Photos from the Mission

OUR FIRST DISTRICT

senior couples - Lagan - Holts, McDowells, McBrides

mom at Belfast castle -- cavehill ward just below

climbing the cavehill with YSA - fall 2010

Missionary Report

Our dear family and Friends,

Slante' and may the roof on yer hoose niver fall in and may those under it niver fall out. It is a beautiful day in the lovely Emerald Isle, but then again, everyday is beautiful. Spring has sprung -- the crocus has been raising its head for a number of weeks, the daffodils are a bright array of yellow, the bluebells are becoming a beautiful carpet of blue and the trees are sprouting their green buds. Easter eggs are adorning the stores shelves and we are so very excited to welcome Karen, Tim and 4 of our grandchildren coming to visit in early April -- we think we will just spoil them with these big Delicious Easter eggs !! Saturday last, we were returning from an appointment in Randalstown and were driving along the shores of Lough Neigh -- the UK's largest body of inland fresh water. We noticed a sign " Shanes Castle " and thought we might take a peek. We are constantly amazed at the history that surrounds us at every turn and some we did not know before. The castle had an interesting history with all its cannons intact and pointing out towards the lough. It is quite something to go from from one appointment to another and view a great historical site on the way. The sheep are all lambing in the fields and are a great reminder to us as missionaries to " feed my sheep " We love the work and the dear friends we make each day.

This report is a little late as we have had a very eventful last few weeks and not much spare time. We are trying to juggle covering 2 branches that are about 40 miles apart -- Antrim and Coleraine with each of them having several other towns surrounding them and members spread out in each of those towns. In addition to getting to know the members in Coleraine, where Elder McBride went to school as a boy, we attend the branch councils of each branch, missionary correlation and other meetings and 2 Sundays of each month in each branch which includes often speaking or lesson assignments. A few Sundays ago it was 5th Sunday and the branch President ask us ( just 5 minutes ) before to take the entire time to discuss with both Priesthood and the Sisters regarding the new pass a long cards. Yes, no advance warning, it is simply expected of missionaries to respond. Well, we made it fun and hopefully informative and inspirational as we involved everyone in several role plays to illustrate how they might be used. Then we shared some stories ( yes, that's the Irish way ) and concluded with our testimonies. The time flew in and no rocks were thrown at us !!! There are wonderful stalwarts in this Coleraine branch and will be a source of strength in identifying those we can teach. They have the vision of this great missionary work and in Proverbs we read " Without vision the people perish " We have learned 3 great words on this mission and their deep and enduring meaning : - VISION --- DESIRE ---- BELIEF.

Our great friends Elder and Sister Neely, another senior missionary couple visited with us for a few days. Elder Neely served here as a young man in the early 60's. They are presently serving in CORK ( not far from Blarney castle, the home of the famous Blarney Stone ) which Elder McBride kissed a very long time ago and there is a story to tell, but I will share that again sometime. We had a wonderful few days taking them around many of the places he served so many years ago. The Mount ( which is now gone ) The old mission home, " REDHILL " that we all visited in those early days and loved. We even got a tour of the inside and walked the beautiful grounds and down to the lake. The old bank building downtown where all the missionaries conducted street meetings. On the street was a wee old Irishman playing Irish music -- Danny Boy, I'll take you home again Kathleen, Kitty of Coleraine ( and Billy from Ballymoney, only kidding !! ) --- it was a trip down memory lane for Elder Neely and also included a mini miracle --- we went down Sandy Row near Belfast City centre and where Sister McBride was raised. She had been given a name several weeks ago of a good friend who joined the church at the same time she did in 1964. Her name was Margaret Cousins and Sister McBride was told that Margaret may still be living in Sandy Row. As we sat in our car recalling fond memories and members we knew from that era, a car drove up across the street. A prompting came to me to Have Sister McBride approach the lady getting out of her car and ask if she knew a Margaret Cousins. As she was asking the question, to her delight and amazement this lady turned out to be the same Margaret she knew so well those many years ago. She has been less active all of those years. Of the thousands of people who lived in that community what would be the chances !!! True to form with a fast Irish wit Margaret says in her thick Belfast accent, " You have 6 children , I'm gobsmacked !!! -- no TV, love !! ( a term of endearment here )

It was a GRAND reunion, but the story does not end there --- Margaret recognized Elder Neely -- " You were the one with the Buddy Holly glasses !! " and they embraced. As stories of old were shared her husband appeared on the scene, he is not a member and we have a commitment to visit them both. God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform and these are the experiences we are blessed with almost on a daily basis.

As we reflect on our call to serve in the land of our birth and when we were completing our papers -- we said that we were prepared to serve anywhere in the world where the brethern wished to place us, little did we know that we would be experiencing these daily miracles that penetrate so deeply into our hearts and build our sure testimony that our Heavenly Father knows best and we do love and worship him and his only begotten son Jesus Christ. This account like many others is among Heavenly Father's tender mercies to us.

We have information on how to stay in " Redhill " if there are any former missionaries interested. It is now a trust home and satellite campus for John Brown University. They will take small groups for certain times of the year ( part in summer ) for the nominal sum of 14 pounds per night ( food extra ) Wouldn't that be a fantastic thing to do -- imagine staying in the home and taking time to meditate on the lake shore and watching the swans. Should you want information please email us. We can put you directly in touch with the managers.

A little more " NORN IRON " to share -- we will have you all conversant before we complete our mission !!!

S is for SPAKE --- as in " shut up and let me spake '

T is for TAE ---- as in " put the kette on and gie me a wee cup o tae "

W is for WEE --- every single Northern Irish person uses this word - a wee this or that -- a wee biscuit - a wee dance -- even when it's a big deal - it's a " wee " deal.

Y is for YOUSE --- as in " youses keep the noise down, I'm trying to sleep "

Observations : -

Visiting with Sister Newcombe in Coleraine ( stalwart member ) discussing some less actives : " he's up and down like a fiddlers elbow " or " she hasn't been out since pussy was a kitten " --- also in Ballymoney ( Elder McBrides old home town )

with Sister Riley, " they have a wee wheen o weans jaist oot o nappies " ( try to figure that one out and let us know how you do ? ) --- " a wee prezzie fer ye -- jaist a wee bookmark frae the auld toon "

How did you do with the old ULLAN tongue -- the ULSTER SCOTS. Let us know, we will see if you got close. As we travel in all of these towns the dialect can change literally within a few miles so it take a lot of listening but most times it all comes back and we find ready acceptance. We love it and love them. They are such great members of the church and with strong testimonies. Wish we had time to share some of their testimonies with you. They do build your faith. Sister Riley knew Elder Paul Heninger ( from Calgary ) well and he enjoyed hot soody farls right off the griddle with Sister Rileys mother ( Walker )

Senior Couples get to attend the odd dance from time to time -- it was Valentines day and we attended Holywood Road ( where we met 45 years ago ) The concluding number at every NORN IRELAND church dance is " I'll tell me Ma " an old Belfast song about the beautiful girls from Belfast and loved by all ---- " she is the belle of Belfast City " , and that's my lovely Carol.

Now the last item for this email is a commemoration celebration of the CAVEHILL CHAPEL which will have special significance to President Covey and all former missionaries to Ireland, but especially those who served in the 1960's.

This meeting was held on Sunday February 20th 2011 at 7.00pm -- the exact day and time that the building was officially opened 45 years ago. Sister McBride and I were members of that ward as young marrieds in the late 60's - our first son Stephen was blessed there and there are very fond memories of times spent in that building.

We attended on Sunday evening past and share the following : -

Cavehill building was built for 69,000 pounds -- it is a beautiful building - can you relate that to our costs today ? In some comparison our first home in York Park, Belfast was 1,200 pounds. Bro Crawford was the Branch President then and he conducted in 2011 -- Bishop today is Bp Boyd. Other leadership at the time was Albert McCracken, Frank Hillis, Drew Patterson and Clement McDonald.

LOUGHVIEW house stood on the property, in the shadows of Belfast Castle and had a commanding view of the entire lough at that time.

Groundbreaking was held 19th July 1963 and the first sod was turned by President Stephen R. Covey. From groundbreaking to dedication it took 3 years 10 months and 4 days to dedication which took place in June 1967 and was built mostly by building missionaries and local members. The square footage was 9000 sq. ft. Palm trees graced the exterior and still do. Elder Mark E Peterson presided at the dedication. Opening prayer for that service was Bro. John Beattie ( who became the Belfast Stake Patriach and held that position for 22 years -- John is a dear friend of ours and he offered the opening prayer at the commemoration service last Sunday.)

Many faithful and devoted members sacrificed much to erect this wonderful building and we are greatly indebted to them, many of who are our dear friends. As we reflected on times spent there so long ago two, come to mind that are indelibly etched in our minds : -

1. The great baptism services held every Thursday evening under the leadership of President Covey, where the saints and the missionaries gathered to witness the baptisms of new members of the church from all over Belfast city. It became " the gathering place " each Thursday evening for the saints and will always be remembered as a spiritual feast by all who attended.

2. We personally recall walking up Fortwilliam Park to our building several times a week and twice on Sundays pushing Stephen in his pram. It was about 3 miles there and back and mostly uphill, but then the return portion was always downhill -- that was a bonus. Sister McBride was Young Women's President and I worked with the District Presidency. When we were emigrating in 1970 to Canada they held a farewell party for us and it was sad leaving our forever friends but today through an inspired call we get to associate with them for a season. President Summerhays arrived as Mission President just the day before this party and he came and played " Danny Boy " on the SAW. I believe there was not a dry eye in the building and he immediately endeared himself to the Irish people. We realize some of you may not know the above names, building, etc, and we ask your forgiveness for indulging our personal thoughts and feelings upon you. There may be others that the thoughts might bring some rich remembrance and we are so very grateful for all you dedicated missionaries who sacrificed to come to the beautiful Emerald Isle to bring the powerful message of the restoration. May God bless each of you abundantly.

( Note - President Covey -- please send this email to your grandson. He served in and loved the Cavehill Ward and they loved him. Please extend our warmest regards to him )

To our dear family and you, our forever friends ------ we are humbled by your prayers of faith in our behalf. We feel them daily and we love you all SO VERY MUCH. Thank you for your cards and emails of encouragement. May we share a scripture we love :- 1st. NEPHI 18 V 3

That great prophet and mighty young man who was filled with courage , obedience and so many other wonderful virtues, was commanded to build a ship. He did so exactly as the Lord instructed him. He had vision, desire and belief. Please note he went to the mount oft. Do we go to " our mount " oft ? He did pray oft to the Lord. Do we pray oft as he prayed ? Do we pray as the Lord prayed, for example, before calling his apostles, he prayed all through the night to his Heavenly Father. After our prayers the Lord has promised that he will " show great things "

He has to us as missionaries and we believe his words. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ lives - we know he lives. Our Heavenly Father loves all his children, we know that. We are all part of this wonderful Gospel -- it is indeed good news and we love it with all our hearts. Thank you for your constant support and we love you all very deeply,

Elder and Sister McBride --- mom and dad.

Scotland / Ireland Mission.