Many members of the Mormon faith across the world have strong ties to the United Kingdom and surrounding countries. Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of those members. His great grandfather, Henry Ballard, joined the church in 1849 near Reading, England. His great grandmother, Margaret McNeil, joined the church with her family in Tranent, Scotland. After both families emigrated to America, the two met and were married.
On Elder Ballard’s mother’s side of the family, Robert Smith, a forefather to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, left England also and went to America. All of Elder Ballard’s family history roots come out of the British Isles. Says Elder Ballard, “When I come here, I’m coming home. I love this island. I love these people.”
Elder Ballard served a mission in England from 1948–1950. He shares the same message with us today as he did with the people in 1948. “God lives, Jesus Christ is His Son. He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.” He adds, “The fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored in its fullness once again through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is evidence that our message is true. The fullness of the gospel is once again upon the earth.”
Watch the story of the history of the Mormon faith in Great Britain through words, song and dance by attending the British Pageant in Chorley, Lancashire, 1-5 and 8-12 August. Tickets are free of charge. For more information visit www.ldsbritishpageant.co.uk