Parley P. Pratt’s Miraculous Provision and Successful Opening of Toronto

Parley P. Pratt, while on a mission in Canada in 1837, lacked money to travel from Hamilton to Toronto by steamer. After praying in a forest for assistance, a stranger approached him in Hamilton, asked if he needed money, and gave him ten dollars. Upon arriving in Toronto, he was initially denied access to preach by all local clergy and officials. He repaired to a pine grove to pray again for an 'effectual door' to be opened. Shortly after returning, while at John Taylor’s house and preparing to leave, a woman named Mrs. Walton (who had felt an internal spiritual prompting to visit the Taylors) arrived, heard of Pratt’s mission, and immediately offered her home for his residence and preaching meetings, thus opening the way for his ministry.

Pratt's mission to Toronto took place between April 22, 1836, and May 1, 1836. During this period, he encountered a blind widow who had been suffering for several months from severe inflammation in her eyes and was reduced to poverty, having previously been supported by the Methodist society. After Pratt visited her, prayed, and laid his hands upon her in the name of Jesus Christ, she was immediately healed, opened her curtains to the light, and attended his meeting that evening. Following this miracle, the Methodist society cut off her support, railing against her for associating with the 'Mormons.' Additionally, Pratt records that he met the Toronto study group, including John Taylor and Mr. Patrick, at a meeting in a private home, where he presented his credentials and was given a special appointment to preach.