple grounds would be the focal mission training center for all of Europe.

The dedication was a momentous and beautiful event! But foremost in our hearts was calling back the roots of friendship with members and missionaries accentuated with renewal of kinship with the rolling countryside.

A convert from Bradford once correlated the gospel as "like having Christmas every day". Dad quickly latched on to this sentiment and has quoted it innumerable times over the years. On this visit back to the mission field it truly was Christmas in June. Once again associating with gospel friends, we had not seen in over twenty-five years, reinforced just how eternal gospel foundations are.

Our week long missionary reunion was especially gratifying. For those in the reunion tour group, we had the opportunity to travel via two coaches to historical church sites and countryside spotlights. Although the site seeing was exhilarating, the core of the experience was the opportunity to socialize and refresh relationships as we traveled. That experience truly was priceless.

The dual pinnacle of the itinerary was: First, the formal reunion in the Chorley meeting house on Saturday night. The local Relief Society graciously prepared food (and yes there was trifle for all). At this intersection we were joined by many local members plus former missionaries now living in Europe. We shared a great time together. Peter Trebilcock, lead architect for the temple, related the many political challenges overcome during the project plus noteworthy construction details

Secondly, the temple dedication the following afternoon. Early morning we traveled to the old Preston Chapel where we held a special mission reunion fast and testimony meeting. We had attended this building so many times years ago that it felt like returning to an old friend. This was the last church gathering to be held in this building as it was to be replaced by the chapel at the temple site. At the temple the grounds and building workmanship was awe-inspiring. Friday we had received a private tour of the temple but at the dedication every nook and cranny was packed with bodies. The spirit was strong and the saints radiant.

At the end of the tours and temple dedication we held a testimony meeting back at our hotel in Preston. In a reasonably quite corner of the hotel lounge, adjacent to the bar, we held a missionary testimony meeting. In our focused gathering we share our hearts and testimonies. We told of missionary highlights and eternal friendships. We shared our gratitude for each other and the joy of renewing our friendships. The bonds and sincerity of our group was undoubtedly evident. Several times I noted the bar tender attempting to inconspicuous bend an ear our direction trying to discern the words being shared amidst the muffled chatter around the bar. It reminded me of the savior's words "ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." ( Matthew 5: 14) Followed by his admonition to "let your light so shine before men." (Matthew 5: 16)

One of the characteristic attributes carried by Dad is the bright-blue-eyed twinkle and broad encompassing smile he gets when he becomes excited by something very special. Its warmth just naturally pulls you in…captivated by its love. On the other hand maybe it's just the spirit of living "Christmas every day".

Merry Christmas! Love your son, Bruce.

Bruce Derrick, 12 January 2003 Kirkland, Washington U.S.A.

Steve Adams England North Mission later England Leeds Mission. I started with President Jenkins then President Royden G Derrick and served in Sheffield, Peterlee, Bolton, Bury and Teeside. I am now working at the London Temple.

Kyle Anderson I served in the ELM with President R. G. Derrick, then in the England Manchester Mission with President Alder. I spent 17 months in several areas of Manchester including Rochdale and Hide. I worked with President Alder's RAM (Recently Arrived Missionary) program. I also served in York and Scarborough. I married Maryann Pappas in 1978. We have five Children. I teach Novell and MS NT in Las Vegas, NV. I'd like to get in touch with missionaries I worked with. I can be contacted at: 923 Derringer Ln. Green Valley, NV 89014

Dale Bartholomew I served with Presidents Derrick and Alder (Manchester/Leeds split) from 1975 to 1977. Five months later I married Carole Ann O'Dell. We now have 3 children. We have lived in Springville at the same address ever since. I work at building Browning gun safes and teaching A.T.V. safety classes. Carole is a police dispatcher.

Richard C. Beck I served with President Jenkins and President Derrick from 1972 to 1974 in Liverpool, Oldham, Bradford, Gateshead, Workington, Wakefield.

Eric Bentham I left the England Manchester Mission in August 1976 and returned to my profession as a systems analyst. I joined SKF in England in 1977 and have been with them ever since. From 1978 to 1982 I worked in Sweden married Angela Månhammar and had 2 boys, Mark and Daniel. From 1982 to 1986 I worked in England where our son Joseph was born. From 1986 to 1988 I again worked in Sweden. From 1988 to 1991 I worked in Belgium and from 1991 onwards I have been working in Sweden. In 1993 our daughter Alice arrived. We are living in Kungsbacka, a small town 30 miles south of Gothenburg. I am currently serving as first counsellor in the bishopric

Paul C. Betts I served in the mission for 9 months in 1976. I was sent home early by President Roberts, probably due to lack of testimony, I don't remember. I was inactive for more than 20 years. Now that I've rejoined the Church, I'm interested in that era of my life. I don't remember much of my mission, but I served 5 months in South Shields, possibly Huddersfield, and a third location - I can't remember. I've been married 22 years, living in Orem, Utah with two sons. I'd love to talk to someone who knew me in the mission. Irvin Yeager is the only name I remember.

Thomas Martell Bird I served with Presidents Derrick and Roberts from 1975 to 1977. I am married with six children. After 16 yrs in the funeral industry, I moved to Idaho and am employed by Food Services of America. I have served as Bishop, High Councilor, and have recently been released as Stake Mission President. It would be wonderful to hear from any that I had the opportunity to serve with in the England Leeds Mission.

Alan Peter Blott I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1975 to 1977. I served, starting in the England Leeds Mission and, after the split, worked in the England Manchester Mission. I now live in Plymouth, England where I run my own training consultancy. I have been remarried for nine years and now have a combined family of seven children as well as becoming a granddad for the fourth time in December. My mission seems forever ago, but at the London Temple it seems like yesterday. Life is good. Any of you that I worked with, thanks for the memories - I lost my journal in a house move if there are any copies of photos I can have....

William "Butch" Bodine Served under President Jenkins and President Derrick. The towns where I served include Stockport, Morecambe, Leeds, Lancaster, Oldham, Birkenhead and Manchester. My most memorable location was Consett near Preston where I baptised Jerry and Margaret Bell. I married Delynn Whitmer and we now have six children. I received a B.Sc. in Biology from Arizona State University and have been employed as a medical sales representative (Berlex Laboratories) with a top performance. I've served as Bishop in Tempe Arizona, High Councilor, E.Q. President, YM President. and Assistant Scout Master. We live in Mesa Arizona.

Greg L. Boulden I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1974 to 1976. I have been married for 21 years and have two lovely daughters. I am currently GSM of Pioneer Ford, Phoenix, Arizona. Has it really been that long?

Christopher Brownie 1975-196 – Companions Alan Boot, Nigel Reecho, & Rick Carter, now living in Norway

End (Defraud) Buchanan I served with President Derrick and President Alder I entered the England Leeds Mission on 6 Dec 1975 and served under President Derrick until the split on the 3rd of July 1976 when I then became a missionary in the newly created England Manchester Mission. A long time has passed. I'm now married have three children, one boy and 2 girls and 6 stepchildren. I'm serving now as a mother and step-grandma. I have very fond memories of the people of Leeds and Manchester and would love to get in contact with them again.

Norman Bundy I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1974 to 1976. This frog got caught by one of these English mothers! I am married with six children and currently living in Newquay, England. I served in Hartlepool, St. Helens, Macclesfield, Stockport,Darlington and Bolton.

Robert A. Burdett I served with President Derrick and President Alder (Manchester/Leeds split) from 1974 to 1976. I served most of mission in ELM with President Derrick. Areas served: Hyde, Nelson, Bishop Auckland, also: St. Helens, after the split. Shortly after returning home, I married and have two children. My eldest, a daughter, will be shortly leaving to serve her mission in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the last 18 years our home has been Arkansas. Would love to hear from my old friends.

Reese R. Burton I served with Presidents Jenkins and President Derrick from 1972 to 1974. Since my mission I have received a B.Sc. in Computer Science, married and have five children, and moved from California to Indiana. I currently work for Raytheon, as Hughes Defense Systems was bought by them.

Mike Campbell I served with President Jenkins and President Derrick from 1973 to 1975. I have been married for 25 years and have 4 children. I spent a couple weeks in New Zealand last summer picking our son up after his mission. It reminded me very much of England. I am still living in Oregon. We have a 22 year old daughter living in Connecticut and working as a nanny. Life is great and the Church is true.

Bruce Carling I served with President Jenkins and President Derrick from 1972 to 1974. I currently live in Houston, Texas with my wife Cheryl and my five children. I am employed as a chlorine salesman for a local chemical company. I currently serve as the Young Men's President in my ward but have also held several clerk positions in the ward and stake as well as leadership positions in the high priest quorum.

Rick Carter I served with President Derrick and President Alder (Manchester/Leeds split) from 1975 to 1977. Hello everyone. I am looking for Elder Roger Nelson if you know where he is. I am living in Salt Lake with my wife and 5 girls, or at least the few left at home. I would love to hear from any of you.

James G. Chandler I served most of my mission with President Royden G. Derrick from August 1974 to August 1976 in Doncaster, Hartlepool, Blackburn, Eccles, Birkenhead, Scunthorpe and Bury. Reading the ELM alumni letters brought back many memories. I married Sylvia Woodward from Salford, near Manchester. We have five children and live in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where I have a Dental Laboratory.

Cleve J. Christensen I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1972 to 1974. I still live in Kanosh, Utah, have three children, and work in Fillmore, Utah for an engineering firm.

Kevin Christensen I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1973 to 1975. I served in Whitley Bay, South Shields, Nelson, York, Doncaster, Crosby, Lancaster, Liverpool and Blackburn, finishing out on the STC as the leading excommunicator of the mission with over 100. I'm married to Shauna Oak, former missionary and RN. We have two children, Nick, who is serving a mission in Chile, and Karina, my artistic daughter with purple hair. I work as a technical writer in Lawrence, KS. I've had several articles published by FARMS.

Barbara Zollinger Clark I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1973 to 1975. I married Frank Clark from the England Leeds Mission in 1976 after graduating from BYU. We have five children, 3 boys and 2 girls. We live in Ashton, Idaho. We returned to England in 1996 for our 20 year wedding anniversary. Would love to hear from old companions or friends. I served in Preston, Sheffield, Sunderland, Hull, and Newton Aycliffe.

Jonathan (Jon) Curtis I served with President Royden G. Derrick from 1974 to 1976.I served in Runcorn, Southshields, Preston, Blackpool, Chorley, Liverpool and many other great places. I was one of the last Elders to help close out the STC team in that area at that time. My wife Joyzelle(Wade) and I have been married for 20 years this November. We live in Mesa Arizona and have 3 boys and 6 girls. I look forward to contacting and reading about others from our mission. Sunday 16th March 2003

Dear Mary Unfortunately I received your e-mail just a few hour before our departure to Spain to pick up our son from his mission and visit our daughter who is serving in Budapest. We will return the Thursday before conference and thus will probably not have time to go to Utah.

G. Dale Davis I served with President Jenkins and President Derrick from 1972 to 1974. I came, I saw, I worked, I baptized, I came home. I married my sweetheart Robyn in the Ogden LDS Temple on March 29th, 1975, We ran away to BYU and I went into Electronic Technology and now work as an engineer for the Boeing company in Everett, WA. We have three children, one just recently married in the Seattle LDS Temple. My church callings have included Stake clerk and missionary, counselor in the bishopric, teacher and Scout master, my personal favorite!

Robert S. Davis I served with President Derrick and President Roberts from 1975 to 1977. I live in Farmington, Utah with my wife and five children. I am currently the Davis County Sheriff. I served in Huddersfield, Harrogate and Middlesbrough and would like to return to the mission.