Our Work

OUR WORK. ELEVENTH ANNUAL M. I. A. CONFERENCE. On Saturday, June 9, at 10 o'clock a. m., the Young Men met in separate session in the Barratt Hall. The congregation, led by Prof. Evan Stephens, sang, "Count Your Blessings," and Dr. George E. Hyde, superintendent of Fremont stake, offered prayer. The roll call showed a representation from every stake of Zion. The entire meeting was devoted to a discussion of the following topics: What is the spiritual status of our boys? How do they occupy their spare time? In what parts, if any, does the work need strengthening? How may the M. I. A. work be made more productive of strong, noble characters? How can we best advance the high standard of M. I. A.? The first question was discussed by Elder J. W. Knight, Taylor stake; Superintendent D. H. Morris, St. George stake; Elder Guy C. Wilson, Juarez stake; Bishop Samuel H. Oldham, Hyrum stake; Superintendent John L. Herrick, Weber stake; Superintendent E. Z. Carbine, Union stake; and Superintendent J. E. Hickman, Utah stake. It appeared from the remarks of the brethren that there is general advancement among the young people, as far as their spiritual condition is concerned. Absence from home to obtain work, the use of tobacco and liquor, drifting towards material things, work on the railroads, laxity of paternal example and government, were, however, mentioned as causes that tend to destroy the spirituality of a certain percentage of the young people. Only a small class, however, say ten per cent, were inclined in this direction. It appeared also that education had a tendency to create religion of the head, rather than of the heart, and was also a cause named as tending toward laxity in spiritual matters. The second question was discussed bv Superintendent John L. Herrick, Weber stake; Elder B. F. Grant; Elder Reese, of Emery stake; Superintendent Edward Sutton, of Bear Lake Stake; Elder W. W. Beckstead, of Fremont stake; Superintendent T. J. Bennett, of Blackfoot stake; Elder Guy C. Wilson, of Juarez; stake; Superintendent Elvin J. Norton, of Pocatello stake. From this discussion it appears that card-playing, loafing on the street corners, buggy-riding, and Sunday base ball, were among some of the diversions of

OUR WORK. 821 a percentage of the young people; and altogether too much of their spare timeis spent in these unprofitable, not to say detrimental, recreations. The study of music, correspondence courses, attending schools, well governed amusements, private reading, were mentioned as some of the occupations and diversions engaged in by many of the boys during their spare time. At this point Elder Charles Pike sang a beautiful solo, "Wo Unto Them Who Forsake Him." The third question was discussed by Elders John V. Bluth, of Weber; Ira Pace, of Summit; Superintendent Morris, of St. George. Elder Joseph A. Buttle, of Utah; Secretary Edward H. Anderson; Elder B. H. Roberts; and Superintendent William C. Winder of Granite. One of the points in which our work needs strengthening is in the selection of officers. The Mutual Improvement Associations should not be slighted, as is often the case, for the benefit of other organizations. Our young men are entitled to the best teachers and officers, and their time should not be divided between several offices to the slighting of the Mutual Improvement organizations. The work should not be placed upon two or three officers, but segregated, so as to make it light for all. Competent teachers are needed for both classes. Greater support, in many instances, is needed from the bishops and other presiding Church officers, though generally the Church authorities greatly aid our workers. Officers' meetings should be held regularly, and parents should be impressed with the importance of our work. Missionary work should be carried on by the stake and ward officers, and is an important factor in strengthening the M. I. A. cause. Secretary Edward H. Anderson suggested that the officers in many cases lack initiative, action, and aggressiveness. They allow their privileges, granted them by the Priesthood, in the way of conjoint meetings, quarterly conjoint meetings, and special meetings, to go unused. It appeared in one stake that out of eight wards six of them had given over their conjoint meeting night, one month, to other auxilliary organizations, music teachers, etc.; and there were also numerous cases where the stake quarterly conference meeting had been given to other organizations. It is the duty of the young people to take advantage of all these privileges. Superintendent W. C. Winder of Granite stake asked what the officers were to do when they were requested by the stake authorities to forfeit privileges granted them. Elder B. H. Roberts answered that the M. I. A. officers should maintain the privileges granted to our associations by the Presidency of the Church, in that they should have the Fast Sunday evening, or some other Sunday evening, for their monthly conjoint meetings, and the Sunday evenings of stake quarterly conferences as their nights to meet conjointly. He also laid stress upon the necessity of the officers being energetic, possessing initiative, and being full of resources, and aggressive in their work to accomplish the best good. The remaining questions were discussed by various representatives, including Superintendent Hyde; Superintendent Hickman; Elder Nephi Jenson, of Granite; and Prof. Evan Stephens. % Elder George F. Richards of the Quorum of Twelve, commented upon there-

822 IMPROVEMENT ERA. marks and discussions, which had been made during the morning, and added words of encouragement to the workers in the M. I. A. On motion of Elder Lyman R. Martineau a committee, as follows, was appointed to prepare a circular for the officers, embodying the suggestions of the different speakers: Benjaming Goddard, Lyman R. Martineau, Josiah E. Hickman. The congregation sang the "Doxology;" and prayer was offered by Lewis T. Cannon. At 2 p. m. The Young Men again met in Barratt Hall, and the congregation sang, "Weary Not." The opening prayer was offered by Elder George Q. Morris. Elder W. D. Phillips sang a solo entitled, "He Leadeth Me." General Secretary Edward H. Anderson spoke upon roll and record books, minute books, the Improvement Era, the M. I. Fund, and the distribution of the Manual. His remarks are embodied in a special circular of instructions, which is being printed, and which will be distributed to all the officers of our associations. Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., spoke upon the necessity of having more frequent reports, and presented a blank form for monthly reports by ward officers to the stake superintendents who should forward the condensed report monthly to the general secretary. The headings of this report will also be found in the circular of instructions referred to, the conference having adopted the suggestions made. Dr. John A. Widtsoe, who will write the Manual for this season, on Modern Revelation, with special reference to the study of the Doctrine and Covenants, outlined the study for the season, and dwelt specially upon the importance of a knowledge of Modern Revelation, and the value of study of the Doctrine and Covenants. He was of the opining that it would be a very fascinating study. Prof. J. H. Paul spoke on Supplementary Reading, and offered the following resolution: Resolved, that it be the sense of this conference that a committee of twelve be appointed by the General Board to name books, preferably novels and dramas, suitable for supplementary reading, one book to be named each month for the senior, and one for the junior grade, with instructions to the Mutual officers to appoint one or more persons to read the book and to relate its story, illustrated by reading from the book at a special meeting of the association. The person so assigned to read and relate shall also endeavor to deduce from the book so handled its lesson or moral. A motion to adopt the resolution was seconded by Elder Mathonihah Thomas, of Ensign stake, and was carried. Elder Roberts spoke on the formation and construction of the Doctrine and Covenants, and referred to several of the points of interest that would engage the student who would interest himself in the Manual for the coming season. Elder Benjamin Goddard, for the committee appointed at the morning session, presented the following resolution, and moved its adoption: Whereas, during the sessions of the Y. M. M. I. A. conference, attention has been drawn to the following subjects: 1—The prevalence of the tobacco and liquor habit. 2 —Card-playing, loafing, and intellectual laziness. 3—Necessity for good officers who can and will give allegiance to M. I. A. work. 4—The affirmative co-operation of parents in our work.

OUR WORK. 823 5—The necessity of better and initiative preparation for ward and stake conferences. 6—The importance of maintaining the privileges accorded by the First Presidency to the M. I. Associations at stake conferences and fast days. 7—Encouragement of systematic and beneficial reading, 8—Influence of young men in our amusements, should be uplifting. 9—Permanent and attendance rolls of members. 10—Era Slogan for 1906-7—10,000 subscribers. 11—Energetic individual missionary work. 12—Comments on Manuals, Funds and Records. 13—Outline of work for 1906-7. 14—Local difficulties should receive prompt attention by officers withous cessation until proper remedy is found. Officers should be self-reliant, and maintain good discipline in our M. I. A. meetings, thus inspiring confidence, and commanding the respect of the members. Resolved, that the General Board be requested to prepare a circular embracing these topics, with instructions to stake and ward officers, and that they be circulated very freely. Benjamin Goddard, L. R. Martineau, J. E. Hickman. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Superintendent George E. Hyde suggested that the General Board provide for an organ recital for the benefit of the M. I. A. visitors. The congregation sang, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," and benediction was offered by Elder Hyrum M. Smith. On Sunday morning, at 10 o'clock, a conjoint meeting of the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations was held in the Assembly Hall, President Joseph F. Smith presiding. The congregation sang, "Redeemer of Israel." Prayer was offered by Elder John Henry Smith, of the Quorum of the Twelve; after which the congregation sang, "O Ye Mountains High." President Smith stated that the purpose of the meeting was to have as many as possible bear their testimonies. He hoped there would be no confusion, that those who were present would let nothing trouble their thoughts, but lay aside worldly cares, and partake of the Spirit of the Lord, and the attributes of peace, union, and love. He said that the gospel was never dearer to him than at the present time, that he never loved truth more, and he knew that the God of Israel lives, and that his mighty hand is over his people today, and that all who are striving to keep his commandments are special objects of his care. A large number of testimonies were borne from the body of the house which was filled in every part. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in rich abundance upon the congregation, and many wept with joy. Sister Martha H. Tingey, president of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, spoke; and the closing remarks were made by President Joseph F. Smith in a testimony of telling effect, full of the inspiration of the Lord, published in full in this number of the Era. During the meeting, which was a most remarkable one, in many respects, Sister Emma Ramsey Morris sang, "Come, Come, Ye Saints." As a closing hymn,

824 IMPROVEMENT ERA. the congregation sang, "The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning;" and the benediction was pronounced by President Anthon H. Lund. At 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon the congregation filled the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle choir, under Prof. Evan Stephen, sang, "Joseph the Blessed;" and prayer was offered by Elder Rulon S. Wells; after which the choir sang, ' 'One Hundred Years." Sister Clara W. Beebe, representing the Primary Associations, addressed the congregation; and the ladies' trio of Provo sang, "My Hope, My All, My Savior Thou." Sister Emily C. Adams, representing the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement, Associations, addressed the congregation; after which Elder Horace S. Ensign sang, "Lord's Prayer." The time was then occupied by President Joseph F. Smith in a splendid sermon to the young people. The choir sang the anthem, "With Sheathed Sword." Benediction was pronounced by Patriarch John Smith. President Roberts announced that an organ recital would be given by Prof. J. J. McClellan immediately after the close of the meeting. A large number of the officers remained, and were delighted with the rendition of the following numbers: 1. Pilgrims' Chorus, from Tannhauser Wagner. 2. a Intermezzo Calert. b Pilgrims Song of Hope Batiste. c Old Melody. 3. Solo, Love's Sorrow, by Elder Horace S. Ensign. 4. Largo Handel. The closing meeting of the conference was held on Sunday evening at 7:30. The choir sang, "Rouse, 0 Ye Mortals;" and prayer was offered by Elder Nephi L. Morris. Under direction of Sister Mattie Reed, a ladies' chorus sang, ' 'How Long, 0, Lord, Wilt Thou Forget Me." Sister Bell S. Ross, representing the Primary Associations, addressed the congregation. Sister Augusta W. Grant, representing the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, was the next speaker. The congregation was agreeably surprised by a song by Sister Emma Lucy Gates, who sang, to their great delight, "0 Ye Mountains High." The address of the evening was delivered by Elder B. H. Roberts. A ladies' trio of Forest Dale sang, "Roses and Lilies," The choir and congregation sang, "America;" and the benediction was pronounced by Secretary May Anderson, of the Primary Associations.