Genealogy stories.

THE CONVERSION STORY OF RAYMOND AND IRENE SCOTT.

In 1956 four years after Ray and Irene were married (Peter was three years old and David was two), they were living in the same neighborhood as Ray’s parents Ralph and Rhoda, Rays brother Roland and his wife Audrey, and Ray’s sister Joyce and her husband Earnest. They lived just blocks from each other, and spent lots of time socializing and getting together.

One day Joyce answered a knock at her door and listened to a message delivered by two young men in suits. These missionaries had apparently had no success tracking in that particular area of town and as they were leaving the area at the end of the day, to move to a new area, they felt impressed to knock on this one last door again. Joyce was preparing supper and her children were ready to eat, but being interested in what they had to say, she asked the missionaries to come back later in the evening when her husband would be home.

After supper she was so impressed and excited about the missionaries and what they might have to say, that she went and invited Ralph and Rhoda, Roland and Audrey, and Ray and Irene to come and listen to the two young men as well. When the missionaries arrived they were naturally surprised to find eight people waiting for them instead of just Joyce and Earnie.

It must have been a wonderful evening message as the missionaries were invited back to begin teaching all eight of them. When they got to the Word of Wisdom lessons the missionaries challenged everyone to stop smoking and drinking and everyone did. Ray always said that if you’re going to quit doing something you might as well quit cold turkey.

The missionaries taught all the discussions to all eight of the family plus Joyce and Earnie’s son Kenneth who was eight years old or older. They challenged all nine to be baptized, and eight of them accepted the invitation. Roland’s wife Audrey didn’t think she was quite ready to take that next step. She wanted to wait and think about it, so Roland decided that if his wife wasn’t ready then perhaps he should wait a while too. (They never did join the church).

Ralph and Rhoda, Joyce and Earnie, Ray and Irene and Kenneth were all baptized on 28 July 1956.

GREATGRANDMA IRENE SCOTT’S ACCOUNT OF HER PERFORMING TOUR WITH THE RELIEF SOCIETY SINGING MOTHERS CHOIR (CONSISTING OF SISTERS FROM AROUND THE BRITISH ISLES AND 50 SINGING MOTHERS FROM AMERICA – 250 SISTERS IN ALL). Taken from a letter she wrote to a friend. This tour took place sometime in the early 1960’s. Great-grandmother Scott had had several miscarriages since having her first two children Peter and David, and when set apart to go on this tour was blessed that she would have more children who would survive. John and Michael were born before the family left for Canada in 1966.

“…the time we were on the tour we were kept pretty busy with rehearsals as we sang in the evenings and travelled during the day. We were very thankful for Sis. Prudames who not only played the piano at church but opened her home to us and helped us with the many songs we had to learn. (off by heart). So we got pretty close…When we arrived in London for the tour…I were among the Sisters chosen to go to welcome the Prophet & other General Authorities, also the 50 singing mothers from America & some of their husbands when they arrived on the Queen Mary. It was a great honor & an emotional time as we sang Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, also Come , Come Ye Saints. It reminded me of the Early Saints as they left their homeland, and could realize their feelings as they waved farewell to their family and friends. I know it was a little different as one was waving farewell and the other waving welcome but the tears and emotions were similar. Then we travelled by train from the docks back to our hotels and used the time meeting each other & signing our names and addresses not only the U>S> Sisters but those who had met from London, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and parts of England it was great. We were at a rehearsal for the dedication of the Organ for the first Chapel in London. We all wondered about the 250 voices but all well. The next place we were to Sing at was, The Royal Albert Hall that was a huge place & a little scary, it was filled with members friends and fam of those that were singing also Elders & investigators and civil dignitares. Also a representative of the Queen etc. The Prophet and others in the Royal boxes. At the beginning we were waiting for the arrival of the Prophet and every Member & some of the others got to their feet as we sang Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, and all others stood up during the rendition. It was a special time for us all and before we left London we were invited to Meet the Prophet and others at R.S. headquarters we were each welcomed and shook hands it was really special to see & speak with Pres. David OMckay and other Apostles and their wives. We then travelled by tour buses to our next destination the Prophet stayed with us until we got to Wales then he & a few others stayed as they were dedicating a chapel or breaking ground for it. I think it was the first for Wales. We continued on stopping at a number of places until we reached Scotland & performed I believe in Glasco. Had a break a day to visit Loch Lomond &visited the placers where they made the plaids for kilts, the sisters from the U.S.A. spent quite a lot getting different things. It was ideal weather and everyone was thrilled with the beautiful scenery all the way and the heather was in full bloom. After we performed in Glasco we boarded a ship for Ireland this was also a great experience for all. It do was beautiful the people friendly the land so many different shades of green. After this went back to Glascow. &travelled by train where we each got off at our own places, and were ready to see our families.”

These are stories I'm giving to Elder Steve to take on his mission with him. He's supposed to take accounts of his ancestors. We''ll give him others from the Wilde side too.