Mutual Work

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680 1MPROVEMEN1 ERA.

twenty- four meetings and one social gathering. We have completed the Junior Manual for 1908-1909 and are taking up the Manual for 1901-1902, "Principles of the Gospel." I think this will be of great benefit to the Saints and elders in

learning more fully the fundamental principles of the gospel. Our average at- tendance is twenty-five, and we expect to hold meetings all summer. We hope to see a great improvement in the Saints by the time we complete the Manual we are studying at present."

SOCIAL.

The Mutual Improvement Association of the Halifax branch (Leeds confer- ence) gave a very enjoyable concert on the 3rd inst. There were about one hun- dred and twenty people present, many of whom are not members of the Church. The program delighted the entire assembly, and the concert was pronounced the best ever held in connection with the branch. The proceeds will be used for the

purchase of books, etc. Millennial Star.

'THE LAND OF THE PROPHET'S NATIVITY."

Elder Junius F. Wells, well known among the young people as the pioneer worker in the Mutual Improvement Association, and the originator and promoter of the Joseph Smith Memorial Monument, in Vermont, has entertained over 15,000 people in Utah in the various stakes of Zion, with his lecture on "The Land of the Prophet's Nativity." The lecture given with steroptican views artis- tically presented by C E. Johnson, is one of the most delightful and faith-promot- ing it has ever been the lot of the writer to hear. Elder Wells gives a thrilling account of the building of the Joseph Smith Memorial Monument, under the very adverse circumstances encountered in this remarkable enterprise; and with the splendid views of the country he repeats a fascinating history of the land of the Prophet's birth, as well as sketches of his ancestors, and personal bits of incident and biography that captivate and instruct the hearers while they bring them nearer to the Prophet and make him dearer to their hearts. It is safe to say that

no lecture, given in recent times to the young people, has produced more delight and been more edifying and instructive than this one by Elder Wells. It was first

delivered in February, in Whitney Hall, Salt Lake, to about 1,100 people; then on the 7th of March, inOgden; on the 11th, at Provo; Brigham City on the 12th;Logan on the 14th; Mt. Pleasant on the 16th; Manti on the 17th Richfield on the 18th; and ;

Forest Dale on the 28th. It was repeated again at Payson on the 9th of May, to a large congregation, and inquiries have come from Mexico and Arizona and many of the unvisited stakes of Zion to have it delivered, but Elder Wells has found it impossible to comply with their requests for the present.