The early British converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were found by the early Mormon apostles and their missionary companions in 1837 fortified the whole fabric of the expanding church.
Many historians have written that they “rescued the church”. Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the church, said he felt inspired to send members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to Great Britain. Joseph Smith’s impression was that the Lord had prepared the people to receive their message. New followers from the British Isles made a significant contribution to strengthen the church at a very challenging time.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a product of the early missionary work in Great Britain and other European countries as a sixth-generation member of the church. His mother’s family were converts from Denmark and his father’s family were from Sunderland, Great Britain. “My own great-great grandfather, Thomas Rasband, was making lace in Lincolnshire when he saw missionaries standing on a well preaching about The Book of Mormon”, says Elder Rasband. He and his family were converted to the church and then made the journey through various ports to the United States and ultimately to Utah.
Elder Rasband has stood at the site of the Rasbands’ home in Lincolnshire, UK and the Andersons’ in Vadum, Denmark. He marvels at the faith of his ancestors, to leave their homelands and emigrate to the United States. Elder Rasband reflects on his heritage as he adds, “What a level of faith and commitment. I honour that every day of my life.”
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