Portraits of the past: Missionary beacon

Near the area where the English county of Worcestershire meets that of Herefordshire, a range of hills aligned north-south runs for about eight miles. Known as the Malvern Hills, this range and surrounding areas constitute a region of stunning natural beauty. Toward the southern end of the range is a hill known as Herefordshire Beacon, from where these photos were taken. Once a Roman camp, this historical site was visited by LDS apostles serving missions in Great Britain in 1840-41. On May 11, 1840, Elder Wilford Woodruff reflectively penned the following as he stood atop Herefordshire Beacon: "Wilford is the only soul that treads thy soil this day and he alone bends his knee upon the height of thy summer in the midst of the clouds to offer up the gratitude of his heart unto … God." On another occasion, Elders Woodruff, Brigham Young and Willard Richards climbed the hill and united in prayer. Elder Young felt prompted to leave the area and undertake the task of publishing hymns and scriptures for the newly baptized Saints in Great Britain. (See Woodruff journal, typescript, 1:447, 451.)

— Kenneth Mays