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A Lion and a Lamb
A Return to Palmyra
In 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in Palmyra, New York. But within a few short years, persecution had driven the Saints away from the Church’s birthplace. For many decades, northwestern New York was a hostile place for a Mormon.
However, in 1915, President Joseph F. Smith felt impressed the time had come for the Church to again have a presence there. He called Willard and Rebecca Bean to return to Palmyra.
As a former prizefighter, Willard had the temperament to withstand the unkind words and harsh treatment they received from their neighbors, while Rebecca s kind demeanor served to create friends out of former enemies.
As the couple s initial five-year calling stretched on for many years, they were instrumental in many key events, such as the acquisition of the Hill Cumorah and other prominent sites.
Most importantly, their sacrifices and faithfulness opened the way for thousands of Saints to visit Palmyra in later years and partake of the Spirit of the Lord that is there.
This is their story.
In 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in Palmyra, New York. But within a few short years, persecution had driven the Saints away from the Church’s birthplace. For many decades, northwestern New York was a hostile place for a Mormon.
However, in 1915, President Joseph F. Smith felt impressed the time had come for the Church to again have a presence there. He called Willard and Rebecca Bean to return to Palmyra.
As a former prizefighter, Willard had the temperament to withstand the unkind words and harsh treatment they received from their neighbors, while Rebecca s kind demeanor served to create friends out of former enemies.
As the couple s initial five-year calling stretched on for many years, they were instrumental in many key events, such as the acquisition of the Hill Cumorah and other prominent sites.
Most importantly, their sacrifices and faithfulness opened the way for thousands of Saints to visit Palmyra in later years and partake of the Spirit of the Lord that is there.
This is their story.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
25 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
February 20, 2012
It's hard to know how many stars to give some books. This one tells the truth -- and all by itself, that should probably give it five stars. It is a history of the authors grandparents, who were missionaries sent to open the doors of Palmyra so the church could establish a presence there again and perhaps acquire some of the properties of historical value. Willard and Rebecca Bean moved into the Smith farmhouse, and ran the farm as a self-supporting enterprise. At first, the townspeople of Palmyra would not even sell them groceries, and they and their children faced persecution and hatred. But their constant friendliness, refusal to take offense, and gifts to the community gradually broke down barriers and led to the acquisition of the Martin Harris and David Whitmer farms and the whole of the Hill Cumorah. Their five-year mission stretched to 25 years before they were finally called back to Salt Lake City.
The author uses these events to tell the Bean's story, but also uses this book to testify of the truth of the gospel, the restoration, and all that the gospel has meant to so many who heard it during this time. And of course, all of that is true, also.
The reduction of one star is only because this is not a professional author, and the story is unskilled and guileless. I feel a little guilty giving it four stars -- but honesty compels me to say that the wording and style are a bit awkward in places, and an editor would have been useful.
But don't let that detract from your enjoyment of this piece of history -- I didn't know any of these events before I read this little book. It's really worth your while.
The author uses these events to tell the Bean's story, but also uses this book to testify of the truth of the gospel, the restoration, and all that the gospel has meant to so many who heard it during this time. And of course, all of that is true, also.
The reduction of one star is only because this is not a professional author, and the story is unskilled and guileless. I feel a little guilty giving it four stars -- but honesty compels me to say that the wording and style are a bit awkward in places, and an editor would have been useful.
But don't let that detract from your enjoyment of this piece of history -- I didn't know any of these events before I read this little book. It's really worth your while.
March 15, 2020
I really enjoyed learning about the family in this book, their experiences, and their interaction with the people of Palmyra. It was very interesting to learn how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints acquired the Hill Cumorah. I always love hearing others testimonies and how they lived.
August 14, 2017
Mormon pioneering story.
December 20, 2012
The story of Willard and Rebecca Bean, a young couple called to serve a mission in Palmyra, NY in 1915. Back then there was still much hostility toward Mormons in that area. He was a boxer and not afraid of anyone or anything. She was a great cook and hostess. Over the next 24 years, they slowly but surely made friends and helped turn the tide of anger, while living on the old Joseph Smith homestead. They were also instrumental in the church's purchase of the Hill Cumorah.
I actually just bought this book, I enjoyed it so much! I'm hoping to get our book club to read it.
I actually just bought this book, I enjoyed it so much! I'm hoping to get our book club to read it.
October 17, 2017
Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in Palmyra, New York in 1830, it was only a few years later that the persecution for the members of the church was so great, they had to abandon their lives there. Many years later, in 1915, the president of the LDS church, Joseph F. Smith, felt it was time for them to return. He called Willard and Rebecca Bean, a newly married couple, on a mission to live in Palmyra at the old Smith farm, and give the church a presence there.
From the very first moments of their time there, they encountered fierce opposition and harsh treatment, but Willard's experience as a prize fighter, along with his jolly, no-nonsense attitude, along with Rebecca's unflinching kindness, eventually softened the hearts of many. And as they lived there, they watched many miracles take place, such as the purchasing of the Hill Cumorah.
A wonderfully told true story, and it really made me love this amazing couple and their bravery, as they raised their family in Palmyra and fulfilled their mission.
From the very first moments of their time there, they encountered fierce opposition and harsh treatment, but Willard's experience as a prize fighter, along with his jolly, no-nonsense attitude, along with Rebecca's unflinching kindness, eventually softened the hearts of many. And as they lived there, they watched many miracles take place, such as the purchasing of the Hill Cumorah.
A wonderfully told true story, and it really made me love this amazing couple and their bravery, as they raised their family in Palmyra and fulfilled their mission.
February 27, 2019
The true story of Willard and Rebecca Bean who, as newlyweds, were called to serve a mission in Palmyra, NY. Willard was a former prize fighter and had the strength, wisdom, and tenacity to withstand all of the antagonists in Palmyra when he and his wife first moved there.
Their 5 year mission ended up lasting 25 years. They lived in the Smith Family home. They raised their children. Through their kindness, and by small miracles, they were able to become part of a community who initially despised them. They were also instrumental in helping to acquire the purchase of the Hill Cumorah, the Whitmer farm, and other historic church sites.
The author used primary resources and exact dialogue, as much as possible, to tell this story.
This is not just a re-telling of the events of the Bean’s mission in Palmyra from 1915 to 1939, it is a story of love. Their love for each other, and their love for their Savior.
“Hatred is a powerful darkness.” This is a story of how they were able to overcome so much hate through the power of love.
Their 5 year mission ended up lasting 25 years. They lived in the Smith Family home. They raised their children. Through their kindness, and by small miracles, they were able to become part of a community who initially despised them. They were also instrumental in helping to acquire the purchase of the Hill Cumorah, the Whitmer farm, and other historic church sites.
The author used primary resources and exact dialogue, as much as possible, to tell this story.
This is not just a re-telling of the events of the Bean’s mission in Palmyra from 1915 to 1939, it is a story of love. Their love for each other, and their love for their Savior.
“Hatred is a powerful darkness.” This is a story of how they were able to overcome so much hate through the power of love.
August 25, 2021
Biographical story of missionary couple Willard and Rebecca Bean. Interesting in parts. The Movie - The Fighting Preacher was based on the story of this couple. The movie is more interesting, but the book goes into much more detail. The book was written by a grandson of the couple and so it is written to portray everyone in a good and positive light. Some of the old pictures included are quite interesting as well.
October 6, 2017
This is a great story based on true events. The writing itself was a little fluffy, so I suppose that halted me from giving it a higher rating. That said, I felt inspired by the life and mission of this good couple. They did amazing things for the cause of their religion. Wonderful examples to those of us who share that same faith today.
December 12, 2020
This is a great story of two faithful people and the good they did in Palmyra, New York. There story greatly illustrates the power righteous lives can have on individuals and on a community. Wonderful church history.
November 15, 2010
On a fall 2010 trip to Palmyra, NY to visit family I bought this book about the 24 year mission of Willard and Rebecca Bean to Palmyra, beginning in 1915. They were the first "Mormons" to return to the hostile Palmyra area after the Saints settled in Utah. Through kindness and hard work they were able to reestablish the Church in the area and obtain for the Church the Hill Cumorah and other historical sites. My sister and I gathered leaves from the Hill in the dark in a light rain and sent them to our other sister in Idaho to make bookmarks for the youth who would soon be presenting the musical "From Cumorah's Hill." I have a friend whose mother was one of the first people baptized during this time and she grew up on the Martin Harris Farm while the Bean's lived on the Smith farm. I enjoyed hearing her memories and she enjoyed hearing of my trip to Palmyra because I don't think she has been back since she graduated from HS in 1949.
Favorite quote, Chapter 2, page 9: "They knew that God had called them and that he would help them. But they also knew that God never does that which His children can do for themselves."
Favorite quote, Chapter 2, page 9: "They knew that God had called them and that he would help them. But they also knew that God never does that which His children can do for themselves."
October 5, 2009
This is the story of Willard and Rebecca Bean's 24 year mission to return the LDS church to its roots in western New York. It's not a traditionally written "history" book. It is much more loosely told, and lovingly told. I found the Beans fascinating, and I think I might have come away from the book loving them almost as much as their grandson the author. I found this story so uplifting, their experiences exceptional. If a person goes into it looking for a strict, coldly researched, unbiased retelling of historical events, this will be an eyebrow lifter. However, if you let yourself just sit back and enjoy a family history tale, this is a true find. I hope someday to meet Willard Bean and shake his hand.
April 11, 2009
A very easy read. A biography in novel form of Willard and Rebecca Bean. They were called on a 5 year mission to re-establish the church presence in Palmyra and 24 years later were released. In that time they went from the hated and lonely mormons, to beloved friends of the entire community. My dad recommended the book to me and, as his dad was a boxer, I think he felt a kinship to Bro. Bean. I felt it was inspiring to know of anyone who could magnify their calling to the degree that they did for as long as they did.
March 3, 2013
This is the sweet story of a couple who left their comfortable surroundings to go an a mission to Palmyra. It lasted for 24 years. They were the ultimate couple to be sent to this hostile environment. Willard was not a standoffish sort. He was a former prize fighter and he could hold his own anywhere. The two of them made many friends for the church and were instrumenatal in acquiring a lot of historical land including the Hill cumorah for the church. This is a great story and sort of makes you feel that the 18 months senior couples now spend on missions is somehow not enough.
June 4, 2014
I had never heard of these people but this is a true story of Willard and Rebecca Bean who were sent by the church in 1915 to settle in Palmyra and live in the Joseph smith home. All the anti church prejudices were still there and the people wouldn't even sell them food. They ended up living there for over 20 years and were instrumental in purchasing the Hill Cumorah and establishing the monument there. It was great reading and not long.
October 30, 2019
If you, as a Latter-day Saint, want to know how the LDS church was re-established in Palmyra, New York, this is a terrific read! Documented by journals and transcripts, this family volunteered for a 5-year mission and stayed 25 years!
February 1, 2017
Great story, amazing people, fun to read about a portion of church history that I had no idea about.
September 21, 2019
Thought Provoking, Yet Timely Story of Conflict and Resolution
Prejudices have two sides: those we impose on others and those experienced by us. This book shows how familiarity, shared experiences, and the best of human qualities emerge naturally when no one is keeping score.
Although this work most likely connects primarily with Latter-day Saints, there is an underlying story of goodwill told to people of all religious perspectives. The well-documented historical photos and elements add value to the author's contributions, all of which add needed credibility to his presentation of his own grandparents. It seems the author has sought to avoid some of the temptations of family stories that often take on lives of their own. This no way diminishes from the productive outcomes the Beans made to their church, their families, and their friends.
The book is introduced as a "love story," something with which we all should identify. To me, this story's greatest value comes from its ability to raise awareness to those common yet unsung heroes around us whom we have unwittingly not identified or recognized.
While reading this thoughtful story, it provoked me into wondering how many similar stories as this exist now around us of people moving into new and unfamiliar locations with different backgrounds and beliefs only to face the barriers of misunderstanding and isolation.
Intolerance hurts both sides, as this historical story illustrates well, but it also shows how all sides benefit when wiser and kinder approaches are taken.
This short read (there are lots of pictures) is a human-interest story worthy of consideration despite the personal perspectives of a grandson. Perhaps we can only hope our grandchildren would be as kind to us and as motivated to find inspiration from our lives.
Prejudices have two sides: those we impose on others and those experienced by us. This book shows how familiarity, shared experiences, and the best of human qualities emerge naturally when no one is keeping score.
Although this work most likely connects primarily with Latter-day Saints, there is an underlying story of goodwill told to people of all religious perspectives. The well-documented historical photos and elements add value to the author's contributions, all of which add needed credibility to his presentation of his own grandparents. It seems the author has sought to avoid some of the temptations of family stories that often take on lives of their own. This no way diminishes from the productive outcomes the Beans made to their church, their families, and their friends.
The book is introduced as a "love story," something with which we all should identify. To me, this story's greatest value comes from its ability to raise awareness to those common yet unsung heroes around us whom we have unwittingly not identified or recognized.
While reading this thoughtful story, it provoked me into wondering how many similar stories as this exist now around us of people moving into new and unfamiliar locations with different backgrounds and beliefs only to face the barriers of misunderstanding and isolation.
Intolerance hurts both sides, as this historical story illustrates well, but it also shows how all sides benefit when wiser and kinder approaches are taken.
This short read (there are lots of pictures) is a human-interest story worthy of consideration despite the personal perspectives of a grandson. Perhaps we can only hope our grandchildren would be as kind to us and as motivated to find inspiration from our lives.
April 24, 2021
The story of Rebecca and Willard Bean, missionaries for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 25 years in Palmyra, New York, was so much more than I anticipated. He was a dedicated missionary, having at one time being a winning boxer (there is controversy over the fact of his being "middleweight champion of the world" as he claimed - check Wikipedia) shaped his philosophy into never backing down from a fight - but he was also service and people oriented. Rebecca needs her praise sung too - I just can't imagine how many meals she served to church authorities, missionaries and others, stopping by to visit the Hill Cumorah. (And other than saying thank you, did anyone think to help her do the dishes and clean-up?) After 25 years they went from being hated for being "Mormons" to being beloved. Just amazing people with an amazing story. Glad I read it.
Note: Bean, with the help of missionaries, planted about 10,000 sapling trees per year for several years on (or around?) the Hill Cumorah. (Over 65,000 evergreen saplings were sent to him by the State Conservation Department of Pennsylvania.)
He kept in shape (hard farm work must have helped) his entire life. He did have a couple of farm accidents which did slow him down. He taught boxing. Made friends with a few important people in Palmyra which helped him procure the entire Hill Cumorah, the Martin Harris Farm and the Peter Whitmer Farm for the church he belonged to.
Note: Bean, with the help of missionaries, planted about 10,000 sapling trees per year for several years on (or around?) the Hill Cumorah. (Over 65,000 evergreen saplings were sent to him by the State Conservation Department of Pennsylvania.)
He kept in shape (hard farm work must have helped) his entire life. He did have a couple of farm accidents which did slow him down. He taught boxing. Made friends with a few important people in Palmyra which helped him procure the entire Hill Cumorah, the Martin Harris Farm and the Peter Whitmer Farm for the church he belonged to.
February 9, 2020
I wanted to read the book before watching the movie.
Fascinating history and family history book. It's not easy to turn information on an individual into something that flows well and keeps a reader turning pages. I thought the subject matter along with the photos and documents included pulled together a compelling story.
My husband's family lived in Palmyra in the early 1800's and some of his ancestors would have been contemporaries of the Joseph Smith family. One of my husband's relatives is buried in the same Palmyra cemetery as Joseph Smith's brother Alvin. Judiciary proceedings from the time show the Lily family knew the Smiths. There was no religious connection until more than 150 years later when descendants of Asa Lily joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was intrigued to read a bit of the history in the gap between the past and the present.
The parts of the story dealing with religious prejudice are still remarkably relevant to readers today. I found the story inspiring on several levels.
Even without the connections of religion and family, I think this book would be of interest to readers who are curious about the history and a basic overview of some of what the "Mormons" believe.
Fascinating history and family history book. It's not easy to turn information on an individual into something that flows well and keeps a reader turning pages. I thought the subject matter along with the photos and documents included pulled together a compelling story.
My husband's family lived in Palmyra in the early 1800's and some of his ancestors would have been contemporaries of the Joseph Smith family. One of my husband's relatives is buried in the same Palmyra cemetery as Joseph Smith's brother Alvin. Judiciary proceedings from the time show the Lily family knew the Smiths. There was no religious connection until more than 150 years later when descendants of Asa Lily joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was intrigued to read a bit of the history in the gap between the past and the present.
The parts of the story dealing with religious prejudice are still remarkably relevant to readers today. I found the story inspiring on several levels.
Even without the connections of religion and family, I think this book would be of interest to readers who are curious about the history and a basic overview of some of what the "Mormons" believe.
May 23, 2018
Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in Palmyra, New York, in 1830, the saints were persecuted and driven out of the area. In 1915, President Joseph F. Smith decided to send Willard Bean, a former prizefighter and tough guy (the lion), and his young wife Rachel Bean, a kind homemaker who opens her home and heart to everyone (the lamb), to open a mission in Palmyra. At first the townspeople are hostile and upset, but as Willard stands up to their threats and Rachel shows love, the people of Palmyra begin to soften towards the couple. At first it was going to be a five-year mission, but it soon stretched into a twenty-four year mission, where Willard and Rachel acquired the Hill Cumorah, gave tours of the Sacred Grove, raised their children, and hosted countless missionaries, apostles, and prophets. The Beans are a great example of perseverance, pure love, and faithfully enduring to the end. Although the book is filled with countless inspiring stories, my favorite one by far was the dream Rachel had. I'm a better person having read this story.
February 2, 2018
I loved learning about this amazing family and how they paved the way for the LDS church in Palmyra, NY. This book shared stories and miracles from their mission and of the church acquiring Cumorah’s hill and other property in the area, as well as gaining the respect and trust of the townspeople who initially were antagonistic. Their faith and hard work and dedication to the gospel is very inspiring.
While I found the overall theme of the book and some of the stories fascinating, this book was a bit difficult to get through as the writing is not concise and the author takes liberties in voicing the characters’ thoughts while using documents and quotes to back up other parts of the story. I think he was trying to bring them alive more, but I would have preferred the story to be written more from a third person approach. Definitely worth the read if this aspect of church history interests you.
While I found the overall theme of the book and some of the stories fascinating, this book was a bit difficult to get through as the writing is not concise and the author takes liberties in voicing the characters’ thoughts while using documents and quotes to back up other parts of the story. I think he was trying to bring them alive more, but I would have preferred the story to be written more from a third person approach. Definitely worth the read if this aspect of church history interests you.
November 24, 2019
A fun, inspirational, Gospel oriented book by the grandson of who the author was writing about. It tells of Willard Bean and his wife spending 24 years on a mission that should have only been for 4 or 5 years. People in Palmyra were very much against the Beans since Joseph Smith lived in the home. Very antagonistic toward Mormons. Didn't want anything to do with them. Willard slowly but surely changed that. He had a very special way about him. He ended up making friends of those so opposed to the Church. By the time they left Palmyra 24 years later, they were very well respected in the community. Farewell parties were given to the family. Deep friendships were made. Everyone was very sad they were leaving, including the Beans.
It was interesting to find out all that the good the Beans did for the Church. Not only did they make friends for the church but also acquired land for the church among other business deals. All in the Lord's time.
It was interesting to find out all that the good the Beans did for the Church. Not only did they make friends for the church but also acquired land for the church among other business deals. All in the Lord's time.
February 27, 2020
The real story of the "fighting preacher," the boxing champion called in 1915 by the LDS church to fill a mission with his new second wife to live in Palmyra, New York, the home village of the youthful Joseph Smith. His task: to make friends of the patently anti-Mormon people of the village. His tough courage and experience that allowed him to take whatever persecution the people dished out with humor, strength and defiance, along with his wife's sweetness and long suffering goodness of the whole family accomplished the mission, one that was supposed to last 5 years, but instead stretched for 24! The story is little fictionalized, based on interviews and papers of the family, and as a consequence, is tantalizingly sketchy about much of the process of converting the people of Palmyra from hate filled enemies to accepting friends; however the incidents shared are engaging and faith promoting. A quick and fun read, testimony to the hand of the Lord in people's lives.
June 28, 2017
This perfectly fits a new term I learned: creative non-fiction--non-fiction told in a fiction-like way to make it more accessible to readers.
This was a delightful story of Willard and Rebecca Bean. They moved to Palmyra in 1915 into the Joseph Smith frame house to begin to smooth relationships between the Mormons and the residents of the area. The book is full of faith-promoting, humorous, and delightful experiences they had. It is told from a "believers" standpoint and is not interested in an objective story. Once you accept that viewpoint, the book is great.
I read this book out loud to my husband and two teens during our trip visiting Church history sites in New York and Ohio. It was a perfect time to read it. The narrative style was approachable and enjoyed by all, including the teenagers.
This was a delightful story of Willard and Rebecca Bean. They moved to Palmyra in 1915 into the Joseph Smith frame house to begin to smooth relationships between the Mormons and the residents of the area. The book is full of faith-promoting, humorous, and delightful experiences they had. It is told from a "believers" standpoint and is not interested in an objective story. Once you accept that viewpoint, the book is great.
I read this book out loud to my husband and two teens during our trip visiting Church history sites in New York and Ohio. It was a perfect time to read it. The narrative style was approachable and enjoyed by all, including the teenagers.
June 2, 2018
The inspiring true story of the couple who got called to serve a 24-year mission (originally only supposed to be 5 years) to Palmyra, New York, where opposition and antagonism toward the LDS church had been strong for decades. Because of their efforts, the LDS church was again able to gain possession of historic church sites (including the Hill Cumorah, where the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant is now held).
The only reasons this didn't get 5 stars is because I wish the book would have put a bit more focus on everything the wife had done to further the work there (as the book more heavily focuses on the work and ministry of the husband), and I also thought the writing got a bit cheesy/contrived in some places. All in all though, an inspiring read and one that was much needed for me, as I've been reading waaaay too many depressing books in a row, now.
The only reasons this didn't get 5 stars is because I wish the book would have put a bit more focus on everything the wife had done to further the work there (as the book more heavily focuses on the work and ministry of the husband), and I also thought the writing got a bit cheesy/contrived in some places. All in all though, an inspiring read and one that was much needed for me, as I've been reading waaaay too many depressing books in a row, now.
October 13, 2019
An interesting account of Willard and Rachel Bean who were called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were sent to Palmyra New York in the early part od the 20th century. Theynmade their living by working the land of the Joseph Smith family farm, the only church historical site purchased by the LDS church in Palmyra up to that time. For 25 years the Beans lived in Palmyra. They not only cared for the farm and raised a family but also opened their home to missionaries and shared their testimonies of Jesus Christ and his gospel with the residents of Palmyra. They made friends and paved the way for the LDS church to eventually obtain additional properties that have historical significance to the LDS church.
November 15, 2019
Loved the experiences the Bean family had as they introduced the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints back to the people Palmyra 100 years after Joseph Smith Jr. experienced his visions in the same community. The people were good people but harbored myths handed down from parents and grandparents that prevented them from accepting Willard and Rebecca Bean and their family when they moved into the Joseph Smith farm house to care for the property. This is the story of how the Beans were able to slowly regain the trust of the community and become one of its strongest supporter and beloved citizens. Based on first accounts and journals, it is a true story.
February 3, 2020
This was a historical account of Willard and Rebecca's 5 year mission that turned out to be 25 years in the town of Palmyra, New York. I was fascinated of the account of how hostility was turned around by friendship and kindness. The acquisition of Hill Cumorah, the Martin Harris farm and other historical properties was very interesting. I could not believe how Rebecca cooked and cleaned for thousands of visitors and missionaries and still raised her family and was very involved with church and community. It wore me out just reading about it. I'm grateful for my neighbor who lent me her book to read.
November 5, 2019
After seeing the movie, "The Fighting Preacher, I had to read the book the movie is based on. Written by the grand son of Willard and Rebecca Bean, the couple who was called to served a mission in Palmyra, New York, in 1915 when the Mormons were absolutely hated, does an excellent job of using personal references to write about this amazing couple. They served for 24 years there, had four children, were instrumental in many key events, such as the acquisition of the Hill Cumorah, and turned the people's hated to love. A remarkable episode in early LDS history.
September 7, 2021
My Grandfather Frank James Gilbert served in the Eastern States Mission twice while Willard and Rebecca Bean were serving at Palmyra. Serving in the same area and same time I'm sure my Grandfather knew who these people were, but I don't know if he ever met them. I read this book to get a better perspective of that time and place. It was so interesting for me to learn more about the attitude of the people towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and what the Beans did to gain friendships and acceptance in this area.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews