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| 1892 | 1892 - Missionary Journal
Salt Lake City: ~ Monday Feb. 1st 1892. My last day at home was necessarily a busy time. Numerous packages were received for Elders in New Zealand which were packed with my effects. At 2 p.m. I met Elders Otto Chipman, James E. Fisher and E. J. Palmer at the Historian’s office where we were set apart as Missionaries to New Zealand. Apostle A. H. Cannon and George Reynolds officiating. I was set apart by the first names, as follows:~ *Brother Ben Goddard, In the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Priesthood conferred upon us, we, your brethren set you apart for this mission to New Zealand, whereunto the Lord has seen [page break] proper, thro’ His servants, to call you; and we bless you that you may be qualified in every way for the discharge of the duties of this important mission, that you may realise that you are sent forth as a representative of the cause of God and that you may not betray in deed or even in thought the great responsibility which is placed upon you but that you may live in such a manner as to continually be in favor with God and under the direction of His Holy Spirit, and that you may set and example unto the people, which they shall be pleased to follow and which shall be the means of converting many to the truth and theat your words may be carried out in your daily life and the purity of your example and in righteousness of your conduct at all times. We ask our Father that He will reprove you when you are inclined to go astray or refrain from doing those things which you are commanded as His servant to do, but that He may encourage you in all the works of righteousness and sustain you that you [page break] may not become weary in well doing; that you may not fail in any labor required at your hands but feel encouraged to save the children of men; to lift a voice of warning to the people wherever you may be called to labor that they may be left without an excuse when the judgments of God are poured out upon the nations. Dear Brother, Inasmuch as you pursue the path. that God has marked out for you there shall no power come unto you to harm you either in body or in spirit; you shall have physical strength to perform your duties at all times and shall be able to adapt yourself to the customs and peculiarities of the people and shall be blessed in gaining a knowledge of their language from on high even under the inspiration of God which shall be a source of continued joy and peace to you. The Lord shall open up your way in a marvellous manner and you shall be able to see His hand continually in your blessing and preservation of your life in the means which He shall provide for the spread of [page break] His truths. We bless you, dear brother, to go in peace and return in safety thro’ your faithfulness and diligence; the Lord shall raise up friends to administer to your wants and enable you to acquire the language and its usage that you may use the same fluently among the people and that you may be made to understand and preach in the power of His influence that shall make you a servant of God. We seal these with all your former blessings upon your head and say if you are faithful in this calling it shall be the door thro’ which you shall enter into far greater works here and your exaltation in the worlds to come. We seal these blessings upon your head and confer all needed good and qualifications upon you and all that your heart desires in righteousness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ Amen. After the performance of this duty I accompanied my family to Grandpa L. D. Young’s in order to bid him & his family “farewell.” Bro. Young enjoyed the visit to’ very weak & blessed me e’er I left. We returned and spent the evening at Bro. W. D. Owen’s until the time of [page break] my departure was at hand. The last hour was almost spent in silence for our hearts were too full to speak. At last the car signal was heard, the final “goodbyes” were spoken as I rushed forth to the car—leaving Allie & Emma sobbing and almost heartbroken and my dear son, Percy, trying to comfort them. *‘Twas a hard struggle and only a sense of sacred duty would have reconciled us all to make the sacrifice. May God preserve us all to meet again when the mission of love has been faithfully performed. Bro. W. D. Owen kindly accompanied me to the D. & R. G. Depot and at 1 a.m., in company with Elder James E. Fisher I left the city of Zion. On arriving in Ogden we met Elders Chipman & Hottendorf and the latter’s family. Nevada: ~ Tuesday, Feb. 2nd 1892. We were travelling thro Utah and Nevada on the S. P. Railroad all day and nothing occurred to revlieve the monotony. Our train left Ogden at 3 a.m. and in the evening we secured berths. [page break] San Francisco: ~ Feb 3rd 1892. On arising early we found ourselves in California, having crossed the state line in the night. We breakfasted at San Francisco - the capital of the state and during the forenoon our train - loaded with passengers - was ferried across the straits of Carguiney. At Oakland we left the train and boarded the Steamer for San Francisco arriving at 12 noon - where we met Elders E. J. Palmer of Cedar Dity, another of our company. We located ourselves at Hackemier’s Hotel and in the afternoon booked with the O. S. S. Co. for Auckland, N.Z. but learned that the steamer would not sail till the 6th inst. San Francisco: ~ Thursday Feb. 4th 1892. Several of our company visited Clift House, Golden State Park and other points of interest and our adventers are detailed in “Phoenix” letter to “News.” San Francisco: ~ Friday Feb. 5th 1892. The forenoon was spent in writing home etc and in the afternoon we visited China town, Gettysburg etc. [page break—bottom of a “5" showing] San Francisco: ~ Saturday Feby 6th 1892. We commenced packing our trunks early this morning but at breakfast ascertained that our vessel would not leave till Sunday. We visited the Bank of British Columbia where I changed $150 into British coin receiving a draft for L20.9.0 and L10 in gold. In the afternoon we visited the Lick museum & in the evening attended the Tivoli Operal House. At Sea: ~ Sunday Feby 7th 1892. After breakfast I settled my hotel bill ($4) at Hackemier’s and we all took our baggage to the wharf. We selected our berths on the Alameda but dined near the wharf. The Steamer left the wharf at 3:15 p.m. and passed thro’ The Golden gate at 3:45. In about an hour I was compelled to go below, sea sich and I continued in that condition all night. At Sea: ~ Monday; Feby 8th 1892. Land was not in sight when we struggled to deck this morning. Most of the passengers were quite sick & I was no exception to the general rule. Continued in that state all day. Miles 278. At Sea: ~ Tuesday, Feby 9th 1892. Arose at 5 a.m. feeling a little better but still suffering from the effects of sea-sickness. Miles 336 [6] At Sea: ~ Wednesday Feby 10th 1892. The weather is much warmer and most of the passengers mustered on deck. In the evening a free & easy concert was held. During the day we sighted a two masted vessel. Miles 330 At Sea: ~ Thursday Feby 11th 1892 The day was spent as usual, strolling on deck, lying down & chatting etc. A three masted vessel passed us & this relieved the monotony a little. Miles 329 At Sea: ~ Friday Feby 12th 1892 - The sea was quite rough & the vessel rolled so much that another attack of sea sickness compelled most of us to spend the day in our bunks below. Miles 316 At Sea: ~ Saturday Feby 13th 1892 ~ I arose this morning feeling much better and it is now warm & pleasant on deck. A pleasant day was spent and in the evening a lively concert was given on deck. Miles 319 Honolulu: ~ Sunday Feby 14th 1892. We arose early this morning and were on deck at daybreak for land was in sight i.e. the Island of Oahu in the Sandwich Island group. As we approached Honolulu we had a beautiful view of the city and harbor. The hills were covered with green shrubbery Miles 256 Meetings 1 [7] and the tall tropical trees and dense shrubbery in the city gave it a cheering appearance. Elder Brigham Johnson of Provo met us at the wharf and took us to the Mission house where we partook of a hearty breakfast. A dish of Poi was passed around and we tasted it with much curiosity. We attended Meeting in the admoining Meeting House where about 100 Saints were assembled. Elder Johnson presided and the meeting was addressed by Elders Goddard, Chipman, Hottendorf, Fisher and Palmer, all their remarks being interpreted. We spent the afternoon writing home letters. The Kanakas were delighted to see us and greeted us with “aloha.” I suffered much from the headache in the afternoon and before leaving for the Steamer was administered to by the Elders. We went on board the “Alameda” at 6 p.m. & sailed from the wharf at 6.15. Natives were diving around the steamer for coins thrown into the pater by passengers. At Sea: ~ Monday Feby 15th 1892. The weather is much warmer as we are nearing the tropics. During the morning while conversing to gether, remarks were heard near us regarding Utah and one gentleman (Roman Catholic) expressed himself in strong language regarding the Mormon people & their morality. *True to my combatative disposition I joined in and took the [8] liberty of comparing the morality of other cities notably Seattle, Washington & Chicago with Salt Lake and my views were sustained by the audience. Up to this time it was not known that any Mormons were on board & my remarks caused one of the passengers to accost me during the day with enquiries about the Mormons and on learning that I was a Mormon Elder an interesting conversation ensued. My enquiring friend gave his name as C. Noble, Melbourne, Australia. At Sea: ~ Tuesday Feby 16th 1892. The time was spent as drearily as usual with the exception of conversation on Mormonism with Mr. Noble. At Sea: ~ Wednesday Feby 17th 1892. We have a strong wind this morning. During the day great numbers of flying fish are seen. I met a Saloon passenger, J. Foght Brown, who was going to Sydney representing the Central School Supply House with the Anatomical Aid and Progressive Study. It was like old times talking over our School work. The evening was spent on deck as it’s too to go below. [9] At Sea: ~ Thursday Feby 18th 1892. I was sea sick again this morning and could not enjoy the races, tug of war & other amusements engaged in by the passengers. At 9 p.m. we crossed the Equator. At Sea: ~ Friday Feby 19th 1892. I felt much better again this morning. The weather is still very warm as we are now in the Tropics. It would be almost unendurable fut for the fresh breeze which was blowing all day. Another concert was held in the evening. At Sea: ~ Saturday Feb. 20th 1892. I spent the forenoon writing letters to Jesse Bennett, and the folks at home with a view of posting them at the Samoan Islands. Was quite sick all day and visited the doctor who gave me Medicines. I slept on deck all night as it was too hot below. We crossed the Sun’s Meridian to-day. Apia: ~ Sunday Feby 21st 1892. I am quite well this morning and on deck early. Birds are flying which is an indication that we are nearing land. The Samoan Islands are sighted at 9 a.m. We arrived at the Island of Upolo and dropped anchor at Apia at 2:30 and our company [10] went ashore in a small boat. We passed a boat containing four gentlemen going towards the Steamer and being impressed that they were Elders we Saluted them & signalled them to return. We met on shore and they proved to be President Browning of Ogden, Elder Summerhays of Salt Lake, Elder Bassett, Salt Lake and Elder Abel of American Fork. We visited the Apia Post Office, purchased some fruit and returned to the Steamer at 4:30. Anchor was raised & we sailed away at 5:15. Evening was very pleasant. Slept under the awnings on deck. Raining during the night. The starry constellation “The Southern Cross” is now visible. At Sea: ~ Monday Feby 22 1892. Arose and went on deck at daybreak. There was a dead calm and the ocean was almost like a sea of glass. The afternoon was very squally. In the evening I discussed the Resurrection and obedience to the laws of God with Mr. Noble. At Sea: ~ Tuesday Feby 23rd 1892. Having crossed the tropics and entered the South Temperate Zone the weather is much cooler. Nothing of note occurred during the day to relieve the monotony of ocean travel. [11] At Sea: ~ Wednesday Feby 24th 1892. We crossed the 180 (degree) to-day, half way around the globe from Greenwich, & this necessitates the loss of a day. To-morrow will be Friday Feb 26th. Quite an interesting query for Percy to study upon. At Sea: ~ Thursday Feby 26th 1892. The day was spent as usual in conversing with passengers especially with Mr. Noble. At 5 p.m. we passed the Island of Sunday. Retired to my bunk for the last time on board the “Alameda.” Auckland: ~ Saturday Feby 27th 1892. The morning was warm and pleasant and New Zealand was in sight. We passed the “Three Kings” (Islands) at noon, also the Gt. Barrier Island where we afterwards learned a district Conference was being held. On entering the straits we pass the S. S. “Monowai” just leaving for San Francisco. We reached the Auckland wharf at 4 p.m. and President W. T. Stewart met us & conducted us to Mrs. Donnelly’s Upper Queen St. In the evening Mr. Noble visited me bring Mr. Batty & his son to see charts. He insisted on purchasing the “Portfolio of Life.” [12] Auckland: ~ Sunday Feby 28th 1892. We arose about 7 a.m. and took a cold water bath. After Breakfast we visited Mount Eden 664 ft above Sea level & took a view of the city and harbor. Mount Edna was formerly fortified by the Maoris and the terraces and pits are still plainly visible. The Mount was once a volcano and the partly filled Crater indicates its large proportions. In the afternoon we visited the Art Gallery, Public Library and Museum. Immense collections of Minerals, Birds, Fish, Animals, Maori relics & carvings were examined with great pleasure. We visited a family of Saints in the evening consisting of Sister Maki & her daughters (Maoris.) At the request of Bro. Stewart I sung “The dearest spot” ~ *my favorite song. Bro Stewart read a Bible chapter in Maori after which I was mouth in prayer & we bid our Sisters good bye. We retired to rest at 10 o’clock quite tired with much walking. Miles 6 Auckland: ~ Monday Feby 19th 1892. The forenoon we visited the Bank and cashed our drafts. It seemed like old times to count out English coins. We spent the day in town making purchases. In the evening Mr. Batty called to see me for advice in school matters. Miles 2 [13] Auckland: ~ Tuesday March 1st 1892. We went to town again to make more purchases and took in a view of Auckland from the Tower, the highest building in the city. In the afternoon I made out the Report of Sunday School & wrote to Sister Wells on business matters for Pres’t Stewart. Wrote several letters and in the evening received a communication from Mr. Batty requesting information about the charts. Miles 2 Auckland: ~ Wednesday March 2nd 1892. Spend the forenoon packing trunk etc. Replied to Mr. Batty & advised him to correspond with the Western Pub. House. After dinner I went to the Post Office and we all took a bath in the afternoon on the beach. Evening spent singing etc. Miles 2 On the S. S. “Wairarapa.” March 3rd 1892. We arose early in order to get everything ready for leaving Auckland. I went to the wharf to order a hack to convey our baggage to the Steamer. Elders Fisher & Goddard boarded the S. S. “Wairarapa” for Gisborne at 12:15 noon and bid good-by to Pres. Stewart & Elders Chipman & Palmer who go in other directions. We sailed down the coast all day. The S. S. Wairarapa is splendidly equipped & we were well cared for in every way. [14] Gisborne Friday March 4th 1892. The “Wairarapa” cast anchor in Poverty Bay about 11 o’clock but it was 1:30 when we landed at the Wharf as we were conveyed there in the Snark. We failed to recognize anyone at the wharf so Elder Fisher & I strolled towards Kaiti, (the Maori settlement 2 [15] Tawhao: ~ Saturday March 5th 1892 We fasted this morning at the request of Henry Potae and shall continue our fast till Sunday noon. We administered twice to Bro. P. after which we secured horses and left Gisborne, travelling along the beach to Tawhao - a distance of 15 miles. We received a hearty greeting or “hongi” from the saints there and in the evening held prayers with two Maori families. Elder Rasmussen read a Book of Mormon chapter and I sung “O my Father” and also engaged in prayer. We had an excellent bed room furnished to us. Miles 15 Tawhao: ~ Sunday March 6th 1892. We arose early this morning & visited a number of the saints and attended Sunday School at 10 o’clock. We administered to tow of the saints who were sick. There were about 30 at Sunday School which was held in a Maori house set apart for that purpose. It was furnished with a table and a few chairs but the Maoris seated themselves on the floor on flax mats or “wharikis.” There were two classes - Book of Mormon & Primary. Our dinner was prepared & we relished it after our fast since Friday tho it consisted of Bread, Honey and Potatoes. |
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