Hettie Harper
Hettie Harper was the second child of Charles and Harriet Harper. Born in Lowestoft in 1904, she and her family moved to Dudley Port, Staffordshire, in 1916.1 Her father and mother were faithful Latter-day Saints who had joined before she was born. After her mother’s death in 1922, Hettie developed a desire to teach her sisters and bring them up the way she felt her mother would have.2
A congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organised in Dudley Port in 1925 with only four members. Over the next few years there was a steady increase and by 1930 there was twenty-one, twelve of whom were adults. Although there were only twenty or so members average attendances were typically from forty to sixty people with a meeting hall just around the corner from Hettie’s home that was opened in October 1929.3 For whatever reason, Hettie was a deeply committed member of the Church who was passionate about growing the Church. In 1929 they were keen to win a Birmingham District M.I.A. outdoor contest, which they did by a point.4 By 1930 the branch was fully organised with a Primary, Bee-Hive, Sunday School, Sacrament meetings, a Master Men’s Class, and a Genealogy Department. The small congregation was highly active and committed to helping others in the area learn about the Church.5
Young people in particular flocked to the Church as Hettie served diligently in Primary. In October 1926 two meetings were held one Sunday in which the children gave a presentation under Hettie’s leadership.6 Two years later, at a conference of the Dudley Port branch, there were more then seventy children in attendance.7
Hettie, thankfully, was a good correspondent and record keeper. She documented her efforts and the responses she received to her efforts. Below is a letter that she penned in 1932 to describe how she began a Primary in her home and how that resulted in a branch being organised.
The Letter
When meetings were first started in Dudley Port, they were just for grown-ups, the children were not thought of, for it was hard enough to convince older ones that the so called “Mormons” were servants of God.
A cottage meeting was held in our home every two weeks and few attended in spite of all our efforts and the majority of the people treated us very badly when they knew we were “Mormons”. Having no Mother and young sisters to bring up I thought if only I could teach them the Gospel and help them to live it, I shall have no fear of them going astray. Having a very strong testimony of the Gospel, with the Lord’s help, I commenced to teach them the beautiful truths which made life worth living after Mother’s death. It was in the year 1924 that I instructed my young sisters first and often their two playmaters were in at the time and all enjoyed it very much.
Every afternoon when coming from school they formed the habit of coming to their little lesson as they called it.
We commenced our classes as the grown-ups with hymn and prayer, then another hymn followed by the lesson from “The Plan of Salvation” etc. We studied the Articles of Faith, The Way The Truth and the Life, The Word of Wisdom, The bible and many other things and it was marvelous the way those children understood and remembered those lessons. Soon I taught them to pray vocally and to take part in the lesson. Sometimes I gave them written reviews and the way those children responded astounded me; it was marvellous.
Most of my former friends deserted me and persecuted me because I tried to teach them the Gospel; a few came regularly to the cottage meeting held once a fortnight but in spite of my efforts we met with little success.
It seems that Mormonism had not been heard of in Tiption until we went to live there and when it was heard it spread like wild fire and caused much consternation and confusion.
My life would not have been worth living had it not been for my father and the few children, for at that time when all was against us, we would gather in our little kitchen away from the world and sing and praise our Maker for the knowledge we had of the restored Gospel.
The joy we received in those classes is beyond my description, but we were so happy and Father in heaven seemed very close to us.
My sisters and their friends commenced preaching to their school friends and also told them of the good times we were having and strange to say, their school friends asked it [if] they too might come. At first I said “No” for I was not fond of lots of children, and especially those living around for they appeared very ragged, dirty and ill mannered. Many times I had heard them swearing and fighting and I did not desire them in my home.
One day I was very downcast for my choicest friends told me, after making many promises, that they would not be able to attend our meetings any more. All made different excuses.
For comfort I started reading the Bible and commenced reading of the man who invited his choicest friends to his wedding feast. I read how all his friends made excuses and how the man sent his servants to the byways and hedges to gather in anyone who would come that the house could be fitted. Suddenly I thought of the rough children who pleaded to come in my home; then I thought of those whom I had been most desirous of sharing my treasures with---yet they would not come and partake.
Then an idea came to me; I thought I’ll do as the man spoken of in the Bible; I’ll let anyone come to our feast who would like that my house can be filled.
Assoon as my sisters told their school friends I had given them permission to come, the result was amazing for they flocked to our house in droves; I was bewildered and did not know what on earth to do with them. We were used to peace and quiet and here was about fifty children, shouting, swearing and laughing and all determined to get inside.
I never remember seeing so many children wanting to go in a house at one time and I almost was terrified at the sight. There were boys and girls of all sizes and ages. There were fat and lean ones, short and tall fair and dark and all were dirty and untidy with rough hair and very bold faces. Some were eating great thick chunks of bread and jam.
My heart fairly sank, but after ten minutes or so I managed to get them indoors and seated some on the sewing machine, some on the table and others in chairs and on the couch. Many had to sit on the floor while four or five perched on the fender. How those vagamuffins did sit and stare and I was rather bashful for I’d never seen such a sight in my life.
It took a long time to make them realize they must be quiet but after many attempts, I at length succeeded in teaching two songs and giving them instructions to which they listened open mouthed and wide eyed.
They begged that they might come again and I arranged to have them most nights a week. How those children did clatter going out; they banged the door, kicked them and yelled for quite a while. The neighbours must have thought there was an earthquake.
I was almost sorry for myself and the awful task I had undertaken.
For a long time I had those children come in but for a long time saw little results and was exceedingly sorrowful. They had wonderful memories and learnt to pray but made such noises around the house until getting seventy children at times and then I had to hold two houses; one at 5:30 for girls and 7:00 for boys. The difficulty then was that all the children wanted to come to the two classes.
With the Lord’s help, I taught them the story of Joseph Smith and the restored gospel and those children took to the message as naturally as ducks take to water and soon they knew it as well as me and taught it to their parents and friends.
As soon as the children mentioned Mormons, it caused uproars in their homes and some children were horsewhipped for coming to our house. The numbers then decreased somewhat but the children told me they should still come for they knew our Church was the only true one.
It was awful the way those children had to suffer for the truth. Most of their parents were drunkards and gamblers etc. Some were even gaol birds. The majority did not care what became of their little ones as long as they were out of sight. At last I mentioned the children to the missionaries and they were most interested and said they would come and see them.
They were astonished at the childrens knowledge when they did come and said that as the grown ups would not hear the Gospel they would work with the children. They came each Wednesday evening from 6:30 until 7:30 and accomplished much. The children loved the missionaries from the start and payed good attention.
They seemed so eager to love and be loved and did not know what to kake [make] of kindness for they seemed to have had none in life. My Dad gave lots of prized for the little ones and many parties which caused great joy and progress. At one time the people around threatened to kill the missionaries and stop our meetings and a man of influence paid a drunken lot to put these threats into action. We were afraid and about to give all up but the children came and taught me the lesson I had taught them. THey said “You told us not to be afraid of enemies, for if God is for you, no one can hurt you and that even if hundreds are against you Gos [God] is strongest and can conquer them all. What thrilled me most, they said Where is your Faith?
From that time I never lost faith and the work progressed wonderfully and many grown ups started to come to meeting and soon we held a cottage meeting for them each week. The two little girls who first attended our meetings at last received permission from their parents to be baptized and it was the happiest day of my life when I took these two girls to Handsworth to be baptized. The joy I received in my labors was wonderful. The children made me happy all ways; they sang for me, received, told me stories; we romped together and in summertime had such lovely times in the fields filled with flowers. It was impossible to be unhappy and the children kept me young and my thoughts pure and sweet there is no purer joy than that gained through giving service to children for they are part of God’s kingdom.
I think the Primary was first given a name and organized in the last year 1928. Hettie H. Harper was sustained as president and Gwendolyn Morgan as secretary. I am still President but my sister has now the position as secretary.
Three years ago, three brothers attending primary were the means fo bringing their parents into the Church. The three boys have been baptized also, and their parents thank God for the Primary. A little child shall lead them is a true saying. The children always prayed for grown ups to join the Church and for us to have a branch of our own in Dudley Port.
Our Branch was organized October 1928 in answer to prayer and through sheer struggle and hard work. In all 12 children have been baptized through Primary. Some are now past Primary age and attending Bee Hive or M.I.A.
In the branch we now have about 24 baptized and others waiting to be baptized. Our branch grew out of the Primary for had it not been for that organizq[a]tion we should have given up.
Primary is now held twice a week and the children rehearse the other nights for concerts etc. In the branch, Sunday School is held, Sacrament Meetings, Bee Hive, Book of Mormon Class, M.I.A., Relief Society and Genealogy. Several times we have won banners for efficiency and we have wond[d] two contests; an indoor and outdoor. We are aiming to become one of the best branches in the world and all things are possible with God.
Just fancy all this has come about through faith,prayer and effort.
We started with just four members, being our own family and two little girls non-members. We now have a little hall and 36 chairs. We have had an organ given us for the hall. Many times have we proved the statement, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all else shall be added unto you.”
Friends in Zion heard of our Primary and have sent us material for the branch. Carl F. S. Jorgensen has sent The Childrens Friend to us for over three years making it possible for the Primary to study as the Church directs. Several times friends have given the children a party for they have been so impressed. Sister Amy G. Taylor gave the first party. Sister Annie Brain also gave the mony for one and three times Sister Retz of Ireland sent money for a treat fo rthe little ones. Each Xmas we give them a good party and have a good concert. The Elders take the part of Santa Claus. The MIssionaries have assisted in every way and received much joy through their services. The British MIssion President A. William Lund visited our Primary once and Elder Lund and his sisters have attended two Xmas parties. president Heber J. Grant has written and encouraged us. Many times the missionaries have taken pictures and it delights the children.
At the present time there is a great change in the Children. They all come clean and neat and their conduct is beyond reproach. The parents strive to make their children look the best and they like the missionaries and like their children to attend.
We had a party last Saturday January 9th, 1932 and it was the best we have had; there were 38 in attendance and the children put on two plays after tea. They were dressed beautifully and the children put on two plays after tea. They were dressed beautifully and sang and danced perfectly. Each child received a toy and from Santa Claus--in reality Elder Louis W. Meadows and Elder Elwood A. Corry.
We now have an enrollment of 18 and an average attendance of 35. Many who used to come are too old for Primary now. Twice we have held Primary Conferences and have had many special programmes. much more could be said. Everythng has been done to stop the Primary by outsiders, ministers, teachers and many others have done all in their power but in vain. The Lord’s work cannot be stopped. The police have proved our biggest friends and still protect us. Our windows and doors have been broken in many times; they have threatened to tar and feather us but we fear nothing. We have lived these things down and have come into our own and are now recognized by all as a religious body. The people have asked the police to stop us holding meetings but the police replied “It is impossible” It is impossible to stop God’s work. We hope to do much more to spread the Gospel the seeds we have planted are proving fruitful and we hope to plant many more. Primary is the most wonderful organization in the world. All we have accomplished has been through the Lord without Him we could have done nothing.
It was His will that Primary should exist in Dudley Port and He choose [chose] us as His instruments.
Hettie H. Harper
18 January 19328
Hettie showed a remarkable love for children and for the Primary organisation and her actions had lasting consequences. She once remarked:
I have proved that there is no greater service in life than that of service to children—the men and women of to-morrow. It matters not how humble the conditions and surroundings, anywhere one can find beauty, joy and lasting happiness in the Lord's work. I would rather be with those children than I'd dwell in the palace of a king.9
The example that Hettie sets is that one person can make a difference. She was only in her twenties when she took it upon herself to try and teach others. Her efforts would have a ripple effect far beyond anything she could have imagined. That principle remains true today. Each person has the power to bring about positive change in the world around them.
Dudley Port branch membership records, CR 375 8, bx. 1963, fd. 1, CHL.
Hettie H. Harper, ‘A Neighbourhood “Primary Class”,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 90, No. 43 (1928), pp. 677-679.
‘From the Mission Field,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 91, No. 44 (1929), p. 703.
‘From the Mission Field,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 91, No. 35 (1929), p. 559.
‘How a Primary has made a Branch,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 92, No. 48 (1930), pp. 827-829.
‘Doings in the Conferences',’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 88, No. 41 (1926), p. 656.
‘From the Mission Field,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 90, No. 46 (1928), p. 734.
British Mission Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association minutes and records, 1928-1931, LR 1140 17, bx. 1, fd. 1, CHL.
Hettie H. Harper, ‘A Neighbourhood “Primary Class”,’ The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 90, No. 43 (1928), pp. 677-679.
Love Hettie’s story. Ardis and I wrote a poem about her in our book Song of Names.