British Mission Association Enjoy Fish and Chip Supper in Utah

From Millennial Star Archives

by Rosalie West

In 1935 the British Mission Association was founded in Salt Lake City, and it was open to all who were born in, or served a mission in the UK. [1]

Gordon B Hinckley, writing about the Association said, 'The British Mission Association is active in keeping alive the happy memories of saints and missionaries who have lived in Britain. More than that, it is endeavouring in every way possible to cultivate the spiritual interests of its members.' [2]

To the latter end of President Hinckley’s statement, its first annual winter social recreated a traditional British event- the fish and chip supper. At the door the members paid 15 cents and received in exchange one penny, to be placed on a counter between vinegar bottles and salt shakers in payment for fish and chips, served in a piece of the previous day's newspaper. That was the easy bit. In order to buy fresh suitable fish, it was necessary to telegraph to Seattle and import it by special delivery, a distance of eight hundred miles!

Dancing followed and the evening closed with the singing of 'God Save the King.' As one lad from Lancashire left, he opened the kitchen door slightly, took a deep breath and remarked, 'Eh, ba gum, 'twas a good party.' [3]

The spiritual side of the Association was concerned with the needs of the Saints living both in Utah and the UK, as well as those who had gone before. Sunday evening meetings were held to keep British missionaries active, and at the same time acquaint the people of Utah with the spirit of a British branch, and the atmosphere of the mission field. Monthly temple trips were organised with the specific aim of doing ordinance work for the ancestors of Saints in Britain. [4]

  1. Widstoe, Leah D., “British Mission Association Sends Greetings,” The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 97, No. 39 (September 26 1935), pp. 614-615.

  2. Hinckley, Gordon B., “Fish and Chips In Zion,” The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Vol. 98, No. 15 (April 9 1936), pp. 229.

  3. Hinckley, “Fish and Chips in Zion,” 229.

  4. Hinckley, “Fish and Chips in Zion,” 229.