Early Branches of the Church

This is a Google Maps project which I began as a result of studying the 1840 General Conference Minutes, contained in the Millenial Star. This period of time is described as an exciting and spirit filled time of expansion, as missionaries and members sought to proclaim the gospel and build the Kingdom of God.

Here is one extract:

"Moved by Elder Richards seconded by Elder Kimball that Elder P Melling be appointed to preside over the following branches of the church Preston, Longton, Penwortham, North Meols and Southport. Carried.

Moved by elder Kimball seconded by Elder Young that Elder Richard Withnall be appointed to preside over the branches of the church at Whittle, Dauber's lane, Chorley, Hunter's Hill and Euxtonburgh. Carried."

The organisation of numerous branches around this area is remarkable and indicative of the well-functioning Church organisation and the zeal with which the Gospel was preached. Even from its infancy, the Church was directed, maintained and governed rigorously by its members.

I do not currently have copies of the Branch addresses or details, however this map is designed to give a rough guide as to where the LDS Church had branches in 1840. The location of some of these branches may strike present-day Latter-day Saints with surprise, whilst there are branches in many of these locations today, there are some which are not. For instance, Hunters Hill branch and Eccleston are hardly represented at all today by LDS populations. Additionally, Northwich and Middlewich are two locations which are now covered by Runcorn and Crewe wards (respectively). The biggest surprise is the strength of the Church in the Clitheroe area, the 1840 General Conference Minutes put church membership at around 200-300 members. Certainly a 'Mormon stronghold' for its time.


View Early LDS Branches in Lancashire in a larger map


Here is a copy of the 1840 Minutes of the General Conference. This conference was held in the Carpenters Hall, Manchester, 6th July, 1840. Those present included; Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Willard Richards, Heber C. Kimball and George Albert Smith.  




Within these minutes, missionaries were also assigned to certain areas to labour;

"Moved by Elder Kimball seconded by Elder Richards that brother Robert McBride go to Lancaster. Carried." 

This appears to be one of the earliest records of a missionary being sent to work in Lancaster, arguably the beginning of a foundation for the Church here in Lancaster.