Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Short Mission of Charles Henry John West



Charles and his brother John were called to go on a short mission to labor in the Bedfordshire conference. Charles' parents, who had recently joined the Church, were willing for him to accept the call. Eliza's parents had no objections either, though they suggested the young couple get married before Charles left for his mission, since that would tend to bind them together. So on Christmas Day, December 25, 1850 Eliza and Charles were married in St. Andrews Church, Holborn, Middlesex County by the Rector J. J. Toogood in the presence of their parents. It is interesting to note that this young couple had introduced the gospel to the Dangerfield family and that five of them had joined the Church, including Eliza's mother, who had been a member .of the Baptist church for thirty years.

John and Charles started on their mission from the Euston Road station and arrived in Bedford some sixty-two miles from London. Charles stated that they were well received by the Saints in Bedford and vicinity, though they met with some opposition. But he grew homesick for his family and especially his bride. This was Charles' first time away from home. He felt that he was not doing much good; therefore he wrote to the President of the mission, Orson Pratt, asking for permission to come home, after having been out only
three weeks. They came home and reported to President Elder Eli B. Kelsey of the London Conference. Charles told him that he did not feel competent in being a teacher and preacher. The two missionaries, however, were well received and invited to stay for supper. To the surprise of Charles, Elder Orson Pratt was at the table. "I shall never forget my feelings," said Charles, "being there in the presence of an apostle. I felt I had not done my duty, first of all for getting married before starting on my mission and secondly not
relying more on the arm of the Lord." Notwithstanding, he was treated kindly and soon was home again.

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