| Fountainhead
of early Mormon success in England |
|
Daughter Ann Fielding Matthews (wife of prominent
Primitive Methodist minister Timothy Matthews) pays tribute to her mother,
Rachel Ibbotson Fielding (1767–1828). Few women have had greater influence
on Mormonism through her children than Rachel Fielding. Daughter Mary became
Hyrum Smith's wife and Joseph F. Smith's mother. Son Joseph led members
of the Twelve to England, where they enjoyed great success among the flocks
of his brothers, James and John, and brother-in-law, Timothy Matthews. Rachel
was the family's spiritual guide and example. |
|
Memoir
of Mrs. Rachel Fielding (1767–1828) |
Rachel's
husband, Primitive Methodist preacher
Their family |
|
Father of Joseph, Mary, and Mercy Fielding, grandfather
of Joseph F. Smith. Methodist preacher in Yorkshire and Bedfordshire, England;
also tried farming in a rocky area of Bedfordshire. Buried both wives and
at least five of his first six children. Two of his sons (John and James),
became ministers and one of his daughters (Ann) married a minister, Timothy
Matthews. Died disillusioned with his former faith. |
|
John
Fielding (1759–1836) |
| Rachel
Fielding's spiritual journey and her influence on Mary Fielding |
|
Rachel Ibbotson, raised in a strict Calvinist home, orphaned,
converts to Methodism, marries a Methodist minister and raises a large family;
stern, undemonstrative mother with high expectations; well known for her
acts of charity and "a word in season for all." Mary inherits
many of her mother's traits; refuses proposal of marriage; family's poor
financial condition. |
|
Rachel
and Mary Fielding |
| October
2, 1837 Joseph writes his sisters of experiences with his brothers in England |
|
Joseph Fielding dreads the thought of raiding
his family's flocks in England. James welcomes Joseph and his companions,
and offers them his pulpit. The people believe, but James can't. The family
splits. Joseph sends Elders Richards and Goodson to his brother-in-law,
Rev. Timothy Matthews, in Bedford. Timothy offers them his pulpit and the
people believe. To keep his congregation, Timothy gets baptized by someone
else so he can offer a new baptism. |
|
Joseph
Fielding Letter, October 1837 |
| 1836–1837 |
|
Willard Richards diary from July 20, 1836 (arrival) to June
24, 1840. |
|
¶
Willard Richards (h) |
| 1840
anxious missionary speaks to Rev. Timothy Matthews |
|
Robert Williams works up the courage to request permission
to speak to Rev. Timothy Matthews' congregation. Matthews is Joseph Fielding's
brother-in-law. He has a large following. Matthews relates his past experience
with Mormon missionaries, is courteous but declines request. |
|
Robert
Williams and Timothy Matthews |
| 1841
statistics |
|
June 1841 Saints number 7,000 |
|
¶
Joseph Fielding to Millennial Star, 1841 |
| |
|
|
|
Upper
Canada
Missions
|