Latter-day Saint missionaries were first sent to Boston, Massachusetts in 1832. At that time, local converts left New England to join the saints in the west. The first LDS chapel in the area was dedicated more than a hundred years later in 1956. It wasn’t in Boston, but across the river in Cambridge. Additional chapels were built in the suburbs around Boston, but a branch of the church wasn’t organized in Boston proper until 1984.

In the late 1970’s four friends, black Caribbean women, decided to take a short vacation to Washington, DC. The group included Lilian Smith from Jamaica, Esther Corbin and her mother Muriel Cadogan from Barbados, and a daughter or daughter-in-law of Esther’s. Besides looking at the Washington Monument and the Capitol, these women visited the Washington, DC temple and toured the visitors’ center.

They were so impressed that when they returned home, they contacted the Church to find out where the closest Latter-day Saint meetings were held. They were disappointed to discover that the nearest church building was in Cambridge. They lived in Mattapan and Roxbury, all the way across the city. They traveled to Cambridge to attend church when they could, and begged for LDS meetings closer to home.

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Apr. 8 1912

Beautiful day at sea. Past several small islands of coral formations also saw two places where wrecks had happen upon the reef. I was told that one was a shipment of Indian coolies of 500 and all were drowned. Now they have established Light Houses at different places along the line. Owing to the 180 latitude we skiped Easter Sunday, but held services nevertheless.

Today we made our acquaintance with Mr. Moody, an American from Portland, Oregon, and had an interesting talk with him. He said he had never heard Mormonism except thru magazine and hence he was somewhat prejudiced. He asked several questions, especially about our attitude on plural marriage which I told him we defended as far as principle was concerned but forbid the practice of it as strong as did any other set of people and a violation of the prohibitory law would mean//

Apr 8. expension from the church. He said that a man that accepted the Bible had to accept it as a principle. I gave him my Art. Of Faith card and he promised to thoroughly consider them.

[Apr.] 9. Had many Gospel conversations and seemed to make many friends with people on board. Most everybody was very seasick.

[Apr.] 10 Early this morning we went aboard at Levuka Fiji (( Levuka was the first capitol of Fiji. It is located on Ovalau, and small island to the east of the largest island of Viti Levu. )) and enjoyed walked over some of its pleasant ways. Took two pictures with Kodak several people got on again at Levuka and again we made several friends among some of the Cotorelest [?]

Continue reading The Samoan Missionary Diary of Burton Kent Farnsworth: 8 April – 7 May 1912 →

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Mar 1st Prepared and waited all day for boat going to Malaela (( Malaela is at the extreme east end of the island of Upolu and is a little less than 50 miles from Apia. )) //

Mar 2 Having prepared the day previous Upulasi and I waited in Pesega until 1 oclock A.M. when we awoke and went to Apia. We waited until about 3 A.M. when our small gasoline launch lit out and we had a lovely ride to Malaela a distance of about 50 miles arriving there about 9 A.M. we were pleased to meet with the Saints and after a good breakfast we went out fishing all the natives hustled out and fished while I walked around enjoying the beautiful island scenery. The fishing was very successful and several baskets were procured. After fishing we returned home and had a good buggy ride also visited some of the saints.

[Mar] 3 Sunday was fast day. We had a lovely Sunday School. Even though both classes were in the same room. There were about fifty in attendance and a fine lesson was given. In the afternoon I spoke awhile then some of the saints bore testimonies. //

[Mar. 4] Monday spent several hours talking Gospel with the missionaries and also some of the village people. In the afternoon also we organized a Relief Society in Malaila. I presiding and conducting the services

[Mar] 5 The morning came bright and clear and we prepared to journey by boat to Vaovai. At about 9 oclock A.M. our boat set out with about 23 row men and we shot over the smooth ocean as an auto. About 12 N it began to rain and how it did come down. We all became wet and cold We called in at Sepa again at Satalo where we ate supper and were treated royally. After supper we continued to Vaovai arriving there after dark.

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[Jan.] 28. Spent forenoon in Salovi in Sunday School. Soo was there intending to go to Apia so I came with him in a buggy. I left my grip in Fasitoatai and went to Pesega where I arrived just in time for dinner. After visiting a short time with elders. Bro Jensen Nellie and I went up and spent the evening with Johnie Ah Mu and family. We ate another supper with them.

[Jan.] 29 Went to town with Sister Nellie and we each had a tooth pulled in the afternoon I visited most all the saints.

[Jan.] 30 In the morning I washed clothes wrote a letter or two home and in the afternoon returned to Maloi I stayed with Afutu and had a very nice talk with them.

[Jan.] 31 I arose early and left Molie stoping at several houses along the way but I // was too early for their breakfasts so I went on for about 10 miles then stoped in where a man lived who was a member of the church. He was not there but there was a house ful of others and after preparing a very nice breakfast they all came in and we had a swell time. I preach[ed] Gospel for about three hours they asked many questions. They we[re] very pleased and asked me to stay all night but owing to previous arrangement I was unable to. I promised to return next week and visit them. I continued on to Fasiloatai where I met Tenei and Nele. I had been there only and short time when two Chinese came in and we had a nice time. We talked until about 10 P.M.

Feb 1,2,3 wrote Journal, fasted, slept and talked to who ever I got a chance at.

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[Nov.] 26 Elder Hickman and I prepared to go to Suniatu, he to remain, I to visit a few days and return. Leaving Pesega about 9 A.M. we hurried down to Apia so that our boat crew would not have to wait on us. On reaching Apia we saw the big Frisco steamer coming in. expecting the mail we went to Mr. Helesac’s to wait. While waiting for it to be distributed we ate candy and read novels. At about 2 P.M. Bro. Osi came down, brought me one letter and Hickman three. We continued to wait on our boat crew but they did not come so at 3 we returned to Pesega. We no sooner left than they arrived and went off without us. So we set about to obtain horses. // About 8 P.M. we left Pesega on horses for Sauniatu and arrived in Sauniatu at about 1 A.M. having had a very pleasant ride in the cool night air.

[Nov.] 27. I attended Sunday School in Sauniatu and visited the Theological class. In the afternoon we went to church and I was asked to speak and spoke about 15 minutes on Tis the hope within that keeps up the ambition. That night we went to mutual and heard some horrible singing.

[Nov.] 28 Spent most of the forenoon copying up the Journal in the afternoon I visited among the saints and studied also attended Relief Society meeting and spoke to them on their duties as “Mothers in Israel”

[Nov.] 29 Read news papers and studied, visited several families of Saints having some splendid Gospel conversations. In the evening Bro Hickman and I went to swim and latter we attended. Mutual.

30 Today being Thanksgiving we decide be there in celebrating. We killed a goose. Myrtle (( Myrtle Wilcox, age 14. )) and I made poi (( Samoan poi is a creamy dessert created by mashing ripe bananas with coconut cream. )) // Made some pies, soups, candy and we had a swell time. In the afternoon Bro Hickman and I went down before the Sauniatu falls and had some good fun swimming currents.

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[Sept.] 2. Elder Tangreen and I left Pesega about 8 or 9 oclock and had no sooner left than it started to rain. It came down hard for nearly an hour but we were prepared for rain and did not get wet.

At Malu we visited a family where the head man was sick unto death. We held prayer with them and tried to // comfort them.

We continued our journey to Xxxxxx and remained there a few hours visiting Saints and the native missionaries Upulosi. Leaving there we continued on to Tifitifi and visited other families of saints and strangers. We also met Elder E.P. Christensen here waiting on a man sick with Sanatoto. He had administered to the man and he was nearly well. The family were trying to run the Elder away and after we left they succeeded in telling him to go. The family divided and part left with the missionary.

We continued our journey from Tifitifi to Salovi, visited few minutes then hurried on hoping that Elder Tangreen might catch a boat along the coast going to Manou.

He was unsuccessful in catching a boat so returned to Salovi and I went to Sauniatu. It proved best also for Bro Ima as he met the man he wanted to see.

When I reached Sauniatu, Willie and Ellen gave me a hearty welcome. // My horse was cared for by the China boy and Willie and I proceeded to visit around on the plantation.

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[Apr.] 9 For a week past Elder Rigby and I have been visiting in Pesega preaching and talking Gospel to all who would listen.

Yesterday Pres. McBride returned from Tutuila bringing with him Bro. Adams, Ida and some of the school kids. Bro. Adams, Bro Brown and Ida are released from their missions and will return to Zion in June.

[Apr.] 19 Within the last ten days some changes have taken place in Pesega. Elder Edwin Moody has left on a special trip to New Zealand to purchase donkeys and Elder W.J. Siddoway (( Wm Joseph Siddoway, b. 1891, served Apr 9, 1911—1914 (exact date illegible). )) who has just arrived from America is staying with me.

Last Saturday night 15 Apr. we were invited to Ah Mus we noticed that there were two large puddings, a cake // several chickens, several pigeons a pig and a great amount of other Samoan food.

I asked the meaning of the feast and was told that it was in accordance with a Samoan custom That when some member of the family died they had a feast of mourning and were supposed to be in mourning for six months, then have another feast and break the mourning. This feast was to end the mourning. As one old woman left the table she said, “Thanks for such a good meal, now we’re all happy and there is nothing more to feel bad about.”

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[Nov.] 17 Tonight a special Elders meeting held in Pesega. Much good instruction was given and a good time seemed to be enjoyed by those present. I was set apart as Mission Secretary and Bro. Edwin Moody was appt. as presiding Elder of Pesega Br.

[Nov.] 21 Mail came from U.S.A. tonight but mine if I had any went to Tuiula but I didn’t mind as I had plenty to do with out my own.

Nov. 30 Today we rec’d the yearly reports and also a large mail from home which had gone to Tuliula. The letters from home seemed to have just those things in to make me happy. I also finished my Xmas mail home.

Dec 2. Have finished many of the statistical reports but I am compeled to wait now on Conferences to send in their reports. I wrote all the conferences to be punctual in sending all things necessary.

[Dec.] 16 The past five weeks have been a period of hard work, trying times accompanied by some worrying but now, having finished the yearly report and sent them in I feel greatly blessed. // Pres. McBride gave me many flattering compliments, but I felt that what success had attended me in compiling the reports was from the Lord and received from faith and prayer and hard work.

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January 1910

Wed [Jan.] 12. We arranged our tickets, bought some white suits and left Suva for Samoa on board the steam ship Tofina.

Thur [Jan.] 13 we stoped several hours in Latruka and enjoyed a bath in the Latruka baths.

Sat. [Jan. 15] We were fortunate in that we had two Saturdays and on the second Saturday we landed in Samoa. We were met at the boat by Pres. Wm A Moody ((William A. Moody, born 1870, from Thatcher, AZ, served from April 12 1908 to Aug 25 1910. President Moody spoke at Burton’s funeral many years later. )) and Elder Dee Hickman (( Edwin Dee Hickman (1888-1958).)) and after presenting our Elders certificates we were permited to land with our trunks and not pay duty. In fact they were not inspected.

In the afternoon we all went to swim and I sank but was pulled out O.K.

In the evening we held an elders meeting and there were 15 elders form Zion assembled. It was sure a spiritual feast and one to be remembered.

During the meeting we also rec’d our appointments and I was appointed to stay at Headquarters with Elder R.M. Forrest. ((Robert M. Forrest, born 1878, served Apr. 12, 1908 to Mar 10, 1910, from SLC, UT.)) I also rec’d the name of Kena but soon had it changed to Pira as the first word meant Hell fire. ((According to D B Farnsworth, Kenu was derived from Burton’s middle name of Kent. Pira was derived from his hometown of Beaver, UT.))

Continue reading The Samoan Missionary Diary of Burton Kent Farnsworth: 1 January – 12 March 1910 →