1912-08-29—Millennial Star—President Ben E. Rich in Manchester

President Ben E. Rich in Manchester

Millennial Star, v74 n34, 29 Augus 1912, pp. 554-555.

On Sunday, August 11th, 1912, President Ben E. Rich, of the Eastern States mission, visited the Hyde branch (Manchester conference), and gave a very interesting address to the saints and friends. He compared the conditions existing in Hyde at the present time with those of thirty years ago, when he was laboring in that vicinity. At the present time Hyde is one of the largest and best branches in the Manchester conference, while at the time of President Rich's ministry there the elders were being mobbed and stoned. The saints and friends considered it a rare treat to listen to President Rich, and all felt well repaid for coming out.

On Wednesday, August 14th, 1912, the elders met President Rich in Priesthood meeting and listened with interest to his comparison of missionary labors at the present time with those of thirty years ago. He related how the elders used to travel from one town to another, always intending to be at the home of some of the saints or friends at night. His remarks were very encouraging, and all present seemed to enjoy the many good things spoken by him. President Rich was invited to assist in an open-air meeting at Bolton in the evening, which he kindly consented to do, and it is believed much good has resulted. The crowd at Bolton Town Hall steps listened to his remarks with a great deal of interest, and after the meeting several people clasped President Rich by the hand, congratulating him on his address. His visit to Manchester was much appreciated by the elders, saints and friends.