--- 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: 13 number: 10 published: 1910-08 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Mutual Work," *Improvement Era* 13, no. 10 (August 1910): 944–954.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera13010unse 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: improvementera13010unse start_page: 944 end_page: 954 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1910-08) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera13010unse publication_year: 1910 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 1910, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Mutual Work Mutual Work. M. I. A. Annual Conventions, 1910. To the Stake Officers Y. M. M. LA.: The following are the appointments for the M. I. A. Conventions, 1910. In case any changes are desired in the dates given, the stake superintendents should immediately consult with their stake presidencies and arrange for a new date, and notify the General Boards of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. CONVENTION APPOINTMENTS. August 14 — Yellowstone, Alberta. August 21 — Wayne and Taylor. August 28 — Beaver, Fremont, Malad, Hyrum, Pocatello, Woodruff, September 5 — Kanab. September 4 — Box Elder, Bear River, Cassia, Liberty, Jordan, Weber, Parowan, North Davis, Rigby, Panguitch, San Juan at Moab. September 11 — Ensign, South Sanpete, Uintah, Wasatch, Granite, South Davis, Tooele, Bannock, Emery, North Weber, Pioneer, San Luis, Teton. September 12— St. George. September 14 — San Juan at Mancos. September 18 — Big Horn, Oneida, Blackfoot, Summit, Millard, Juab, Ogden, Nebo, Alpine, Bingham, Carbon. September 25 — North Sanpete, Union, Benson, Morgan, Utah, Bear Lake, Cache, Sevier, Salt Lake, Star Valley. Convention dates of ..Arizona and Mexico will be announced later. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONVENTION. Stake superintendents will please give special and immediate attention to the following items: 1. Confer with the stake presidency— secure their co-operation and arrange for the conventions. 2. See that your ward and stake organizations are all complete and your class teachers selected before the convention. 3. See that all officers and class teachers are notified by personal MUTUAL WOR . 945 visit where possible or by letter, to secure their attendance. Leave no one with an excuse for absence. Make a special effort to O&t a large representation of officers from each association— it should be one hundred per cent. 4. Secure a suitable hall, or halls, for the convention, where both the young men's and young ladies' officers may be accommodated without interfering with Sunday schools or ward meetings. Consult with the young ladies in regard to this. Confer with the officers of the young ladies and arrange for entertaining officers who come from a distance; and, if practicable, provide for light joint luncheon between sessions. 5. It has been provided for, by arrangement between the two boards, that all Sunday school teachers who are Mutual Improvement officers or class teachers shall be excused from Sunday school classes to attend the morning session of the convention. 6. Do not fail to extend a personal, special invitation to the stake presidency, high councilors; bishops and their counselors, and all the stake officers of the auxiliary organizations to attend the convention meetings. 7. See to it that competent persons are selected to treat the subjects at the convention. Assign the topics to them in advance, and call attention to the necessity of preparing the subject according to the outlines. 8. Forward copies of this circular to every ward president without delay, and request him to acknowledge receipt of them and see to their proper distribution. 9. Hold at least one preliminary meeting of the stake superintendency, aids and convention speakers, discuss the convention subjects thoroughly, and perfect all arrangements for the convention, in ample time before the date. Notify the General Secretary two weeks prior to the convention of what measures have been taken to carry out these instructions. 10. Stake secretaries are requested and required to furnish a report to the general secretary. In making these arrangements, care should be taken not to interfere with the sessions of the Sunday schools or regular ward afternoon meetings. Some settlement should be selected where the meetings can be held in a building other than that in which the Sunday school and ward afternoon meetings are held. Young men should, as far as possible, aid the young ladies to get to the conventions. Thoroughly advertise your conventions throughout your stake; give frequent notice in the ward meetings, Sunday schools and other gather- 946 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ings, and have a notice published in your local newspaper, in addition to individual notice, personal or by letter, to every Y. M. M. I A. officer, including the class teacher. For the work of the young men's associations, two meetings will be held, one at 10 a. m. and one at 2 p. m. In the evening, at the most convenient hour, a joint meeting should be held to which the public should be invited. A program need not be prepared for the evening meeting. In case no visitors from the general board are present, the stake officers should be prepared to occupy the time in presenting to the public the advantages and outlines of M. I. A. work for the season, and otherwise proceed with the convention work. The meetings will be conducted by the stake M. I. A. officers, and the young men's program will consist of the following : PROGRAM, 10 A. M. 1. Joint opening exercises. 2. Separation. 3. Roll call. 4. Stake Superintendent's Report as to Preparation for this Convention.— This should include every item named in these instructions, as to distribution of literature, notices and invitations to officers, preliminary meetings, etc. 5. Efficient Stake Supervision. Efficient stake supervision should include the proper organization of the stake and ward officers, monthly and weekly ward and stake officer's meetings, getting efficient class teachers, enrollment and attendance, the spirit of the officers, and the checking up of the work by the stake officers in every ward. 6. Music in the Associations. — This should deal with musical directors, and proper organization of quartet and male choruses, hymns and melody singing. (See remarks by Oscar A. Kirkham, Era, September.) 7. Debates. — (See remarks by Dr. John A. Widtsoe, delivered at the June conference— Era for September and conference minutes.) 8. Athletics. — Touching every department relating to the method of introducing athletics into the associations, campus and equipment, rules for meets, annual meets, qualifications for contestants, outdoor and indoor work. Local conditions. Note. — The time for each of the topics should be so divided that there will be ample opportunity for discussion, and for pertinent questions during the meeting. MUTUAL WORK. 947 Note. — The topics discussed at the annual conference in June were of such timeliness and importance that the board has deemed it proper to suggest them as the leading topics for consideration at the annual conventions. PROGRAM, 2 P. M. 1. Opening exercises. 2. Manuals, and Manual Lessons. — This topic should include a brief statement of the contents of the manuals for this season, sample lessons of which will be provided for each speaker by application to the general secretary. Class work, teachers and teaching, the importance of home preparation and of having the manual in the hands of every member of the association, should be dwelt upon. 3. Story Telling Contests, Orations and Lectures. This should set forth the purpose and plan of the work, the selection of topics, and the interest and value of these exercises. 4. Reading Course.— This should include a short talk on the books that have been selected for the present year, the use of books in general, and plans for effectively placing the books in the cheapest way in the hands of the members of the association, with a view to the importance of the youth forming the habit of reading good books. 5. Miscellaneous Business.— This should include instructions relating to statistical reports; the fund; the canvass for the Improvement Era; duties of secretaries; promptness of remittances; accuracy and honesty in accounts; the educational advantages of doing business for the Era and the manual. As in the forenoon, there should be time left for pertinent questions and discussions during this session. Where convenient it is desirable that an evening meeting, to which the general public is invited, should be held. At this meeting the members of the general board visiting will occupy the time, but in case of their absence the superintendeney of the staks should be prepared to present to the public a plan and preview of the labors of our organizations for the coming year, and to appeal to them for their sympathy and aid in making our organization a success. IMPORTANCE OF THE CONVENTION. These conventions are of paramount importance, and it is hoped that the superintendents will see that their officers are present. It is not enough to have just one ward representative, make it a point to have all officers there, one hundred per cent, if possible. The success of the convention depends largely upon your efforts, dear brother, and upon the 948 IMPROVEMENT ERA. efforts and spirit of your associates. Keep in touch with the general office and make all the arrangements necessary for successful meetings. We pray that the Lord may bless your labors and that you may have a profitable convention. Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, B. H. Roberts. General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A. Annual M. I. A. Conference. (Concluded from July Era.) Saturday, June 4, 1910, 2 p. m. at Barratt Hall. Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., delivered an address on STORY TELLING CONTESTS, ORATIONS AND LECTURES. Fifteen manual lessons had been prepared for next year, and as there would be some twenty-five meetings held, ten or more sessions will be occupied by other matters than those contained in the manual. The time of some of these sessions at least, will be occupied in the junior classes with story telling, reading, recitations, etc., and in the senior classes by debates, orations and lectures. The question is, What are the purposes in holding these contests? Sometimes we get the idea that in these contests the great object is to win, but that is not the case. Of course, any young man entering a debate or other contest should work to gain his point, but these contests are primarily for the purpose of gaining information and developing power to express thoughts and feelings intelligently before the public. It isn't everybody who can successfully express his or her thoughts so that the meaning is fully conveyed. We want to develop this power, so that when our missionaries go out they can fully express themselves. Elder Smith suggested that the officers arrange their programs and choose contestants early in the season, giving the participants plenty of time to prepare. He stated that these contests, when held in public, should be well advertised and special music provided, and a very enjoyable and instructive meeting held. Many topics were presented in the manual for 1909-10, and more would be printed in the new manuals. In case any association wished to take up any topic not included in those recommended by the General Board, it must first be submitted to the Committee of the General Board for approval. Stories should be submitted to the association officers for approval, and only such chosen as MUTUAL WORK. 949 are uplifting, educatioual, and teach some great principle or truth. General Secretary Moroni Snow read the STATISTICAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTS. From the statistical report of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations for the year ending May 31, 1910, it appears that there are 655 associations, an increase of 26 over the year previous. Out of this number 472 are graded, an increase of 37. There are 32,- 743 permanent members enrolled, an increase of 518, and an active membership of 22,772, a decrease of 619 over last year. A total of 13,- 358 between fourteen and forty-five years of age are not enrolled, which is an increase of 606; 1,161 members are away from home attending school, and 1,243 are on foreign missions. There were 13,506 in average attendance, an increase of 139 over last year: 3,333 offieers' meetings were held, an increase of 64. Officers' meetings, regular weekly meetings, joint meetings, monthly conjoint meetings, extra and special meetings, conferences and conventions, public lectures, contests, debates, etc., totalled 25,844. It is noticeable that public lectures, debates, contests, concerts, etc., numbered this season 1,085, which is an increase of 433 over last season. The manual lessons were generally completed. The decrease of 2,- 213 shown in manual lessons completed arises from the fact that onlv 15 lessons were given in the manual for the season of 1909-10, as compared with twenty-one lessons in previous years. There were 29,857 home preparations, which is a decrease of 8,341, the decrease being assigned to a similar cause. In this connection special emphasis should be placed upon home preparation and every effort made to have those who join the classes study the lessons, so that the best good may result from the lesson exercises. There were 7,177 miscellaneous exercises, an increase of 481. It is encouraging to note that 1,916 members read one or all the reading course books, which is an increase over last year of 584. In 1907, 750 members read one or all of the reading course; in 1908, 1,635; in 1909, 1,332. The stake officers visited 3,290 times, which is an increase of 541 over last year. The missionary visits, however, by the ward M. I. A. officers decreased by 276, the total being 3,058. There are now 236 libraries, which is an increase of 46 over last year, and in these libraries are 11,843 volumes, an increase of 152 over the year previous. The total value of the libraries is estimated at $9,138.27, which is an increase of $2,268.62. Of the foreign missions, reports were received from the Central 950 IMPROVEMENT ERA. States, Hawaiian Islands, Northern States, Northwestern States, Western States, Sweden and Scandinavia, from which it appears that there are 1,568 active members and 1,852 permanent members enrolled, with an average attendance of 819. Twenty-four members have read the reading course. Singing, "Come let us anew, our journey pursue"— Congregation. Benediction by Elder Rulon S. Wells. SUNDAY MEETINGS. Sunday morning, at 10 o'clock, conjoint officer's meeting in the Tabernacle, president Joseph F. Smith presiding. The Tabernacle was well filled with young people. The rongre^ation sang' "High on the Mountain Top," and prayer was offered by Dr. George H. Brimhall. A double trio was rendered by six young ladies. Addresses were then given on conjoint work. Elder John A. Widtsoe spoke on debates. His remarks will be printed in full later. Elder Oscar A. Kirkham delivered an address on music, which will later appear in full in the Era. Elder John Robinson sang "The Valley of the Shadow." The subject of Drama in the associations was treated by Sister Alice C. Tuddenham. Sister Emma Goddard presented the subject of reading and storytelling in the associations. In the discussion of the subjects which jollowed, President Joseph F. Smith said that every word of Dr. Widtsoe's remarks as to debates in the associations was in full accord with his iaeas on the matter; and he hoped that the suggestions would be followed. Elder Heber J. Grant said he was pleased with the address of Elder Kirkham in regard to music. Attention should be paid to the text of the songs taught, as well as the melody. In answer to a question Elder Grant said thai where a young man and young lady conductor were present at meetings the two should alternate in the work of conducting the music. Sister Martha H. Tingey, president of the young ladies' general board, said the remarks of Elder Grant in regard to music applied to reading, also, and no story should be told which contained anything contrary to the teachings of the gospel. Considerable discussion followed in which the various phases of mutual work were gone over, and suggestions made for the improvement of each department. The congregation sang "0 thou rock of our salvation." Benediction by Sister Agnes S. Campbell. MUTUAL WORK. 951 President Joseph F. Smith presided over the general meeting of the conference held at two o'clock in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle choir sang "Glorious things of thee are spoken,'' and prayer was offered by Elder Joseph W. McMurrin. The Tabernacle choir sang ' 'The morning breaks, the shadows flee." Superintendent Heber J. Grant presented the authorities of the general boards of the young ladies' and young men's associations. The Young Men's officers were unanimously sustained as follows: Of the general board Y. M. M. I. A.: Joseph F. Smith, general superintendent, Heber J. Grant and B. H. Roberts, assistants. As aids: Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, J. Golden Kimball, Junius F. Wells, Rodney C. Badger, George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, Douglas M. Todd, Thomas Hull, Nephi L. Morris, Willard Done, LeRoi C. Snow, Frank Y. Taylor, Rudger Clawson, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, Reed Smoot, Bryant S. Hinckley, Moses W. Taylor, B. F. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., 0. C. Beebe, Lewis T. Cannon, Benjamin Goddard, George Albert Smith, Thomas A. Clawson. Lyman R. Martineau, Charles H. Hart, John A. Widtsoe, James H, Anderson, Anthony W. Ivins, Oscar A. Kirkham, Anthon H. Lund, George F. Richards. Moroni Snow, General secretary. Sister Martha H. Tingey, president of the Y. L. M. I. A., then addressed the congregation. She said the work of the mutuals is growing, Zion is growing. She felt that the Lord must be pleased with the work. "But there is evil among us, and what can we do to stem the tide of evil which is broadcast in the earth? I will tell you in a few words: live up to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in your daily lives. That will prove a remedy, and by that we may escape the evil extant throughout the world. Parents should teach their children faith in God, baptism, and to keep the Sabbath day holy. "Another evil that I see creeping in among both our young men and young ladies is that of striving for fashion. Our garments should be neat and becoming, but plain, and we should not strive to follow those whose highest object in life seems to be to adorn their bodies. * Another practice to be deplored is that of visiting the cafes and soda fountains, where much ill health is engendered, and the habit of treating is established." Tne anthem, "Grant us Peace, 0 Lord," was sung. President Joseph F. Smith said, "We have heard of the misdeeds of some who have fallen into error and transgression, but I believe there is not another people of the some magnitude and surrounded with the same 952 IMPROVEMENT ERA. environments, circumstances and temptations that can produce as large a percentage of uprightness, purity, virtue and honor as this people can. I would like to proclaim that thought and that truth to the world." His address in full will appear later. Elder Heber J. Grant delivered a eulogy on John Hafen, the artist, who died in Indianapolis, Friday, June 3, telling of the universal esteem in which he was held, and of the eminence he had attained as Utah's foremost landscape painter, having obtained honors both at home in Utah and elsewhere The speaker read extracts from comments of other artists, and an editorial which recently appeared in the News. A chorus of little children from the Ensign stake, under the direction of Sister Nellie Penrose Whitney, rendered a summertime lullaby. Sister Emma Ramsey Morris, of the Primary Associations, delivered a very interesting address on the importance of the work among the children at the tender and susceptible stage of their development. She said there were between fifty and sixty thousand children enrolled in the primaries, with twelve thousand teachers. Mrs. Morris spoke of the importance of music, reading the old Church hymn, "Come, Come, ye Saints." The choir sang the anthem, "God is our Refuge and Strength," and the benediction was pronounced by Sister Louie B. Felt, of the Primary Association. Sunday evening conjoint meeting was opened by the congregation singing "Come, come, ye Saints," and prayer was offered by President John Henry Smith, after which a solo, "Hosannah," was given by Melvin Peterson. President Joseph F. Smith presided at the meeting. Elder George H. Brimhall spoke on "Be ye clean." "The Mother's Lullaby" was sung by the ladies' chorus of Pioneer stake, under the direction of Miss Mabel Cooper. President Joseph F. Smith then addressed the congregation in behalf of the Primary Associations and their work. The ladies' chorus sang "We ever Pray for Thee," and the benediction was pronounced by President Anthon H. Lund. Conference adjourned. Alpine Stake Athletic Contest. The second annual athletic contest of the M. I. A. of the Alpine stake was held at American Fork, Utah, Wednesday, June 15. Stake Secretary John E. Standring writes that a large and enthusiastic crowd MUTUAL WORK. 953 was present, every Jesse Walker. ward being represented, which speaks volumes for the interest taken in, *»nd the popularity of, the meet. The Lehi Silver Band was in attendance and did its part in making the occasion a successful and enjoyabe one. As a preliminary event, a game of baseball was played between Lehi and Linden league teams, the former win ning. They received a valuable catcher's mitt as a prize. The Track and Field contests between the three districts were spirited. The teams were so evenly matched that interest never waned until the last event was pulled off. Last year, in the early spring, Alpine stake was divided into three permanent athletic districts. Lehi four wards and Cedar Valley, district No. 1; American Fork four wards, and Alpine, district No. 2; Pleasant Grove three wards, Manila and Linden, district No. 3. Preliminary contests, both last year and this, were held between the wards in these districts to determine the best men for the stake meet. In this way many were imbued and became enthusiastic with the spirit of the athletic work. When the number of points received by each team at this year's meet was announced it was found that district No. 1 made 53 points, district No. 2, 22 points, and district No. 3, 29 points. District No. 1 was awarded a beautiful silver loving cup for their permanent possession. The highest individual point winner of the day was Earl Holmstead of district No. 1; Homer Christensen, the highest in district No. 2, and Jesse Walker, the highest in district No. 3 (pictures herewith). In order to stimulate a greater individual interest in the meet, gold pins engraved "M. I. A. 1910," also bearing the inscription of ' HomerChristensen American Fork. first," "second," or "third, "with ribbons attached, red designating first, white, second, and blue, third place —were awarded individuals winning first, second and third place in each event. The day closed with a model social dance in 954 IMPROVEMENT ERA. the Apollo hall, all contestants being admitted free as guests of the M. I. A. The stake is divided into three athletic districts, with a chairman appointed over each, who, with the presidents of the associations therein comprise the athletic council of that district and work up interest in the meet. A valuable silver loving cup is awarded each year to the district taking first place, and individual trophies, consisting of pins and ribbons are given individuals taking first, second or third place in each event. The meet was governed by strict track and field rules, all events were pulled off in record time, everything was well arranged and all officials appointed before hand, and everybody did their duty. The expenses of the meet are met by charging a nominal admission fee to the grounds and grand stand. Last year the meet was held at Lehi, and district No. 2 carried off the silver loving cup. Pleasant Grove has been designated for next year's meet, with the assurance of continued success. Alpine stake has a class of young people who will do everything in their power to make these meets successful. The records made in this year's meet showed a marked improvement over those of last year, and one and all are now planning and working to get athletes in shape who will make their district the winner of the stake meet another year. LEHI TEAM. Earl Holmstead (From the left, the third in uniform in second row) highest individual winner in District No. 1.