“One More Door”

Isabella Thomson Blake (1880-1965) was among the earliest sister missionaries called to proselyte for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Together with sixteen other women in her small branch in Glasgow, Scotland, Bella shared the gospel message with all within her reach throughout the dark days of World War I.  While also serving as Glasgow’s Relief Society President and caring for her own growing family, Bella—together with her companions—added to their already overwhelming burdens during a time described by Bella, “when men must work, while women weep [and] many prayers [were] breathed for those dear ones at the front” (“Notes from the Field: Glasgow, Scotland”, Relief Society Magazine 1916 Vol. 3, p. 160).

Her hopeful gaze and resolute posture reflect the instructions given this first band of sister missionaries in Britain—that they, “should not get discouraged if they meet with rebuffs in their work.  This is a time of searching and gleaning.  We never know what will be the result of giving away a tract or having a gospel conversation” (“George F. Richards speaking to lady missionaries October 22, 1916” in CHL holding LR1140 2, p. 20).

During their labors, Bella and her fellow missionaries ministered within Glasgow’s confined and aging tenements.  Bella is depicted in the poverty stricken ‘Gorbals” slums, knocking on the front door of one its back-court cottages.

In addition to their efforts to preach, these sisters brought additional relief by nursing the sick and wounded at local hospitals and providing much needed clothing for soldiers and sailors.  Decorated for their efforts, these women of Glasgow spent every moment exemplifying their motto, “Charity never faileth.”  Within this painting, Bella stands in brilliant relief against the dreary tenement surroundings, knocking on just ‘one more door’ in her effort to share “peace and harmony while the world [was] in a state of war and chaos” (“Hyrum M. Smith speaking to the Scottish District Conference May 7, 1915”, CHL holding LR 17716 11. Vol. 5 {1901-1929} Scottish District General Minutes, 1893-1959, 1915).

Any missionary sent forth by the Savior to preach His gospel stands in for the Master as they proclaim the glad tidings of peace.  Within this painting, therefore, in her efforts to serve the Savior, Isabella “stand[s] at the door and knock[s]” (Revelation 3:20).  The printed tracts Bella holds (“Rays of Light” and “The Plan of Salvation” which are the exact pamphlets circulated by missionaries in Scotland at that time) are symbols of the gospel light these women carried with them wherever they went.  In stark contrast to the shadow of war blanketing Britain, these faithful women were called and set apart to proclaim Christ’s light and hope.

The small bouquet of daisies and zinnias held in her hand are a symbol of the friendship and comfort extended by Bella during her missionary labors.  They are also a reminder of the Savior’s injunction in Matthew 6:28 to “consider the lilies of the field” as a manifestation of the Father’s perfect watchcare.

Bella’s costume in this painting is based on the shirtwaists, ties, and skirts worn by the Relief Society women as seen in a photograph of the Glasgow Branch taken in the years just before the Great War.  Bella’s tie is ‘Scottish’ (or ‘Saltire’) blue, a popular necktie color in her day.  Her vibrant red hair is reflective of a photograph taken of her in the late 1920s.  She holds a pair of kid gloves and a straw brimmed hat in her hands, which was typical of the time: these reflect her respect for her calling by choosing to dress her very best to share the precious words she carries in her hands and her heart.