Gadfield Elm, the Oldest LDS Chapel in the World
Right out of the starting gate this morning, we were invited by a ward member to travel 47 miles away to see what is termed "The Oldest LDS Chapel in the World." 47 miles translates to 2 hours travel time. The roads are small one-lane roads often, and even the larger roads have roundabouts on top of roundabouts. But what a picturesque drive!
We drove through the Cotswalds, designated as "an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," by the government of England, and justifiably so. Wikipedia says of it:
The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden-coloured Cotswold stone.[2] It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens.
We drove the last few hundred yards down a narrow road that gave way to mud, arriving at a humble small rock structure. It stood alone in a lovely little clearing, with no one in sight.
We walked inside (Some of us had to duck...the outer room had a low ceiling.) There were photos, copies of paintings and written information about how this building came to be a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was built in 1836 for the United Brethren. It is there that a number of prominent LDS Church leaders preached, including Wilford Woodruff and Brigham Young. Almost all of the membership of the United Brethren. In less than two years most of the converts had left their homes and sailed across the Atlantic to gather to Nauvoo and then on to Utah.
This church fell into disrepair and at one point the roof caved in. Several years ago, local members of the church had the opportunity to buy the building and one acre of land. They refurbished it and deeded it to the church. President Hinckley visited in 2004 to personally accept the chapel for the church. It is a lovely place, with a very special spirit about it.
My ancestors (the Checketts) lived not far from where all of this happened. They mostly were from Worchestershire and Glouchestershire, but didn't get to Utah until 1869 and 1870. But I am eager to learn more about how they heard about the church and the story behind their joining and then traveling to Utah/
The chapel was larger than I expected from outside. SK felt a sermon coming on.
Afterwards we went out behind the church where there were picnic tables and our kind host spread a small feast of bread and cheese, small quiches, sweet rolls and chocolate. It all tasted so good.
We climbed back into the car and had a marvelous ride home visiting all the way.
This evening we attended an interfaith counsel meeting where members of 7 faiths (including our own) presented in 10 minutes each what special days meant to them in the context of their religion. I loved the Jewish woman's presentation, the Orthodox man's, the Hindu....actually I enjoyed them all, even the Pagan (It seemed like she used a lot of words to say essentially nothing....."we within our group all believe different things, different gods, different modes of living etc." )
When it was over, we got into the car, and came straight away home! No bumbling, no GPS. Hurrah!
We drove through the Cotswalds, designated as "an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," by the government of England, and justifiably so. Wikipedia says of it:
The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden-coloured Cotswold stone.[2] It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens.
We drove the last few hundred yards down a narrow road that gave way to mud, arriving at a humble small rock structure. It stood alone in a lovely little clearing, with no one in sight.
This church fell into disrepair and at one point the roof caved in. Several years ago, local members of the church had the opportunity to buy the building and one acre of land. They refurbished it and deeded it to the church. President Hinckley visited in 2004 to personally accept the chapel for the church. It is a lovely place, with a very special spirit about it.
My ancestors (the Checketts) lived not far from where all of this happened. They mostly were from Worchestershire and Glouchestershire, but didn't get to Utah until 1869 and 1870. But I am eager to learn more about how they heard about the church and the story behind their joining and then traveling to Utah/
The chapel was larger than I expected from outside. SK felt a sermon coming on.
This evening we attended an interfaith counsel meeting where members of 7 faiths (including our own) presented in 10 minutes each what special days meant to them in the context of their religion. I loved the Jewish woman's presentation, the Orthodox man's, the Hindu....actually I enjoyed them all, even the Pagan (It seemed like she used a lot of words to say essentially nothing....."we within our group all believe different things, different gods, different modes of living etc." )
When it was over, we got into the car, and came straight away home! No bumbling, no GPS. Hurrah!
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