Is there an easy way to read messages from a really long time ago?

I have this conversation with someone and I haven't deleted any messages. I want to read messages from over a year ago but don't want to keep clicking on the button to go back farther because that will take a very long time. I have an iPhone 4s. Is there an easier way to do this?

Hmm I always delete messages so I don't think I've ever tried to go back far.