The Bureau of Information

The Bureau of Information. BY JOSEPH S. PEERY. "I came here an enemy, I go away a friend" is a remark frequently made by tourists, after visiting Temple Block under the direction of the Bureau of Information. A few years ago, strangers would wander alone around the grounds,and, in some instances, were taken advantage of by various sharpers, while the opponents of the Church would give them prejudicial and misleading information. Now, instead of being deceived and misinformed, the stranger is entertained on Temple Block, and given correct information. The fame of Utah has spread throughout the world, and people often stay over in Salt Lake City just to get a glimpse of a "Mormon." The buildings on Temple Block are of especial interest, and usually the travelers go there to see these buildings, and to ask questions about the "Mormons." Therefore, it was a splendid thing for Utah and her people when the First Presidency established the Bureau of Information, in the year 1902. Eiders Benjamin Goddard, Thomas Hull and Arnold H. Schulthess are in charge of the movement. A little octagonal building near the south gate was erected, where the tourists were warmly welcomed. It was soon found that the octagonal building was too small to accomodate the increasing numbers of visitors. A larger building was erected, in 1904; and in 1910, the second building was doubled in size. There are now two large rooms,handsomely furnished with comfortable davenports and chairs, besides a rest room and other rooms for the convenience and use of the tourists. In each alcove is found a desk with writing material; and President Young's desk is in the east room, for the use of strangers.

THE BUREAL OF INFORMATION. 689 On the center table of the front room is the cast of Paul Revere, the original of which was made by the well-known sculptor—a son of Utah—Cyrus E. Dallin. On center tables and in racks are Church periodicals and pamphlets, given freely to tourists. Thousands of visitors come to Temple Block. They come from the world over, and they go away to tell their friends of the pleasant time they had. They are especially pleased with the splendid organ recitals. From April until October, each weekday, free organ recitals are given, under the direction of the First Presidency. The fame of the tabernacle organ has spread far and wide. Tourists cannot fully express their delight, after listening to the beautiful music produced by the organist, Professor J. J. McClellan, or by his associate organists, Edward P. Kimball and Tracy Y. Cannon. The sweetness of the organ tone and the true imitation of the human voices,coming from the vox humana pipes, together with the peaceful spirit existing in the tabernacle, have a softening, appealing effect upon the tourists. Oftentimes tears BUREAU OF INFORMATION BUILDING.

690 IMPROVEMENT ERA. come to their eyes, and the remark is made, "A person cannot listen to the organ without being made better thereby." Most people come to the Temple Block in a receptive mood. The few who are not receptive, become so by the time the organ recital is concluded. All their lives they have heard words of criticism against the Latter-day Saints. Now they come to hear the "Mormon" side. Now truth is given its opportunity of appeal. They come eager to learn. They ask many questions. They desire literature. Men and women come by the hundreds of thousands, many of whom the missionaries previously have been unable to meet. The hand of the Lord is in their presence. The prophecy of Micah is being fulfiled: In the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. To meet the many people coming to the vicinity of the Lord's house, desiring information, carries with it a great responsibility, and each of the sixty guides laboring at the Bureau of Information, under the direction of Elder Benjamin Goddard, appreciates this situation. The tourists first visit the Bureau of Information, where they register. It is well that thay first enter the bureau, for therein they partake of the spirit of that building. A party is soon made up, and a guide escorts the company through the Assembly hall. The strangers partake of the spirit therein—are told something of Church history, of the beehive on the ceiling, indicative of the industry of the people, and of the three doctrinal books on the pulpits. Questions are answered, and the company continues on the "trip through the block." The famous tabernacle, with its wonderful, self-supporting, arched roof, its marvelous accoustic properties, its splendid organ, is explained to the interested visiting friends. Under the influence of the overpowering good spirit existing in the tabernacle, the guide talks to the tourists on Church organization, tithing, the various auxiliary associations, the schools, the missionaries abroad preaching the gospel. The listeners are responsive in their feelings when the guide says, "If you chance to meet one of these humble young elders, be kind to him, for in so doing you will certainly be kind to one of God's

THE BUREAU OF INFORMATION. 691 messengers." Many questions are asked and answered, then the company is escorted to a position near the temple. The influence of that sacred building is felt by them; words of inspiration come to the guide, and the people stand there and listen intently. The statue representing the angel Moroni, and the various symbols, such as the sun, moon and stars, are pointed out. The glorious hope for the future, with eternal family relationships, eternal progress, preaching in the spirit world, baptism for the dead, and finally the resurrection and almost universal salvation, come RMATIO f • fp .55; j #f | f ? £ j | ? | »| A GROUP OF BUKEAU WORKERS. before the view of the wondering listeners. Admiration of the beautiful belief takes the place of prejudice; exclamations of approval follow. Bankers and college presidents, judges and lawmakers, clergymen, exclusive society ladies, the rich and the poor, representatives of "all nations" often assemble near the great temple of our Lord, asking many questions, and expressing themselves as much pleased with the splendid, broad, hopeful and helpful doctrines.

692 IMPROVEMENT ERA. The company returns to the Bureau of Information. The guide often hears tourists at his side make such remarks as "I think you 'Mormon' people should be the best people on earth, with this beautiful temple work." "What a beautiful, hopeful belief you have!" In the bureau the tourists receive souvenir rocks, taken from the temple quarry. Attractive booklets of ninety-six pages,describing the building,and giving much information relating to the history and beliefs of the Latter-day Saints and to the resources and developments of Utah, are also given freely to the visitors. Doctrinal tracts are eagerly asked for. Tons and tons of literature are supplied freely to the tourists. They wonder at the excellent entertainment given them—all without charge. It is something they are unused to in their travels, and cheerfully they express their appreciation. "I have traveled the world over, and, without charge, I have received more here than at any other place," one gentleman remarked. Frequently the tourists wish to pay the guides, but the guide answers,"No; EAST RECEPTION ROOM—BUREAU OF INFORMATION.

THE BUREAU OF INFORMATION. 693 we do not accept money, but if you will be kind to one of our missionaries, whom you may chance to meet, we shall be fully repaid." And the missionaries throughout the world report that these visitors are kind to them, and wish to learn more of the belief of the Latter-day Saints. Notwithstanding the large amount of literature given the tourists, the Bureau of Information is self-supporting. The ladies and gentlemen who guide the companies through the buildings and grounds take much pleasure in doing so, and receive no monetary compensation for their labors. Like missionaries in the field, they delight in the spirit that comes in preaching the gospel, and they feel with the other many workers in the Church, "Freely you have received; freely give." Recent letters from mission presidents best tell the beneficial results coming from the Bureau of Information: From the Eastern States Mission:—The men and women who travel, either throughout their own country or in foreign lands, are as a rule a class of people who are coiners of sentiment; and to reach them and tell the true story of "Mormonism" is one of the most successful missions individuals can perform. Salt Lake City and the "Mormons" have been heard of throughout the civilized world; the faith of the Saints is the most talked of, and the least understood, of any religion upon the earth. There is scarcely a traveler, whether American or foreigner, who crosses the American continent without paying a visit to the City of the Saints. The workers at the Bureau of Information, who entertain them and tell them the story of "Mormonism," either by word of mouth, or by the written word, are performing one of the greatest missions of any who are called to labor in the missionary field. Elders laboring throughout the different parts of the world often come in contact with strangers who have been entertained by yourself and colaborers, and upon such occasions there is always a demonstration of your success. You reach the thinking class; you take them by the hand when filled with prejudice; you bid them goodbye with their hearts softened towards God's people, and send them back into the world to break down prejudice against us. May God continue to bless you in your work. Ben E. Rich. From the Northwestern States Mission:—Not one single day passes but our elders see the fruits of the splendid work of the Bureau of Information. Instead of the indifferent attention so often shown the elders in the years which have passed—it is no uncommon thing for the

, 694 IMPRO VEMENT ERA. door to open wide and a warm-hearted invitation to step in, extended by some one who has visited the Bureau, and feel indebted for kindnesses extended there. Many of this number are interested in our message, and have joined with us, and all have a kindly feeling not only for the Church but for Utah as well. May yourself and associates continue to sow the good seed, for we surely reap the harvest. Your brother, Melvin J. Ballard. From the Western States Mission:—I am free to say that there is no thing that the Church has taken up within a generation that is so farreaching in the accomplishment of good and allaying of prejudice as the Bureau of Information, which you have the honor to preside over. May the Lord continue to bless you and your efforts, as well as those associated with you in your great work, is my earnest desire. Very sincerely your brother, Jno. L. Herrick. From the Southern States Mission:—In this mission the results of the great missionary work being done by the Bureau of Information are seen almost every day. I have heard tourists on the trains, on the streets, and in their homes, relate their impression of Salt Lake City and the "Mormon" people, and they invariably praise Brigham Young and the pioneers. Editors and correspondents from the South, whom you and your associates have conducted through the Tabernacle and Assembly hall, write to their papers interesting and friendly articles about our people, the buildings on the temple grounds, the missionary work that is being carried on by the Bureau of Information, etc., and, as a general rule, we have no difficulty in securing space in these papers to refute the false statements of those who love and make a lie. The work of the Bureau is far-reaching. Some of your visitors, at the close of our street meetings greet the elders quite cordially. They insist upon the elders being accorded a respectful hearing. Some invite them to their homes. They speak of the kindly and courteous treatment they receive from the corps of missionaries connected with the Bureau of Information, and many of them have familiarized themselves with the contents of the literature you distribute. I wish you and your co-laborers continued success, for the grand work you are doing in helping the missionaries who are out on the "firing-line." Your brother in the gospel, Chas. A. Callis.