The Christiania Conference House

THE CHRISTIANS CONFERENCE HOUSE. BY ELDER A. B. LARSEN, PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE.

On the 23rd of July, 1871, a meeting and dwelling house which had been erected by the Saints of Christiania, Norway, was dedicated. This was the first house of worship owned by the Latter-day Saints in Norway. It was used for about thirty years, when it was condemned, being considered unsafe on account of the ground- sinking. The venerable Christian D. Fjeldsted laid the plans and began the building, he being president of the Christiania conference at that time. The accompanying picture shows the present building which was erected on the same spot, and dedicated July 24, 1903. The

Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse, Christiania, Norway.

Interior Latter-day Saints Meetinghouse, Christiania, Norway.

dedication prayer was offered by President Francis M. Lyman, who was then president of the European mission. Our building has recently been re-painted, and now presents a very attractive appearance. It has a very good location, being in

the most thickly populated part of the city. Besides the elders'

home, which consists of an office and three rooms, there are five for departments, which are rented by families, and two halls used holding meetings. Accompanying is a picture showing the interior of the large It is well pro- hall which has a seating capacity of six hundred. with paintings. portioned and well finished, being nicely decorated and presents a very inviting ap- It is well lighted with electricity the city often make mention of pearance. The newspapers of The small hall is used by the beautiful hall of the "Mormons." the auxiliary organizations. In the basement found the baptismal font which is con- is beautifully decorated with structed of cement. The walls are very historical paintings. the auxiliary Our branch is completely organized with all

organizations with the exception of Primary and Religion Class. Nearly all of our young Our M. I. A. is doing an excellent work. great interest in their work. people are enrolled and are taKing

Baptismal Font, Latter day Saints Meetinghouse, Christiania Norway.

The Sunday School has been making very marked progress of late. The average attendance during the present year has been one hundred and seventy. The young as well as the old are very much interested and are taking an active part. We feel that a great work is being done among the young people. Our Relief Society also is doing a grand work among the poor, and is of great assistance to the missionaries in spreading the truth. We appreciate its labors very much. In mentioning our organizations, we must not overlook our choir which consists of about sixty members. The past two years it has been under the able leadership of Elder 0. E. Johnsen. The choir is highly appreciated by both Saints and strangers, and is doing a very good work in furnishing singing for all of our

entertainments and meetings. There are a great many people drawn to our meetings through the musical services. At first people often come merely to hear our singing, but many of them become interested, which results finally in their becoming members of the Church. In behalf of the elders of the Christiania conference, I take the opportunity of thanking you very much for the Era which is always welcome and highly appreciated. We find it very bene- ficial in assisting us in spreading the gospel.

Christiania, Norway.