Herefordshire

Benbow Farm

Herefordshire was first introduced to the gospel during the first mission to Britain. Wilford Woodruff was sent to preach in the area known as the Potteries. He served there for 6 weeks, following which William Benbow took him to Herefordshire and introduced him to his brother, John Benbow. John was a member of the United Brethren. John and his wife Jane played an important role in the spread of the gospel in Herefordshire.

The pond where Wilford Woodruff baptized hundreds of converts

The Benbows owned a farm in Herefordshire called Hill Farm. It was in a pond on their land that Wilford Woodruff baptized hundreds of people, including all but one member of the congregation of the United Brethren. It was neat to be in the place where so many people were baptized. We also learned about the Benbow’s generosity. Not only did they allow Wilford Woodruff to use their land, but Jane Benbow, along with Anne Kington, helped finance the printing of the Book of Mormon. The Benbows also used the money they earned from selling their farm to pay for 40-50 saints to immigrate to the United States. I personally learned a lot from the example of the Benbows. They had means and they used those means to help others. Although I may not be in a position to give financially, I can give of my time and talents.

Herefordshire Beacon

Probably one of my favorite parts of the trip was going to Herefordshire Beacon. This was the place where Wilford Woodruff would go to find peace and escape the constant needs of the people. During the second apostolic mission Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards held a historic meeting here. At this meeting they decided that Brigham Young should return to the North to publish the Book of Mormon. After being up there I can understand why Wilford Woodruff came up there for peace. It is such a beautiful place to be and to overlook the beauty of our Heavenly Father’s creations.

View from Herefordshire Beacon at sunset


Gadfield Elm Chapel

We finished our trip by stopping by the Gadfield Elm Chapel. This is the oldest, longest standing meeting house. Originally, the chapel belonged to the United Brethren. It was given to the Church after the entire congregation converted. The Church sold it to raise money for the poor. Finally, in 1994 the land and the church building were put up for auction. The local members raised 10,000 pounds to buy the building. The faithfulness of the members in raising the money to buy the chapel is such an example to me.