Elder James Larry Pipkin was called in 1961 to the Southern States Mission, which at that time included Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Thank you to Shirley Carter who tracked down Larry's journal. The purpose of this blog is to allow us to get to know him better. -Trying something new... instead of posts we are doing pictures of the original text. Simply right click whichever journal entry you would like to read then click open link in new tab or new window and a window or tab will pop up where you can zoom in and read it as Larry originally wrote. Leave a comment with complaints or compliments.



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Nov. 14, 1961
Was a very successful day.  Went tracting and good percentage wanted to hear and know more.  Rainy weather wished I could send some of it home.  It has not been very cold yet.  It is supposed to be rainy like this until Christmas.  We had M.I.A., had very good exereuses.  We had a big group of boys we had brought.  After M.I.A. we had 9 boys inside of that little rambler.  We have all got brand new Rambler Americans.
                                                                                                                                           
(Nov. 15, 61) Was a very nice day, not to much rain.  Had 1st discussion in a familys home they were very receptive.  I got to give part of discussion.  Coming home this night we ran out of gas and had to push car better than four blocks and boy were we ever pooped.  One missionary was transfered, he was a real good missionary.  I'll close now.
                                                                                                                                           
(Nov. 16, 61) Had a very rainy day tracted near home and found a couple who wanted to know more about the church, we are engaged in a mavulus work.  Supposed to be basketball game between girls from Mormon church and Methidost but was counciled.  We practiced basketball for a while and then took the boys home that we had brought got to bed a little after 1:00 oclock.  Was very cold weather that night. Close for now.
3
Nov. 13, 61
Monday clean up day.  Washed clothes mopped floors bought groceries.  Set up cottage meetings.  Talked with members and they are doing a very good job of setting up cottage meetings.  Had loads of rain today.  Lots of grey squirrels down here, and you see them on everyones lawns.  Has been real nice weather here, lots of wonderful people.  Elder Murray and myself set up goal of being top missionaries in the Birmingham district.  He is a wonderful companion, but he is different from me he does not talk to much, mostly when he has something important to say.  I talk all the time even when I don't have anything to say, but  i am improving day by day.  Will eventually succeed.  I am still pretty green but I am learning more every day.  One thing about green things is that they grown.  Have to keep a lot of records. All the missionaries I know are real wonderful Elders.  I shure  have a lot of new experences everyday.  Elder Murray and myself have set up a goal of 7 Baptisms for this month, are are realy going to try to acheive this goal.  Have been out a week and five days, and am enjoying it more each day.  I have had many wonderful blessing so far I hope I can live in such a manner that I will be able to have these blessing always.  I know the gospel is true and I know that God and Christ live.
2

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Nov. 12, 61
Went to church.  Went and seen members got 5 cottage meeting set up.  Had big group of people at fireside, we brought 6 boys to fireside.  We had dinner at members home Sunday afternoon.  Had a wonderful speaker in Sacrament meeting, He talked on temple marriage and what a young man and woman should strive for.  Met some real nice members.  We have a wonderful group of guys we are working with and through.  Got one young man Tommy Neil who is a great help, is realy studying the standard works of the church.  Very dependable, works hard and realy listens to what the missionaries have to say.  He has set a goal to fill and honorable mission.  He is helping missionaries tremendously... We are getting these young men and boys to find kids there own age who want to know more about the church.  These fellows are setting up cottage meetings with friends.  Very pleased with the job the members are doing.  They are starting to responsibility upon them selves.  This is a big help to us missionaries we get more done, have to do less tracting which does not pay of as well as cottage.  My companion and myself, have set p a goal of being top missionaries in our district.  Enjoying mission very much, making great progress.
1

Monday, August 15, 2011

Assignments

District                                      Date                              Companion

Birmingham                              Nov.3, 61                     Elder Murray
Merriatta                                   3/2/62                           Elder Black
Toxy                                         5/7/62                           Elder Black
Thunderbolt                              6/9/62                           Elder Brimhall
Thunderbolt or Ridgeland         August 10. 1962          Elder Paul Householder
Warner Robins                         Dec. 10, 1963              Elder Spencer Gray
Warner Robins                         Jan. 27, 1963               Elder David Watts
Decatur Alabama                     April 20, 1963               Elder Brinkerhoff
Decatur Alabama                     May 10, 1963                Elder Brown
Decatur Alabama                     June 3, 1963                 Elder Lynn Paul Ballard
Selma Alabama                       Sept 4, 1963                  Elder Gary Phillip Saunders

Important Dates And Events

Interviewed by Bishop Daryle Redd
Interviewed by General Authority Mark E. Peterson
Received Mission Call September 17, 1961 to Southern Sates Mission
Farewell Testimonial October 8, 1961 at Monticello 2nd Ward
Mission Home October 23, 1961
Endowments October 27-28, 1961 at Salt Lake Temple
Patriarchal Blessing March 23, 1961 by Lawrence M. Malon
Set Apart October 25, 1961 by Elder Delworth S. Young
Left Salt Lake City October 30, 1961
Arrived Mission Headquarters Atlanta Georgia on November 2, 1961

Inscription

Dear Larry
         With this journal may you record many choice experiences.  Remember the Lord and seek his guidance and counsel.  May God bless you.  Our prayers will always be with you.

Marine Lyman
Larry Lyman
Edward W Garrett
Sheree L Garrett
Janean Lyman
Robyn Lyman
Tauna Lyman
Pat Lyman