--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 10 number: 10 published: 1907-08 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Our Work: Twelfth Annual M. I. A. Conference," *Improvement Era* 10, no. 10 (August 1907): 836–840.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera10010unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera10010unse start_page: 836 end_page: 840 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1907-08) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera10010unse publication_year: 1907 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1907, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Our Work: Twelfth Annual M. I. A. Conference OUR WORK. TWELFTH ANNUAL M. I. A. CONFERENCE. On Saturday, June 8, 10 a. m., the Young Men met in separate session in the Barratt Hall. The congregation, led by President Heber J. Grant in the absence of Prof. ' Evan Stevens in Europe, sang 'School Thy Feelings, and prayer was offered by : ' ' Elder Joseph W. McMurrin. There was a splendid representation of officers from all parts of the Church. The first topic under discussion was "Rolls and Records." Secretary Alpha J. Higgs called attention to the incompleteness of the annual report as read yester- day, five stakes failed to report, andwe were obliged to use last year's reports for these stakes. Many stakes sent in reports very late, and many came with ex- cuses and explanations He suggested that stake officers look into this matter . by calling their stake aids together early in the season to prevent direliction of duty hereafter; also to map out a program for the season's work, and give a copy of it to each of the officers in the stake, giving the dates and the places of the various meetings that the superintendents intend to hold; he desired to obtain a copy of this program, as general secretary, and if anything could be done in the office to aid the officers, it would be a pleasure to him. He suggested that each stake superintendent have a plan to work to, and then follow it. After a discussion of the topics and reports, Elder John H. Evans spoke on "Wholesome Reading." His remarks are found in this issue of the Era, and we suggest that every officer of the associations inform themselves upon the reading course and the remarks made. Elder Heber J. Grant called attention to the General Fund, and to the Era subscriptions. During the year there had been received $2,137.55 — on account of this fund, and $1,303.96 had been expended for secretary's salary, stationery, printing, railroad fares, etc. The Era during the past year had received favor- able support, and President Grant read the names of the stakes that had secured 5 per cent or over of their Church population as subscribers for the magazine. He said that the elders are greatly benefited by the Improvement Era in the mission field, and while he himself had been in the field his heart had gone out in gratitude to the brethren connected with the Era, for the many good articles that had ap- OUR WORK. 837 peared, many of which might be selected, which was each 'more valuable than the subscription for the magazine; in fact, some articles, as far as he was concerned, were worth hundreds of dollars to him. He felt thankful for the information which men had sat and delved for, day after day, to give to the people, and was thankful that we could use it in spreading the gospel; they had prepared bullets for the elders to fire. Several brethren spoke upon how to secure subscriptions; and at the close of Elder Grant's remarks, it was moved that the pledge officers them- selves to do their best to obtain a subscription of 15,000 for Volume 11. The vote carried unanimously. The office will distribute a circular of suggestions which will contain instruc- tions on how to secure the needed number of subscriptions for the Era, with de- tails of the work, together with instructions on the Fund, the Manual, and other topics pertaining to our work. Elder Robert Siddoway sang a solo. Elder Edward H. Anderson spoke upon the Manual for 1907-8. The Junior Manual which was used 1902-3, entitled: "The Acts of tin Apostles," will be re- published for the Junior classes for 1907-8. These lessons outlined are simple and easy, consisting of an assignment of certain portions of the text of "The Acts of the Apostles" to be read, a choice passage or two to be memorized, brief sugges- tions to the teacher, where thought necessary, and summary of the lesson, with explanatory notes instead of questions. The text is from the Bible wnich should be used as the text book. The Manual is just large enough to make a splendid text book for the Junior classes, and to familiarize them thoroughly with the "Acts of the Apostles," the important historical record ot the early Church. The Senior Manual is entitled "Spiritual Growth," and is a series of lessons on practical topics pertaining to religion designed to teach young men, not so much what the doctrines of the Church are as what is the effect of living the doc- trines which they may already have learned. It will consist of about twenty les- sons on practical topics, showing that "Mormonism" is a reasonable and natural religion ; that growth is the first Jaw of life. It will then define spiritual growth and tells us how knowledge comes. There are two lessons on prayer, its meaning, and what it has accomplished in the history of the world. The reasons for the Church organization will be treated, and the effect of Church organization on spiritual growth will be shown. It will also treat on the reasons for ordinances and organization in the Church, and will point out how loyalty to the Priesthood insures a right direction of growth. There will be a lesson on counsel, and its practicability, with testimonies from the Church works, and personal experiences concerning counsel. There are two lessons on the history of tithing, and the value of tithing; and a third gives testimonies of tith*ng in early, mediaeval, and recent times. Chastity is treated in two lessons, showing what it is, and what its effects are. One lesson will treat on the value of fasting, and show how this re- quirement promotes spiritual communion. Offerings to the poor and general love for humanity, will be treated in two lessons, and the subject of charity and the strength that comes from it will also be discussed. The idea of the Manual is to ' 888 IMPROVEMENT ERA. impress the young people of Zion with the need there is for not only understand- ing the principles of the gospel, and the doctrines of the Church, but the greater need for living them . It is designed to show how the young people may practice their religion, and make it a part of their every day life, in order that they may enjoy spiritual growth, and obtain communion with the Holy Ghost. Elder B. H. Roborts called attention to the Improvement Fund, and asked the brethren to treat trust funds as sacred, and to see that they were promptly forwarded to the proper authorities when received. The business side of the col- lection of this fund should not be neglected. The training that the young people receive in properly handling trust funds is of value to them, provided they handle the funds properly. c The congregation sang the hymn, 'We Thank Thee, God, for a Prophet." Benediction was pronounced by Elder Preston D. Richards. At 2. p. m. , June 8, the Young men again met in Barratt Hall, and the congregation sang: "Do what is right." The opening prayer was offered by Elder Frank Y. Taylor, and Elder Oscar Kirkham sang a solo. Elder Douglas M. Todd spoke of the spirit of Our Work, in place of Elder Junius F. Wells, who was absent in New York, and who sent the following tele- gram, which was read: "The spirit of Our Work is the Spirit of the Lord made ' manifest in the lives of the young men. Elder Douglas Todd said that many officers do not rely upon the Spirit for the accomplishment of their work. The Lord would make up to us that which we do not possess in the way of ability and knowledge if we sought the Spirit and were earnest. The Spirit possesses wisdom, skill, magnetism, love and every quality that a man may lack. Officers thould take the calls that come to them very ser- iously, and by prayer they may be wonderful instruments in the hands of the Lord in bringing about righteousness. Those who are well need no physician, but those who are sick. Often we leave those alone who need us most, and attend to those who need us least. Presidents and officers should acquaint them- selves with the boys and the young men in the wards and make friends with them • inquire after their welfare and get close to them. Many officers are too distant. We urge that officers' meetings be held to get acquainted with our fellow-workers, and these meetings are good places to get the Spirit of the Lord. He also sug- gestedjtestimony meetings as one of the best ways to get a testimony of the gos- pel which cannot be obtained through plans, outlines, and lessons, altogether, but through humility and spiritual growth in one's own life. In conversing with young men in various stakes and wards he had found a tendency to complain, to see the dark side and to speak of difficulties. Our improvement work is like a spy glass, it depends upon which end you are looking through as to whether it look 8 right. Look through the right end, and the difficulties will vanish. Do not let others hear you complain. The spirit of our work is hope and encourage- ment. Elder Heber J. Grant sang "The Flag Without a Stain." It was done so well that he received an encore. Elder B. F. Grant spoke on "How to Increase the Active Enrollment." He- : OUR WORK. 839 suggested that the officers carry out instructions. He found that one of the diffi- culties with our officers was that they claim to be too busy to do the work re- quired. We have plenty of instructions and the main requirement is to get the right man in the right place to carry these instructions into effect. An idea is of little value unless you can put it into practice. He suggested that the boys and young men be welcomed at the places of meeting, and that the officers let them know that they are glad to see them attend. He also suggested that the officers be in close touch with the bishopric of the ward, the Relief Society, and the mothers and fathers; that they go to stake priesthood meetings, to reach the fathers, and interest themselves in the Relief Societies, to reach the mothers. He also suggested that a special secretary be appointed to keep track of the en- rollment and to report upon delinquents, and those who need looking after. The Oregon quartette sang. The quartette is composed of the following brethren. C. P. Ferrin, Hyrum Monson, W. K. Davis, F. S. Bramwell. Their effort pleased so well that an encore was asked and given. Elder Jos. W. McMurrin next spoke on the topic, "Give the Boys a Chance." He stated that the Mutual Improvement Assaciations are for the boys and young men, and it is not proper that their meetings should be occupied by first class speakers. The boys should be given a chance to open and dismiss the meetings; to speak, to address the congregation, and to take part in the exercises; in this- way testimony would come to the young men and they would become inferested in the work. More testimonies have come to people while working than while list- ening to lectures. A more detailed account of his remarks will be printed here- after. President Heber J. Grant said there is a great deal in getting the boys on their feet, and it was a splendid thing to give them a chance, and some of the older people a rest. Three things he wanted this body of men to remember politeness, perseverance and punctuality; and also asked that this sentiment be learned by every officer: "That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do; not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our power to do has increased." He read the titles of the books which had been suggested for home reading this season. This has already been printed in the July number of the Era. list Elder Hyrum M. Smith suggested that the reason so few of the boys read good books is because a great many of them find it exceedingly difficult to separate taken up with themselves from the price of a good book. If this matter should be foolishly from which them, and they could be shown how much money they spend willing to spend money they get no value, whatever, he thought they would be for good books. The congregation sang, "Come all ye sons of Zion." The conference adjourned until Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. On Sunday morning at 10 o'clock a conjoint meeting of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. was held in the Assembly Hall, President Heber J. Grant presiding. The congregation sang "Sowing," and prayer was offered by Elder T. J. after which the congregation sang, Bennett' superintendent of Blackfoot Stake; "Beautiful Zion." . 8i0 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Miss Janette McKay, of the Weber Stake, read a paper on "Home Read- ing." The speaker advised against stories in cheap magazines, and said that young people should be encouraged to read the productions of the masters in literature. President Anthon H. Lund addressed the large congregation of officers stat- ing, among other things, that by interchange of thought great good is accom- plished by these annual gatherings of the M. I. A. He hoped the younger members of the Church would become more acquainted with Church writings. He advised the young people to read the Bible, for the Word of God and the plan of salvation is contained therein, and the Holy Bible had come down to us without many serious changes, notwithstanding the many translations through which it had passed. The thanks of the entire race are due to the Lord for the preservation of his word, which means so much to the human race. The instruc- tions contained therein will lead us to eternal life. President Lund congratulated the associations on the progress made in the past, and urged continued efforts to be made to enroll all the young people who should attend. "We want our young people to study and learn constantly from the word ofGod and from every good book, and the Mutual Improvement Associations afford them this opportunity." Elder Walter Wallace sang a sacred solo. President Heber J. Grant announced that hereafter the time of the annual conferences of tin Mutual Improvement Associations would be set by the stake officers who are requested to notify the General Board of the dates. The stake officers should consult together and with their stake presidents, and notify the boards of the dates decided upon. The General Boards had decided to have a representative present at the annual stake conventions, but would not be able to have representatives attend all the annual stake conferences; the officers are therefore instructed to go ahead with these conferences whether a member of the Board is present or not, and to make them a success by employing local talent. President Martha H.Tingey, of the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement associa- tions, next addressed the assembly. She spoke of the responsibilities of officers and parents in the training of the young people. The Oregon quartette, composed of C. P. Ferrin, Hyrum Monson, W. K. Davis, and F. S. Bramwell, sang, "Tarry With Me." Brief addresses were then called for, and given by Superintendent E. S. Hinckley, Utah Stake; Mrs A. E. Cook, Second counselor Bear Lake Stake; Ern- est P. Horsley, superintendent Box Elder stake; Geo. Q. Morris, superintendent Salt Lake stake ; and Mrs M. A. Hendrickson of the Cache stake Y. L. M. I. A. President H. J. Grant thanked all present for their attendance and interest shown in the M.I. A. work, and encouraged the officers to diligence and faithful- ness. The congregation sang "How Firm a Foundation;" and benediction was pro- nounced by Miss Agnes Campbell On Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock the great Tabernacle was completely filled both in the hall and galleries with those who attended the conference. President Joseph F. Smith presided. Singing— "An Angel From on High," by the Tabernacle Choir.