Formation of the Ward

“Burn the Witch”

On June 2nd, 1985, President Vance Leavitt, the then stake president, held a special meeting at the Hyde Park Chapel for the young single adults of the stake. At the meeting he presented the formation of Britannia First Ward, as the first singles ward in the UK. He then asked for a sustaining vote.

When President Leavitt asked if any were opposed, Jenny Pietroforte raised her hand in opposition. Kelvin Hill was then heard to say “Burn the witch”. Despite Jenny’s opposition the ward was formed and met for the first time on the following Sunday, June 9th.

The first bishopric comprised of L Kent Densley as bishop, Elder Grant Jensen (a senior missionary) as first counselor, and David Rutley as second counselor.

Jenny escaped being burned as a witch and went on to married Larry Nilson, an American, a frequent visitor to Hyde Park ward. Jenny and Larry now live in Nauvoo, Ilinois.