Blackburn Ward History-1860s-Green Shoots

Corner of the Vineyard, by Denise Johannsen, the history of Blackburn Ward continued . . .

Green Shoots

The lot of the working men had not improved much from the 184's and 1850s.  There was still child labour, and living conditions for the poor were still an abomination.  The mill owners and other business men were living off the fat of the land.  Most not seeming to have a conscience concerning their employees.  They resided in grand Victorian mansions, with numerous servants.  The sewing machine, and the mass production of clothes, had not been introduced as yet, so the wealthy employed their own personal seamstress who was continually labouring on a gown for either her mistress or her daughters.

The mass exodus to Salt Lake continued.  They were sorely needed, as the Logan Temple and the Salt Lake Temple were under construction.  This meant that even though the British people were embracing the gospel with open arms and being baptized [by] the hundreds, the tiny branches could not increase their membership and become strong.  But it was the Lord's will, if His Church was to be established and be firmly rooted, never to leave the earth again, Utah had to be strengthened and a people and society created.

Cutting the stones for the Salt Lake City Temple

It took 40 years to complete the Salt Lake City Temple.  Began construction 1853 and dedicated   6 April, 1893

Logan Temple, Utah, U.S.A.  Began building in 1877 and completed dedicated 17 May, 1884

 The local members in the Blackburn Branch at this time stood firm.  The saints continuing to love, fellowship [and] protecting the tender young shoots that were just beginning to form; giving them all their tender care and attention, shielding the tiny tree from the wrath of Satan, as he would destroy it if he could, for he knew that this part of the vineyard was very precious to our Father in Heaven and the Saviour.  One day it was to be a ward, then, [a] stake and then a mission [would eventually be formed in this area]; then a temple would be ten minutes away from Blackburn at Chorley.  He knew because it had all been planned in the pre-existence.  The Lord knew His gardeners well; they were given to Him by the Father and had pledged their love and allegiance.

Preston Temple at Chorley

Preston Temple at Chorley--I don't like the way they trimmed these trees back.  The gardener said it would take them a few years to recover.  They were so beautiful before, but probably blocked too much of the view of the temple.  At least I got earlier pictures when these trees looked like lace and the temple could be seen through them through the winter and in early spring of last year.