Annie Harkness's Conversion and Father's Testimony

“About the latter part of May, 1899, I attended a cottage meeting conducted by an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had never heard of the 'Mormons' before, but I was anxious to learn more about the strange work which the Lord had established in these last days. I listened with great interest to the Elder as he spoke of the restoration of the Gospel, and of the visit of an angel to the Prophet Joseph Smith. I felt a thrill of joy pass through my soul, and I knew that what he said was true. I ran home as fast as I could, told my parents what I had heard, and gave my father the tract to read. He was very much prejudiced against the Latter-day Saints, and told me that I must not go to hear them again. I prayed to the Lord to soften my father's heart, and to open the way so that he might hear the truth. My prayer was answered, for one evening about a week later he called again. But instead of my father convincing him that he was wrong, he in a very short time convinced my father that he had been taught for doctrine the commandments of men: that belief alone was not all that is necessary to bring salvation. My heart rejoiced as I listened to the man of God expound the Scriptures. In answer to prayer my father received a testimony that the Gospel preached by the Latter-day Saints is the true Gospel of Christ, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet sent of God. I also received a similar testimony, as did other members of the family. We were all baptized, and we have since had the privilege of gathering to Zion, where we are now living in peace and happiness, and we thank the Lord for the light and truth which He has revealed to us.”

— Annie Harkness, Millennial Star 69:8