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| A Corner of the Vineyard, by Denise Johannsen |
Neil Armstrong steps out of the space craft, Apollo 1, and makes a giant step for mankind. It is 20 July, 1969. He is the first man to walk on the moon. Earlier saw the launch of the first communications satellite "Telstar," relaying television pictures around the earth.
Wages were improving and there was plenty of work. The government introduced the "home improvement grant" to enable home owners to bring their houses up to modern living standards. For a minimum deposit, the government would fund the balance, or in some cases they were able to qualify for a 100% grant. This mean't, finally, terraced houses would almost all now have bathrooms and the basic amenities of the middle nineteenth century.
The "swinging sixties," at it was dubbed, certainly changed the face of the British Isles and the rest of the western world. Just as living standards improve, moral standards began to deteriorate. Wide spread popularity of the use of drugs amongst the young; also sex out of wedlock was deemed natural and normal--all designed by Lucifer to lure the innocent youth of the nation unwittingly into his power.
Blackburn saints were waging their own battle with the "son of the morning," and his dominions, winning each campaign slowly but surely. With faith, diligence, and patience, they fought on relentlessly with every strategy used against them foiled. Oh, he might win a skirmish or two and halt the saints' progression for a little while, but, as always, the final battle was won by the faithful followers of Christ and His Church. The member clinging to the gospel and words of Alma, (32:28 & 43)
"Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."
The First Presidency called for the British people to stay in Great Britain, where possible, and not emigrate as in the past, for now was the time to start building up the Church in these Isles.
The Blackburn Saints had moved again to a large Victorian house. One of the dear sisters at this time (Prudence Irvine) recorded her memories of these times:
"I first came to live in Darwen when I got married in 1957. I did not know where the L.D.S. chapel was. It would be about two years later when I wrote to the Radcliffe Ward and asked them for the address of the Blackburn Branch.
Later, I received a letter off President Walker of Blackburn Branch telling me it was situated on East Park Road in a big house with a large stable at the side.
I went along the following Sunday and I met all the members. There were not many at that time, but the gospel was still living in the Blackburn area, which now I am very grateful for.
It was not long before the big house was condemned and demolished, so we had to use the old coach house and stables. So it had to be made habitable. All the members helped. There was bricking and woodwork to be done.
I remember one Sunday, I was giving a talk, when suddenly I saw this man sat in the congregation. I looked at him all the time I gave my talk. When the meeting had finished, I went up to President Rose and asked who the man was, who by now had disappeared. President Rose said that he had not seen anyone sat in that seat. I replied, "Oh yes there was, President Rose." He then said if I had seen him, it must have been there for me, as no one else had seen him. Anyway, I know he was there and I can still remember his face, and he did help me while I was doing my talk."
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| The Beatles, lads from Liverpool, take America and the world by storm. A whole new era of music begins. |
The "swinging sixties," at it was dubbed, certainly changed the face of the British Isles and the rest of the western world. Just as living standards improve, moral standards began to deteriorate. Wide spread popularity of the use of drugs amongst the young; also sex out of wedlock was deemed natural and normal--all designed by Lucifer to lure the innocent youth of the nation unwittingly into his power.
Blackburn saints were waging their own battle with the "son of the morning," and his dominions, winning each campaign slowly but surely. With faith, diligence, and patience, they fought on relentlessly with every strategy used against them foiled. Oh, he might win a skirmish or two and halt the saints' progression for a little while, but, as always, the final battle was won by the faithful followers of Christ and His Church. The member clinging to the gospel and words of Alma, (32:28 & 43)
"Now we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if we give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seen, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves--It must be a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious unto me."
"Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."
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| President David O. McKay (Prophet) |
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| Hugh B. Brown, 1st in First Presidency |
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| N. Eldon Tanner, 2nd Counselor in First Presidency |
The Blackburn Saints had moved again to a large Victorian house. One of the dear sisters at this time (Prudence Irvine) recorded her memories of these times:
"I first came to live in Darwen when I got married in 1957. I did not know where the L.D.S. chapel was. It would be about two years later when I wrote to the Radcliffe Ward and asked them for the address of the Blackburn Branch.
Later, I received a letter off President Walker of Blackburn Branch telling me it was situated on East Park Road in a big house with a large stable at the side.
I went along the following Sunday and I met all the members. There were not many at that time, but the gospel was still living in the Blackburn area, which now I am very grateful for.
It was not long before the big house was condemned and demolished, so we had to use the old coach house and stables. So it had to be made habitable. All the members helped. There was bricking and woodwork to be done.
I remember one Sunday, I was giving a talk, when suddenly I saw this man sat in the congregation. I looked at him all the time I gave my talk. When the meeting had finished, I went up to President Rose and asked who the man was, who by now had disappeared. President Rose said that he had not seen anyone sat in that seat. I replied, "Oh yes there was, President Rose." He then said if I had seen him, it must have been there for me, as no one else had seen him. Anyway, I know he was there and I can still remember his face, and he did help me while I was doing my talk."
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