The Findlays and the Aberdeen Branch in the 1930s and 1940s

Millennial Star, Sept 1947
Source

“How the Church survived in Scotland during the grim war years, is a story that doubtless could be told of many small branches and districts throughout the world; of how a small group of people, imbued with a knowledge of the truth of the divine mission of Joseph Smith, were determined, with God’s help, to keep that knowledge alive.” 

Thus was the hopeful “Report on the Scottish District” in the September 1947 issue of the Millennial Star. During World War II, from 1939-1945, the Scottish District was composed of four branches: Edinburgh (which had to discontinue regular services during the war), Glasgow, Airdrie, and Aberdeen. Ella’s father, George Findlay, was president of the Aberdeen Branch during this time (sustained in 1939), up until he and his family emigrated in 1948/49.(1)

The report continues:

“Although deprived of much of its Priesthood by the call to National Service, the Scottish District was able to carry on under the leadership of its older men and ever-faithful sisters...”

“Aberdeen was perhaps the most isolated branch in Britain. Practically cut off from the rest of the country by travel restrictions, Aberdeen Branch, with most of its auxiliaries functioning, carried on under the leadership of Branch President [George] Findlay.
...

“Despite the successes in keeping the Gospel alive in Scotland, war weariness and nerve strain were beginning to show. Then, like a cheerful bold out of the blue appeared Elders CHW and AWF. The coming of these missionaries had the effect of water in a drought. The spirits of the Saints were revived; auxiliaries re-opened with the old zest; newly demobbed service personnel resumed their Church activities; and the District began to show indications of reawakening. 

Ina Findlay on the left, her mother
Kate on the right, with friends
from the branch.
Love those tartan skirts!
Date?

“Since the return of the emissaries of the Restored Gospel to Scotland, several baptisms have been performed. The Gospel Message has spread by tract, pamphlet, open-air meetings, and other means. The four branches are again operating with all auxiliaries. The opening of new territory is contemplated. 

“It is a far cry from the day when Scotland could boast of a membership exceeding 3,000, but who knows just what the future harvests may be? True Scottish loyalty and determination still exists. Allied to the zeal and acumen of Zion’s Missionaries, these factors must bear fruit worthy in the sight of the Lord. 

“The testimony of Scotland’s Saints was never stronger, and it is with confidence that we face the future.”(2)

..........

The Findlays are mentioned in several issues of the Millennial Star, the weekly publication produced by British Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Considering how active they were in the branch, one or more members of the family were likely present at most branch functions, whether it was a conference, social, or fireside. The following are entries that mention them specifically:

From 5 March 1936: 

“Branch President Charles Smart and his counsellor, Brother George Findlay, attended graveside services” of a sister from the branch who had passed away.(3)

From 22 October 1942:

“Three candidates were baptised into the Church by District President Andrew B. McGowan of the Scottish District on Saturday, 26th September, in the River Dee. They were confirmed on Sunday morning at the first session of the Aberdeen Branch Conference as follows: CS by Elder CS; RS by Elder George Findlay; and Isabella Findlay by President McGowan. 

...

“The evening session was conducted by Branch President George Findlay. After the sustaining of the Church authorities, the theme of the Conference was introduced, 'Salvation for the Living and the Dead.' ...The occasion was a great spiritual feast for all.”(4)

The Aberdeen Branch would often meet for picnic
socials, such as this one. Ella and Ina are on
the left-front, pictured with friends and
missionaries from the branch.
Date?

From 3 July 1943:

“Thirty-six people, including several non-members, attended a social held on Saturday, June 13th, in the Aberdeen Branch. The programme ... was conducted by Brother Findlay, Branch President. It included games and community singing, followed by concert items [by] several young kiddies comprising a vocal solo and chorus, a comic sketch, and a ‘Highland Dance’ in national costume. High spot of the evening was a play entitled ‘The Lord's Prayer,’ enacted by Ina Findlay, BS, HS, Ella Findlay, and SB. During an interval, refreshments were served by Sisters E and H. All enjoyed a very fine and entertaining evening.”(5)

From March 1948:

“On Sunday evening, January 18th, a very enjoyable fire-side evening was held at the home of Aberdeen Branch President George Findlay. Elder RET was in charge of the programme, which included vocal solos by President S, accompanied by EW, and piano numbers by EW. Twenty-nine members and friends of the Aberdeen Branch were in attendance.”(6)

Ina, back-center, pictured with
friends from the branch.
Date?

“Aberdeen Branch MIA resumed activities for the current season when a social was held at 28 King Street on March 5th. Forty members and friends witnessed a talented programme contributed by the following artists: BS and Elder RI, vocal duets; HE, Scottish readings; HS, highland dancing; and Ina Findlay, piano solos. Games and refreshments followed.

…

“JS, a member of the Aberdeen Branch, died of a cerebral hemorrhage on Aug. 8. Funeral services were held on Aug. 11 and were conducted by Branch President George Findlay.

…

“Baptismal services were held on the banks of the Dee River in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 27. ST was baptised by Elder RET and confirmed by President George Findlay. ST was baptised by Elder T and confirmed by Elder JEC.

…

“The Aberdeen Relief Society has been organised with BE as President, MH as First Counsellor, and EE as class instructor. BS was in charge of the Aberdeen Branch MIA Christmas social. Ina Findley [sic] was the pianist for the evening.”(7)

George Findlay, center, when serving as president
of the Aberdeen Branch in 1949. Elder Turner on the left,
Elder Call on the right (missionaries serving there
at the time?)

From January 1950:

“Emigrations: FINDLEY [sic]. — Ina Findley [sic] emigrated to Mesa, Arizona, from the Aberdeen Branch on the 5th of October [1949].(8)

..........

Notes:

1. George served as branch president starting in 1939. It looks like he served as a counselor, prior to being president (based on the article from 5 March 1936 that lists him as a counsellor at that time).
2. Source: Millennial Star, No. 9, September 1947, page 264
3. Source: Millennial Star, 5 March 1936, page 160
4. Source: Millennial Star, Vol 104, No. 43; 22 Oct 1942, page 687 
5. Source: Millennial Star, Vol. 104, No. 27; 3 July 1943, page 432 
6. Source: Millennial Star, Vol. 110, No. 3; March 1948, page 88 
7. Source: The Associate Editor of the Millennial Star around this time was William (Bob) R. Callister, who was serving as a missionary in the British Mission. In 2006, he and KF were members of the same ward in California, and they realized they had a connection: he was a missionary at the same time that Ella (KF’s grandmother) and family were members of the Aberdeen branch. Bob subsequently forwarded 2 transcribed entries of the Millennial Star that mentioned the Findlays, one of them included the entry from March 1948, but it also included the additional text here, which was either part of Bob’s original copy and never included in the Millennial Star article, or is from an edition of the Millennial Star that has not been digitized yet, or from something else? Unfortunately, Bob has since passed away, so the details remain currently unknown. 
8. Source: Millennial Star, Vol. 112 No. I; January 1950, page 29