Allan had just received a new assignment from the mission president. He was called to serve in a small branch in West Virginia. His hard work and cooperative faith had led to some unforgettable experiences in Akron. The Lord had blessed Allan and his companion with the opportunity to teach dozens of youth in different settings. He remembers receiving an irate letter from a local Methodist minister asking he and his companion to cease teaching the youth of his congregation. He also remembered teaching a Catholic youth group which led to more gospel discussions and seeds planted. But it was off to West Virginia to continue the work and have new experiences.
What he found was an area drastically different from the suburban areas of Kentucky and Ohio. Here was a people very humble in circumstance, many of whom survived by growing their own crops and slaughtering their own animals. The people were a little backwards, but also very accepting of strangers. "They would allow [us] to come and talk and visit with them, but they didn't want anything else..., just to visit." Dad also remembers, "They would be willing to share what little they had." Homes were often accessed from ridge top roads and down a steep driveway into a "hollar" or hollow. The houses were self-built and full of homemade goods such as rugs, furniture and quilts. Allan recounts eating "the best food in the world."
Dad also remembers the purpose of the missionaries in this area was more in supporting and teaching the local members than proselyting. He and his companion would hold various positions of responsibility in the branch, and was even asked on one occasion to be the relief society president. Soon Allan's companion would be transferred and a new missionary would enter the area, ending up to be Dad's final companion. There is a great story about a prank he played on this companion here. At the end, Allan wouldn't see many baptisms in West Virginia, but it was likely a humbling experience, giving him a first glimpse into real poverty and life in a small and backwards town.
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This is part of dad's mission I remember him talking about the most. I think it was definitely a culture shock to him to see the poverty and to see the need of the local saints for experienced priesthood leadership. I haven't quite put the pieces together yet, but am sure this impacted his life more profoundly than his other areas. It's almost like this area set the tone for his life long love of pure doctrine and ability to understand the importance of consistent church policy based on revelation from the prophets and the established word.
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