Elder A. L. Larson and Elder Booth’s Protection from a Mob in Aintab

On March 13, 1899, Shrove Monday, missionaries Philip S. Maycock and Joseph W. Booth, accompanied by several local Armenian converts, visited a crowded Armenian cemetery in Aintab, Turkey, where thousands were picnicking and mourning. Seeking an opportunity to share the gospel, the group withdrew to a small, secluded ravine to discuss matters of faith. However, they were soon discovered by the festive crowds. The small gathering quickly swelled into a surging mob of several hundred people who surrounded the missionaries. An Armenian teacher incited the crowd, who began shrieking epithets and throwing stones. As the situation grew violent and the missionaries were struck, a group of Mohammedan peace-officers patrolling the grounds intervened to defend them. The soldiers dispersed the mob several times, but the crowd repeatedly reformed with increased numbers and hostility. Recognizing the danger, the officers ultimately insisted that the missionaries leave the area immediately. The policemen protected the group by actively warding off the attackers and escorting the missionaries all the way to the door of their homes to ensure their safety. While Elder A. L. Larson is sometimes associated with the mission, he was stationed in Aleppo at the time of this specific incident.