--- 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: 14 number: 11 published: 1911-09 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Preliminary Programs and Social Affairs," *Improvement Era* 14, no. 11 (September 1911): 1047–1061.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera14011unse 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: improvementera14011unse start_page: 1047 end_page: 1061 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1911-09) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera14011unse publication_year: 1911 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 1911, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Preliminary Programs and Social Affairs Preliminary Programs and Social Affairs. At the general conjoint officers meeting of the Y. L. and Y. M. M. I. A. held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday morning, June 4, 1911, President Heber J. Grant conducted the exercises. President Joseph F. Smith, a large representa- tion of General Board members and congregation of officers and members were pres- ent. President Anthon H. Lund led in prayer, and the Ensign male chorus sang. A full report of the proceedings follows: Preliminary Programs. BY ELDER B. S. HINCKLEY. No doubt, the primary reason for a discussion of preliminary programs at this meeting is that we have not held any conjoint officers' meeting, and the preliminary program is purely a con- joint affair. One feels in no way dis- posed to offer any apology for discuss- ing this seemingly commonplace theme in the most prominent place in the program of the entire conference when he considers its significance. I believe that I may say. with all kindness, that lazy makeshift prelim- inary programs are answerable for more failures in the ordinary meet- ings than any other one factor. Thirty minutes is assigned for the prelim- inary program. The time is long enough, and it is short enough. These programs have been in operation for a number of years, and wherever they have been carefully carried out they have resulted in immeasurable good to the association. In the first place, the preliminary program should be prepared by the officers of the association, or by a committee delegated by these officers to prepare the program. When it is delegated to a committee, the officers should exercise a careful censorship over the program, to see that nothing is presented that is not wholly in har- mony with the dignity and culture that should characterize Mutual Improve- ment work. The aims are very definite: In the first place, it is designed, by these programs, to give diversity to the ex- ercises and thereby make them more attractive. There is a percentage of people who will, out of sheer force of duty, attend the dryest meetings; but the people whom we wish to reach must be appealed to; we must have something that will enlist their inter- est and thus induce them to come to the association. The second reason for providing these programs is to encourage a broader and better culture in the Im- provement work, to impart a general educational- atmosphere. The third reason is to cultivate the talents which are found in the associ- ations. Some very beautiful things have been said on preliminary programs at these conferences; and scarcely a Manual has ever been issued in whicli the preliminary program has not been given prominence in the preface, and in some Manuals the preliminary pro- grams have all been outlined. But, notwithstanding this, there seems to be some inefficiency on the part of those who have the matter in charge. Thinking this matter over, I am led to this conclusion: We should either have good creditable preliminary programs or none at all; and I am inclined to think that if you do not have prelim- inary programs the associations will suffer. Therefore, the only thing to do is to have good ones. I wish I knew how to lay it upon the hearts of the brethren and sisters who have this matter in charge, so that they would give it that serious thought which it is entitled to receive. About nine or ten words tell it all: The preliminary program must be thought out; worked out; and, carried out. It must not be left to those who have not a direct and specific interest in the work. I am bold to say that where the preliminary program is what it should be, your associations are eminently successtul; and I think it would be very difficult, indeed, to find a successful association where the preliminary program is a failure. Now, in the first place, would it not be a good thing for the stake super- intendents, with the stake boards, to get together and determine upon what 1048 IMPROVEMENT ERA. they shall do in the way of prelimin- ary programs for the coming season; plan the affair; think it out; and, if needs be, do what has been done, with marked success, in one of the stakes of this city — present to the ward offi- cers a typical and ideal preliminary program? Show the ward officers how to do it. After the thing is outlined, it takes so much careful, detailed work to have everything prepared and car- ried out properly. You can ask a man if he will take part on the pro- gram. He will say, "yes," with a sort of apathetic and indifferent air. Prob- ably he will be there, and probably he will not; but if you make him feel the importance of going there with a careful and thorough preparation, and get a definite answer out of him; see that his car-fare is provided, and that he knows exactly the time and every detail connected with it, he will be there, in all probability, and he will make the necessary preparation. Then check up every man and every wom- an who has a part to take, and see that they are impressed with the im- portance of the part assigned them. This means a great deal of work, and work in this, as in everything else, spells success. After the thing is all outlined, and all prepared, then it is very important to see that they are there, and that the program com- mences on time, and that it is con- ducted with order, dignity, and dis- patch. We have had a good deal of experience in this; we had some yes- terday,— if you will pardon me for di- verting. It is not such a difficult thing to get men enlisted in athletic events, but it is a tremendous task to get them there and get them on their marks. There are some things which we should avoid, and some things which we should do. Avoid scolding in the preliminary program; that is not what it is for. I never saw a boy that you could not drive away from the home, or anywhere else, if you kept up a good systematic process of scolding. Second, — avoid sermonizing; that is not what the preliminary program is for, and that is not always attractive. Third, — avoid delays and makeshifts, due to a lack of preparation. Oft- times the preliminary program is im- provised; they get anybody they can to take part, anybody who happens to be there. The preliminary program should be free from sensationalism, from personalities, from burlesques, from announcements as far as possi- ble. It must not be too long; thirty minutes is the time. Hold to it. Things to be observed: In the first place, there must be a general fitness of things; there is so much in that phrase "the eternal fitness of things!" There should be a proper adjustment of the time and the lesson to the sea- son of the year. It should be inspir- ational, it should contain an appeal to the highest and best that is in one. It should be artistic and well selected. The preliminary program is made up of two distinctive parts — the devo- tional exercises and the educational part of it. The devotional exercises are made up of singing and prayer, and the educational side of it is made up of essays, readings, recitations, and so forth; instrumental and vocal mu- sic, current events, and whatever else that could and ought, with wisdom, to be introduced here. It seems to me that the atmos- phere of the meeting depends upon the opening — the singing primarily; this is such an important factor. In attending associations, we sometimes get the idea that they are mere classes; they seem to be devoid of that fine element of worship, that ele- ment which lifts the soul and inspires men to think and to do things of an elevated and noble type. I think that we ought to exercise the greatest care to commence the meeting with a prop- er spirit; and nothing will contribute so much to that sanctifying feeling as good singing. There isn't anything that so depresses a person of refined sensibilities as to listen to mechani- cal, listless, make-shift singing. There- fore, let the singing be prepared in time. Have everything ready; and at the given moment start it off. It is a nice thing to teach boys to pray in the association; and what a serious thing it is, if the spirit of prayer is not there, to have a boy or any one else pray. It was reported that in some asso- ciations the preliminary programs would be made up of one exercise — a boy or girl would read a piece, a play, or a novel, unduly long; or at- tempt to give, in fifteen minutes, a synopsis of some book. This part often is taken by young people who are inexperienced in these affairs, and as a consequence the work was unsuc- cessful. We are engaged in a great educa- tional work; and I believe if I were PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1049 superintendent of a stake, and was honestly, deeply, and religiously de- sirous of making the association a suc- cess, I would lay, I was going to say, compound stress on the preliminary program. Just try it for one year; whether you have anything else or not, have a good preliminary program. Sometimes it is thought advisable to put on the program boys and girls who are inexperienced and immature, who do their best but who do not suc- ceed very well in this. We recognize that there isn't anything more com- mendable than to discover the talent in the association, and bring it out; but it seems to me that it would be suicidal to continually put numbers in the preliminary program which would not encourage an attendance at the meeting, even if it did encourage the one who took part. They should be encouraged and fostered where it will not be done at such great expense. In Salt Lake City, and in some of the other stakes, they are blest with an abundance of talent. If my memory serves me, in the Ensign Stake they did something like this, which suc- ceeded beyond their expectations. They selected, for instance, for one evening, one of the great musical com- posers. They had some person give a fine character sketch of the com- poser, then they selected a few of the finest artists to play some of the pop- ular pieces of the great composer. This certainly carried with it a most commendable feature, so far as the general culture was concerned, and, besides that, it pleased the people, who came, and it resulted in an unusu- ally large attendance at these meet- ings. Then on another occasion they had children give the program. But the success of the matter was with those who had it in charge, who took the pains to see that every detail was finished and that every preparation was made for the exercises, and it was presented in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. As a result, a petition was sent to the General Board asking them to make provisions for a Parents' Class, a class for ma- ture men and women, in the associa- tion, so that they might take care of these older people who came to wit- ness the preliminary program. May the Lord bless us and help us in our endeavors to interest, edu- cate, and elevate the young people of our Church. Of course, running through all of this, must be an ele- ment which will promote faith in God and faith in good men and in good women. May the Lord bless us that we may be successful to this end, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. Social Affairs. BY MRS. EDITH R. LOVESY. My dear brethren and sisters, I trust that while I shall stand before you I shall be able to make myself heard; and I crave an interest in your faith and prayers, that the Spirit of God may assist me. As Mutual Improvement workers, the greatest desire in our hearts should be to serve God and keep His commandments, and, with His help, to teach the youth of Zion the way that they should go. This is a great re- sponsibility, and I feel it is a per- sonal one — to do all we can for Christ and His kingdom here upon the earth. Our young people are surrounded, on all sides, by every form of temptation — wealth, fashion, promiscuous pleas- ures; and the wiles of men are all working to draw them into by and forbidden paths. Our Mutual Im- provement boys and girls stand for all that is highest and best, so far as chastity, purity, and honesty are con- cerned; but, to a certain extent, we feel that some of them are lacking in grace of manner, and for this reason are misunderstood by the world at large. We, as a people, know there are not any better, cleaner, more whole-souled men and women upon the face of the earth than are the Lat- ter-day Saints; but we do not want the lack of a little outward polish to dim the true worth of the youth of Zion. We want them to cultivate a noble, attractive, every-day bearing in our social affairs, and in our mingling to- gether we should endeavor to so regu- late our actions that we will not bring pain and distress upon others. Let us always remember who we are and whom we represent. By our idle words and the acts of our idle times, we can be most fairly judged; and so, in our mingling together, we have ample op- portunity of showing what we are. One of our writers has said: "By our forms of amusement we show what is in our minds; and the use of our leisure is a sign-post showing whether our course tends towards sel- 1050 IMPROVEMENT ERA. fishness or towards greater brightness in the revelation of character and the service of mankind." Men not only work for existence and power but to obtain recreation as well. Nor do they toil just to increase the volume of ex- ports and imports, but they dream of happy hours of play. They picture themselves traveling in strange coun- tries, enjoying their leisure, or among the hill-tops, with gun and rod, or at the musical, or the drama. The love of pleasure cannot be denied; and un- less proper provision is made for its expression, it will turn into all sorts of appetites and soul-destroying pleas- ures. Therefore, let us rouse our- selves, as separate stakes and com- munities, and provide our young peo- ple with plenty of recreation and so- cial affairs. It is natural that youth should be joyous, and needful that they should be given relaxation, and diversion. Now, we all know what a holiday is, but the important thing is to know how to use it, else no good comes of it. Besides having leisure, it is necessary that we understand what constitutes recreation. Another of our writers has said it should include some excitement, some strengthening of the less used fibers of the mind or body.and the activity of the imagination. It should be something more stirring than loafing; something attractive, and not something undertaken as a duty. An exciting show stirs, but it does not strengthen the mind. Mere change, a fresh excursion every day, the spec- tacle of a contest — these wear out our powers; but, on the other hand, games well played fulfill the conditions, and there is no more cheering sight than that of playing fields where young and old are using their limbs intent on do- ing their best. One of the most not- able miracles of recreation is the use of the imagination. All our pleasure comes from within — and not from without. Children grow tired of their toys, men and women of their pos- sessions, but one never tires of the im- agination, which every day reveals something new. The majority of peo- ple think they must be amused; that they should put forth no effort on their own part; but the great secret lies in being able to amuse themselves; that is, their pleasures must come from the exercise of their own facul- ties of heart and mind. We know that if people do not enter whole-souled into that which we have planned for them and that which is before them, then no matter how hard we may try we can not entertain or please them. The Japanese are the greatest pleas- ure-takers in the world, because they have within themselves a taste for beauty and worked-out details, and wherever they go they enjoy the use of that taste. If we, in our mingling together, would be more observing, would take more interest in that which is planned for us; or if we are lovers of nature, and when taking interest in our outdoor sports, if we would interest ourselves more in the mys- teries of nature — her rocks, and plants, her rivers and hills — then we would go home refreshed. But, on the oth- er hand, if we lounge about, uncon- scious of people and conditions, and sit in a corner expecting everything to come to us, looking always for pleas- ure outside of ourselves, then we will go home unsatisfied and disappointed. We should not feel that the lull from our winter's work and our meet- ings, means an empty summer time. If the spirit of work be entirely cast aside, and our young people are left to drift without any well worked out plans, we may find this spirit of leis- ure, undisciplined, may work untold ruin. It is not enough, as officers, to plan popular amusement, but to be present to welcome, to direct, and to encourage their efforts. We would urge that the most of your recreations be planned outside, during the sum- mer months, for there is no greater tonic for tired brain or nerves than plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and con- tact with nature. You officers should plan to take crowds of your young people to places of interest in or near your towns; organize country walks, or excursions. Trips to the canyons are always a source of delight, but should never be considered, under any circumstances, unless older people are taken along. The parents could help their children to enjoy these trips more by pleasant talks around the evening table, teaching them what beauties to look for and encouraging them, on their return, to tell of their discoveries. This would do away with so much aimless wandering. With great care, we teach our young people how to work; but I think it is neces- sary to teach them how to enjoy their being; then they would not stand in the midst of nature's glories, all purple and golden, and green, and say: PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1051 "Which is the way to the scenery?" Then they could never feel dull, as they so often do now, when in the midst of such wondrous beauty. On these trips, have your plans def- initely worked out; arrange a commit- tee on outdoor games; cultivate the habit of devoting a part of your time to singing; and then do not start your roaming over crags and hills unless you do it in crowds. Do not allow your young people to wander any dis- tance from camp unchaperoned. Trips to the parks could be planned in the same manner, but always with proper precautions. Then, some evening, a long ride by team or carriage could be taken into the country, and upon returning serve light refreshments. Another evening, a long trolley ride could be planned, taking the parents along, and stopping en route at the home of one of the girls or boys for music or a refreshing hour. Musicals, well planned, whether at the home or at the church, are always a source of delight; and at these times endeavor to bring in your best talent, and also encourage latent talent in your midst. Dancing is a perfectly simple di- version, natural to youth and high spirits; and the desire to move in time and tune to music is instinctive to those in whom the sense of time and tune is strong; but we would strongly recommend and urge that the young people do not attend these pub- lic dance halls unless properly accom- panied. If our girls could only know how much of their womanly dignity they lose, as well as the respect of the public at large, they would not be seen at such places unchaperoned. Our Juvenile court officers report that the beginning of the downfall of the girls, now in the industrial school, is largely due to attending such places unchap- eroned. We would encourage those who have musical ability, and the power to lead, to organize bands in their communities. It is the making of small towns. Some of our stakes that have had them for a num- ber of years say their young people are more interested in their homes, take better part in their entertainments and in their holiday programs. We all know that music vitalizes as nothing else can; and a brass-band has the power to transform a crowd from a workaday into a holiday life. A number of our stakes are listen- ing to this appeal for recreation, and as a result are giving some of our young people work in gymnasiums; and they are planning their athletic meets, which include baseball, basket- ball, football, and all sorts of com- petitive races and contests. We feel to congratulate them, and would encour- age more to fall in line. With just a little expenditure of effort, bv the boys, and some small expense, every stake could have its tennis court, and its croquet ground as well, thus ooen- ing a wider field in which the girls may participate. I had thought I would like to give you some definite ideas on planned church socials, or home socials; but I feel that in order to be entirely suc- cessful, I would have to be closer to you than I am at the present time, in order that you might catch the de- tails. Therefore, I shall content my- self with giving you the names of some excellent books along these lines; and I feel safe in saying that when once they are in your possession, you will wonder how you got along with- out them : The first I will mention is Dame Curtsey's book of Novel Entertain- ments. This is for every day in the year, giving valuable suggestions on schemes for decorations, games, and lunches. The second is Dame Curtsey's book of Guessing Contests. So long as you have this book, you will never lack for anything along this line. The third is Gymnastic Games class- ified, by E. H. Arnold, M. D. This last will be invaluable to you in fur- nishing games for your canyon and park trips, and for your lawn socials and excursions. Why is it that young people, and older ones as well, always enjoy go- ing to some homes and some wards, for amusements, and social affairs, more than to others? It is because there is always some little surprise in store for them, something well planned, something worth while. In all that you do, let enthusiasm enter into it. Be enthused over your own schemes and plans, and take part yourself — else how can you expect to interest others? With some artistic decorations transform your dull halls into bowers of delight, which can easily be done in these days when materials are so cheap. Yes, it all takes a little work and forethought; 1052 IMPROVEMENT ERA. but that is always the way with any- thing worth while. "It is not more years that we require, But energy and inward fire; It is not time we lack — but will, And the ability to fill the days God gives to us. "The world wants men and women who are not afraid of deeds, Instead of those who cringe and quail before every little gale, And who emit the weakling's wail — If we had time." If you would save these young peo- ple, you must plan, and provide bet- ter places for their amusements — es- pecially in the outlying districts — and plan more forms of recreation for them. Too many of us plan only when there is money to be made, rath- er than for the pleasure that can be given or the good that can be done. We must furnish more forms of rec- reation for the young people, for with- out them religion will not have the same power to reach their hearts. I pray that we may each be able to take to ourselves, and to our homes, those things • that will be helpful to us,_ and that we shall endeavor to find enjoyment only in those things which will elevate and build us up; and let us be strong enough to avoid all pas- times and pursuits which will tend to tear us down, or destroy our high ideals. Again, I would like to say a word to the parents. Endeavor to take part more yourselves; do not leave all this responsibility upon the officers and teachers of the different asoci- ations. Plan out your occupation for each day, and devote a certain time to take part in most of these pleasures with your children. Lay aside some of the routine work — you will have your work to do long after it is too late to save the souls of these boys and girls. Let us be morally thoughtful about the forms of amusements we encour- age or patronize. I pray that you may have strength and courage and ability to do all that is reciuired at your hands; and I ask it, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. Social Affairs. BY EDWARD H. ANDERSON. It is related by a government geol- ogist who early visited Utah mat the "Mormon problem," then considered a very serious affair, would soon solve itself. This is how He had it figured out. There is a great fault plane in the Wasatch mountain.1, reaching from the Cottonwoods on th«. ^outh to the Warm Springs on the north. Upon this Salt Lake City is located. Dur- ing_ some time, since the Bonneville period, the surface of the ea^H north and south of this plane has fallen at various times some forty feet, indicat- ing great disturbances of the earth. This geologist contended that the plane upon which the city is located would be sure some day to drop down to the level of the adjoining land and so engulf the "Mormons" and settle the whole question. It would be a drop, too, a drop with a thud, for there is a distance of forty feet to go, and it will be remembered that in the late San Francisco cataclysm, the original cause was only a movement of about four inches. But the prediction of the govern- ment geologist can never now be ful- filled for the "Mormons" were not all kept on the fault-plane; they have grown out and scattered everywhere, so that even if Salt Lake City were engulfed, the "Mormon" problem would be as lively as ever. I learn two facts from this little story: first, it's a good thing to get off a fault-plane in case an accident hap- pens; and secondly, if you want to squelch anything, do it before it grows too big and scatters. Don't wait too long. The point of the illustration may be applied to our social affairs. If we re- side upon a social fault-plane liable at any time to engulf us, let us get off; and let us not be too long about it for fear our faults grow so rapidly that we cannot master them. Meaning of Social Affairs. Now as to the significance of social affairs : as members of the M. I. A. we are united by common interests. These are: first, our religion, and secondly, our special organizations, as well as our communities called stakes and wards. We are thus a society. Naturally we PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1053 have mutual relationships, friendly companionships. There is between us as a whole a natural understanding or intercourse, because our lives and pur- poses are distinctively shaped with reference to one another. We thus be- come disposed to be friendly and com- panionable— in other words social . That which is done, or is to be done in any proceeding or action in our social lives may be termed an af- fair. So that, in short, social affairs are the friendly and companionable rela- tionships and actions in which people with a common interest enlist. Social affairs in a broader sense em- brace the highest economic and ethical principles that can be applied to the problems of collective living. How the M. I. A. Can Help. But the purpose of this little talk is, to briefly introduce some of those so- cial affairs that might perhaps more appropriately come under the name of community duties, personal amenities, good manners, and conduct, and that with a view to get off the fault planes, for our own safety, and squelch the evils before they scatter and so be- come too formidable. Of course we can only help. Our 50,000 membership more or less, is only a small part of the community, but we are large enough to exercise great influence for good, healthful, clean amusements, self-respect, politeness and conduct among our communities if our ener- gies are rightly directed. We can greatly help the home influence, which, after all, is the basis of society action, and to which we must look for all tell- ing reforms, and we can largely sup- plement the best efforts of the Church authorities. I would think, therefore, that no Church, stake or ward officer can do as well in social affairs by ig- noring the Mutual Improvement or- ganizations as by making good use of them. I am happy to say that among the 62 stakes and 700 wards in Zion, only very few, three or four stakes at most and a small number of wards ig- nore the Mutual organization in form- ing committees to devise arrangements for providing amusement and recrea- tion for the young people. Nearly all, wisely as we think, make use of the members of our organization for the work and many of them have turned the social affairs over nearly entirely to the M. I. A. under the supervision of the proper Church authorities. Keep Holy the Sabbath Day. <\ In the first place, we stand for a1, strict observance of the Sabbath day. On this day we do none other thing than let our food be prepared with sin- gleness of heart, and sacrifice our thoughts and time to prayer, contem- plation, and to pay our devotions to God. The reason for this is that we may more fully keep ourselves un- spotted from the world. This firmly and effectively excludes from our thoughts excursions, parties, ball games, fishing, buggy and auto riding for pleasure, and every other sport on the Sabbath day. We believe in keep- ing holy the Sabbath day. A com- mendable example was shown us on the first Sunday in April by the driv- ers of the Wright aeroplanes, at Bon- neville field, near Saltair. The bleach- ers were filled with thousands, and the trains were carrying other thou- sands to see the birdmen fly for fun on that Sabbath day. But Brookins and Parmalee would not fly, for they held their usual telegraphic order from the good old Christian Wright broth- ers : "Remember the Sabbath day ; do not fly." No amount of taunts and cries of "You're afraid," "You're too good," changed their splendid deter- mination and purpose. Latter-day Saints, good members of the M. I. A., stand for this kind of determination, action, grit and conclusion. We hold an order more sacred than one from men. God has revealed to us the in- junction: "And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; "For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; "Nevertheless thy vows shall be of- fered up in righteousness on all days and at all times: "But remember that on this the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine obla- tions and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thv brethren, and before the Lord. "And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be pre- pared with singleness of heart that 1054 IMPROVEMENT ERA. thy fasting may be perfect, or, in oth- er words ,that thy joy may be full." We have one resort, Wandamere, in Utah, in Salt Lake City, and perhans many, I hope so at least, in the coun- try and the states surrounding, where every gate is locked upon the Sabbath day, and the spirit of peace and Sab- bath rest remains undisturbed. It is a financial success, too, and deserves to be. It is a witness that an amusement and recreation resort may be success- ful without liquor and Sabbath break- ing. The owners deserve the com- mendation of all Zion for the examole they have set. A Day for Amusement. But then, as young men and women of the Church, we would be pleased to have, instead of a sporting Sunday, a day or part of a day during the week for public social amusements and re- creation, when we may be free to en- joy ourselves in games, picnics, rides, excursions, etc., under proper direc- tion and always, of course, pledging ourselves to such personal and com- munity conduct as shall stand the test of good society. Opposed to Cards. Next, we are opposed to cards and card clubs, because card playing be- gets a spirit of gambling, undue spec- ulation, and awakens that unquench- able desire to get something for noth- ing that always ends in disaster. Fur- ther our time is too precious to waste in games that end in dull stupor, a complete destruction of religious feel- ing, a spirit of indolence, and an inor- dinate desire for narcotics and stimu- lants. With President Smith we de- clare ourselves "opposed to cards and card playing in any and all forms and Under any and all conditions." We prefer instead intellectually profitable and healthful games and pastimes such as chess, checkers, authors, char- ades, and the like. Only the other day I was shown a plea from a poor un- fortunate wife whose husband has fal- len a prey to cards and drink — for drink follows cards as sure as night follows day. She was pleading that her friend, who was an authority in the Church, would use his faith and prayers in behalf of her husband. She writes: "My husband loves his family and would do most anything for us, but cards and drink are slowly but surely dragging him from our home. It seems to have a power over him which he is unable to resist. He has often tried to stop, but as often failed. He is just a young man. I am the mother of two. I have done everything I could, but to no avail. Give me your faith." Owning Amusement Halls. One other thing needed; in too large a number of the stakes of Zion public amusement places, instead of being owned by the wards and man- aged by our organizations, are held by ordinary private corporations who therefore devise, direct, and control the amusements of the young people, always with an eye to the main chance for gathering the dollar. While some of the socials offered are fairly good, it is often the case that no protection is vouchsafed the young people except their own often wavering power of self-control. It is a condition that needs remedy. The importance of owning our own halls and of controll- ing and directing the social amuse- ments and recreations of our commu- nity is only second to controlling and directing their moral and religious training, and has besides an immense bearing on these for good or ill. Hence, the Church or her organiza- tions may well count it a sacred duty to provide and control amusement halls. The time was in our commu- nity when public dance halls, erected to make dancing and other recreation a money making business, where any person with the dollar had as much right as any other person, were ta- booed; it will come again when we wake up to the fearful danger of turn- ing our sons and daughters out to be entertained and taught and trainee' in social conduct by people and corpora- tions who have not the slightest inter- est in their character or welfare except as relates to the fees they bring. We favor our own halls, and these to be conducted without regard to the ques- tion, "Will it pay?" Every social func- tion conducted with that question in view, let it be by the Church or the private corporation, is a social failure. Though a social success need not necessarily be a financial. failure. Having a Good Time. Now, as to the amount of amuse- ment we ought to have. We should be willing to train ourselves to moder- PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1055 ation. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but all plav and no work makes Jack a useless shirk. The well-balanced boy who has resp ct for himself does not insist on going sor-.e- where for amusement seven nights a week. He cuts it down to one or at most two, always by permission in ad- vance of father and mother, and then he always has a definite place to go. When father or mother asks, as they always should, "Where do you go to- night?" he never answers, "Oh, just down town," or "Just out with the boys," or sulks and ignores the ques- tion, as if it were an impertinence on the part of his parents! He gives a definite, cheerful answer, naming the place and company, and you may be sure he is where he said he would be. This gives father and mother rest and peace and confidence in his word, and every son and daughter owes them that. Furthermore, boys and girls owe them cheerful obedience. In case it is their wisdom and pleasure to say no, the boy or girj is to cheerfully ac- quiesce. To do so shows due respect, admirable self-control, a manliness and womanliness leading through obe- dience and sacrifice, to the founding of true character. Obedience to duty is the basis of a proper education. No amount of scientific knowledge or scholastic learning in the arts and sci- ences, can compare with the import- ance of being in possession of a cor- rect understanding of one's duties to God and his fellow men; of having a right conception of the responsibilities that all good men and women must assume. The curse of the world is selfishness. The curse of society is selfishness. The blight of happiness is selfishness. On the contrary the bless- ings of life are generated in unselfish service, in unselfish obedience and in a recognition of and a willingness to be disciplined by constituted authority. We hear much of the duty of parents to their offspring, and our Juvenile Courts are prone, and often justly, to lay at the feet of father and mother the responsibility for the waywardness of their children; but if that be true, it is the effect of early not teaching them the glory of discipline, the ma- jesty of obedience, and the pusillani- mity and cowardice of selfishness. If they have been rightly taught these truths so that they have a correct un- derstanding of duty, the parents are not to blame, but the children on the other hand will be held responsible for neglect of duty. When duty whis- pers, "you must," the young man and young woman should be disciplined to answer cheerfully, "I can and I will." If no such answer is forthcoming the responsibility rests with the young person who has been properly trained. By the time children are fourteen years of age, they should know their duty and failing to do it should be held largely responsible for the con- sequences. You never find a boy who understands his duty wasting his leis- ure hours in loud guffaws, evil talk, and dirty stories, on the street corners, in the grocery, or the blacksmith shop. You never find him in the pool room or the saloons. Those places are to him inattractive social failures. He devotes his leisure hours to some use- ful hobby or to clean mental or ohysi- cal recreation. He has learned that to get the most benefit out of any good thing one must earn it by modera- tion, obedience, and self-denial — not by self-indulgence and waywardness. What Can We Provide? Now a few thoughts on what we can do, socially, as associations, and our conduct personally in doing it. "Speak- ing candidly," says Superintendent E. M. Ashton of Liberty Stake, "where our social events have been neglected, our Mutuals have suffered severely. On the other hand, where the ward officers have been inclined to lead in social affairs, our organizations have been full of strength and vigor through the whole season. I would urge that all of our Mutual officers get closer to the boy by introducing as many social events during the season as can be arranged." Suggestions. I asked the stake superintendents to name some things that can be, and have been, done socially in our asso- ciations. I gather these items from their replies: In hundreds of wards debates were held; and in some, one Tuesday night of each month was set apart for so- cials of various kinds. In several wards reported and in one or two stakes a professional danc- ing teacher was employed who taught the young people the art of dancing under the officers' direction and care. Good came of this venture; the de- 1056 IMPROVEMENT ERA. corum of the dances became better, and it was pleasing to note the im- provement in the grace with which the boys and girls danced. In some Salt Lake City wards the officers took their classes to the Des- eret Gymnasium for a swim; in others, in different parts of the Church, games of all kinds were played in the ward halls directed by the class leaders, fol- lowed by the serving of light refresh- ments. In others, the class teachers entertained their classes at their homes, where games, and plays were engaged in and sometimes music, reci- tation and songs. In one case the art of learning to converse intelligently upon living topics of interest was mentioned. In an increasing number of the stakes an annual M. I. A. "day" is being established in which the young people engage in athletic sports, and games of all kinds and dancing, musical, oratorical, and story telling contests, and give literary and religious programs, read stories, es- says and poems, and present lectures and exercises from the manuals. This day is a reflex of activities and exer- cises that have in a smaller way_ en- gaged the attention of the associations in the wards during the past season. In some of the stakes dramatic clubs were formed, both for stake and ward performances. The wards in Granite Stake sought each to get one ^lay and then visit among all the wards of the stake to present their play. In this way the plan was to have each ward enjoy several plays and only prepare one. The stake committee visited and aided in the setting and presentation of the plays, and chose a different play for each ward, and two for the stake. The people who attended were well satisfied, and it was believed the scheme would eventually prove a very great success, and that a great deal of good can be accomplished in this par- ticular field. In many stakes and wards, officers held home parties at the president's home or the home of an officer. For social pleasure and education these were very enjoyable. One city with several wards reports a number of splendid socials in the opera house, gotten up for all that could be reached, particularly for boys and girls who feel that they have been too br.d for consideration. In this way many de- linquents have fallen in love with the Mutuals and been started on a better way. It has been a great factor in the missionary labor of redemption from evil ways — the backbone of our organization's efforts. "We like to get the wayward boy to feel that if he will live right, he is just as good as the best man in the country, no matter how poor in worldly toggs the boy may be," writes Supt. Ernest P. Hors- ley. In a number of stakes there were canyon trips, meadow outings and lawn parties which are pronounced very attractive to the boys and girls where properly conducted and directed by the officers. On the other hand, in many of the stakes there is no at- tempt at directing these outings by the M. I. A. or any other officers.. The young people make up the parties themselves — sometimes they result in good and sometimes in evil. Some- times older people go along as direc- tors, but often the young people go alone, which I would say is very im- proper. In some stakes there were inter- changes of entertainment by the wards, one whole ward entertaining another, the program consisting of refreshments, short speeches, songs and dancing. In some wards, halls are fitted up where basketball may be played un- der direction of the officers; clubs are organized for this game, and under proper supervision contests with other wards are arranged for. It will be seen from these state- ments that the officers of our organ- izations in many cases are actively en- gaged in social affairs. The task is a heavy one, and the labors and respon- sibilities are great. In a sense our of- ficers stand in these social functions in place of the parent, with parents' duties and responsibilities resting up- on them. Everything that can be said relating to the duties of parents in the social amusement, government, and control of their children may be said in perhaps a modified degree of our officers. They have much to do to form public opinion in these respects. So that the duties of children to par- ents relating to social affairs apply to some extent also to our officers. Chaperonage. A word should be said as to ~hap- eronage in our public outings. The common sense of the community will PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1057 advise how far the custom of strict society circles should govern in this matter, or where more liberal inter- pretations should be given. Affairs in rural neighborhoods differ from those in the cities. Chaperonage need not be as strict in the country as it should be in the city. What is safe, sensible, and refined in the country, in any par- ticular instance, may be most unsafe freedom in the city, where all circles are constantly invaded by new-comers and transients whose record is un- known even to those who introduce them. The frank friendliness in good form in the country, would be very unwise and a great mistake in the city. I am free to confess that the indif- ference of parents and guardians in permitting young girls and boys to go alone to dances, pleasure resorts, and the places of amusement in this city is appalling. Go to any pleasure re- sort and witness for yourself. Here are scores of young girls mixing in the amusements or taking part in the dance without responsible attendants to supply restriction to their inexperi- ence. On late trains from the lake you will find the conduct of this class of unrestricted boys and girls so dis- gusting as to lower one's whole esti- mate of the social status of the people. Young ladies go to certain dance halls which, strange to say, are advertised as respectable, unaccompanied, and young men of all classes meet them there, and are permited to dance with them and even accompany them home. There are injudicious picnics, long, lonely walks, undesirable excursions, abused buggy riding, and other so- called amusements in which young people of tender age indulge that should never be permitted by parents, nor desired by the young people. Talk about "mother's wisdom to supply the deficiencies of her daughter's inex- perience, mother's love to enfold her daughter in unspoken sympathy, mother's approbation to rest upon her dutiful conduct like a benediction!" — mothers are in dangerous sleep to permit such untoward conduct. It is not desired to curtail the le- gitimate pleasures of any person, but for the sake of the young oeople themselves they should be willing to act in all cases in conformity with good usage. No girl should permit herself to go alone to any place of amusement, for the sake of her own good name. Of course, a girl goes to work alone. It is accounted both lady-like and praiseworthy for a young woman who is well born and bred to support her- self by honorable employment that holds her to business hours, and th;s work is a shield and protection to her from impertinent intrusion during those hours. Her destination is un- derstood, her purpose is legitimate. A girl who thus alone goes to work needs no guardian; and she therefore often comes to think that if she can go alone to an office, she can as well go alone to a theatre, a dance, an ex- cursion, or a drawing-room party. So she goes; but she makes a mistake, for conditions are changed. On social occasions she appears without ihe shield and armor of her work, and therefore she needs and should have a watchful guardian, for she can • it defy the social law without losing the dignity and exclusiveness that char- acterizes the well bred woman. Men respect most the guarded girl, think- ing her worth taking care of, and as something with which they dare not be unduly familiar; hough they act "smart" with the girl who ignorantly goes about unattended. A girl to go alone to an open resort or a public dance must have an unusual measure of native dignity and innocence to es- cape the "fresh" mpertinence of "smart" men and boys along the streets, and who have gathered at the hall — men whose finer sensibilities are deadened by the surfeit of over-indul- gence and excess, and who a e not worthy of good society, because they have lost their self-respect. Value of Out Door Activities. But these remarks apply to the in- dividual. There can be no doubt that our officers should engage with the young people in their amusements, particularly in their public socials. In regard to the value of out door social activities nearly all the superintend- ents are agreed, but of the method of chaperoning, Supt. Frank Evans of the Ensign Stake strikes the keynote and is in harmony with the general idea. He says: "We have not up to the present time had out-door social affairs, but I think this could be made a very profitable and interesting mode of entertain- ment during the summer, and on such occasions I believe it would be well to have the young people chaperoned. 1058 IMPROVEMENT ERA. I would not have them made con- scious of the fact that they were be- ing watched, but would rather inci- dentally arrange for the presence of the older people with them to take charge of their excursions and at the same time to take part therein with the young people." The duty of our associations is made clearer by a statement from a superintendent in a northern stake: "Rarely do any of the Mutuals plan mountain trips or other outings. But trips of the kind are often planned by the young people themselves, inde- pendent of any organiaztion. I cannot say how they are chaperoned, but ru- mors sometimes reach us that the conduct of the young people is quite unbecoming." That these out-door social activities are of great value in our work appears from the remarks of a number of superintendents: Jesse M. Baker of Teton: "These socials get the M. I. A. workers near- er together and the effect is fine. Our officers act as chaperones." Ernest P. Horsley, Brigham City: "Our outings have been successful. We approve of them. The canyon and meadow outings are very attrac- tive to our boys and girls, and tend to a mutual good feeling. We think the older members of the association should go along on these and other outings to act, in an unknown way, as chaperones. I prefer to have the young people with the older members rather than with someone who is un- derstood to be watching and caring for them as chaperones. We are go ing to try and interest our boys and girls in trips near home. You can put us down as against stakes going on such outings as to the lake, and such like, far trips, under conditions prevailing in the past. We feel that more harm than good has come of them on account of late hours, dark cars," etc. Now in all our outings and socials there are a thousand details of con- duct that should be taught and ob- served, and the wise officer will watch his opportunity to impress these at the right time, and place so that the members may improve in their man- ners, conduct, and social actions. The key-note is to be agreeable. Enjoy- ment is enhanced by reciprocity, and good conduct by self-effort and self- respect. I just desire to say a word on a so- sial pleasure which is much neglected among us — intelligent conversation — "sweetest banquet of the mind." Class teachers and other officers have a large field for doing good in teach- ing the joy there is in intelligent con- versation. The teacher may invite his class for an evening's conversation on books, on music, on art, plays, charm- ing people, authors, artists, lectures, travel, amateur photography, bicy- cling, golf, tennis, botanizing, and cur- rent news of the valuable kind. One can easily see what a field lies here before us in discussing these topics, and localizing them to suit the needs and intelligence of the members. Proper direction of current conversa- tion would soon change from the or- dinary street corner, and gate post chatter to such topics as have been named. We would soon learn how vulgar and plebeian common gossip is, and how useless as a pastime. Dress, domestics, and diseases would be dropped — and loafer's talks, even worse than these, would fall into dis- use. We would learn to talk of things not people; or if we spoke of persons we would speak of them as if they were present. Summary. To summarize. The M. I. A. can help materially in forming a healthy public opinion on social affairs, if of- ficers are made use of in ward amuse- ment committees, or take part a.c they should in helping to provide for their own members, legitimate moral, mental, and physical entertainment. We call for a strict observance of the Sabbath day, but demand a week day for recreation and sports, believ- ing we can do more physical work and better religious labor, if this be granted. We are opposed to cards, and every other game of chance, even as we oppose the open saloon to which cards lead. We favor the Church owning amuse- ment halls and grounds, wherever possible, and believe that financial gain should not be the leading pur- pose in the conduct of entertainments. We believe in having a good time, but not in overdoing pleasure-seeking, for our desire is to be self-respecting, and to have a serious object in life, being dutiful to our parents and use- ful to the community and to ourselves. PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1059 As officers we wish to get closer to the boys and girls, that we may im- press them with self-respect, and the majesty of being men and women of consequence in the world. To this end we desire to take part in, and di- rect to the best advantage their rec- reations and amusements; we have therefore actively engaged in a vari- ety of socials, and desire to do even more effective work in these lines. We think it manly and womanly to engage in conduct that is above re- proach, and to this end favor such chaperonage as shall best suit our conditions, and most effectively pro- mote the welfare, courtesy, and good behavior and manners of our mem- bership. We favor clean language; and an increasing development in the power of conversation, so that our minds may be treasuries of entertain- ing stories, timely quotations, and helpful thoughts, thus enabling us to contribute an intelligent part to what- ever subjects may arise in society or life. In short: We believe strongly in the cultivation of religious thought and feeling. We seek the best and most vigorous development of mind, morals, and muscle. We stand for strict social purity, innate good breed- ing, charm of manner and unfailing courtesy; and seek to impress upon our membership the eternal principles of kindness, thoughtfulness, unselfish- ness, and the proper regard for the rights and feelings of others. BY MRS. ZINA B. CANNON. My brethren and sisters, I feel that Sister Lovesy and Brother Anderson have covered almost every point that one could think of in regard to social affairs; so I can only give a little of our experience in the Granite Stake, and possibly speak a little further on some points that have impressed me. The president of our stake has given the presidency of the Young Ladies' and the superintendencv of the Yjoung Mens' association charge of the amusements, during the past two years; and I can say, from our ex- perience, that I feel it is a very good thing for the presidents of these as- sociations to have charge of the amusements. I can see the benefits of it. I know that where we have con- trol of the amusements of the young people we have more influence with them. If we mingle with them in their amusements, we become better acquainted with them, and a fellow- ship grows up between us that would not otherwise exist. Consequently, we have more influence with them in their regular work; and I feel, too, that their amusements are quite as impor- tant as their regular work. There- fore, if we can control their amuse- ments, we are doing them a great good. I believe that in our amuse- ments we should be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, and by the com- mandments of the Lord, just as much as in our work; and there is one com- mandment that was not mentioned this morning that I would like to re- peat. It is found in the 88th sec- tion of the Doctrine and Covenants, 124th verse: " * * Retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." I feel that in our amusements we break this commandment to a great extent, and I wish that our social affairs could be so arranged that we would not have to break this commandment contin- ually. I take it that this command- ment is just as important as the Word of Wisdom. Though it did not come in the section known as the Word of Wisdom, to me it is just as important as any one that comes there; and if we break this commandment, it is just as bad as using tea and coffee, or tobacco; because we are undermining our health. We see the bad effects of it. I feel the bad effects of it my- self; I see it in young people; I see it in my own daughters. It seems that nearly all of our amusements are at night — and late at night, mostly, when we should be sleeping and rest- ing. I know that the next day, after the young people have been out late, they are weary and languid and unable to perform the duties of life as they should. I feel that way myself, and I notice it in others. I know that many things which were carried on in the day time, heretofore, are taken up in the evening. One instance — There is the commencement exercises of our schools, which were once held in the morning; they are now nearly all held in the evening, beginning late, eight o'clock, and very often half-past eight, and continuing till eleven o'clock, and sometimes the young people are till twelve o'clock getting to bed. It seems to me that this is entirely un- 1060 IMPROVEMENT ERA. necessary, and that wc should encour- age anything that could be had in the day time instead of at night, when we should rest. I want to speak especially of danc- ing, as in our stake we have, under the encouragement and assistance of our president, endeavored to make some changes in dancing. If I understand it correctly, dancing should promote health and strength, and grace of body; but it seems to me that the way in which it is carried on, very often, these things are not promoted. In the first place, our young people begin to dance just when they should retire; and I think that physical exercise, tak- en when the body should be resting, will not promote the health and strength of the body. Again, the danc- ing is carried on, very often, in crude, ill ventilated rooms, with high heels, tight shoes, and tight clothing. Any one who knows anything about physi- cal culture will know that this is not conducive to the development of the body. I know that when I was a girl I always felt tired and worn out the next day, after going to a dancing party, and I know that my own daugh- ters do. Therefore, I do not think that it develops their health and strength. I know that the most en- joyable dancing I ever engaged in was in a physical culture class, conducted by Miss Babcock, where we dressed hygienically and took our exercises in a well ventilated room, not in close contact with other people. I think our dance, too, has anything but the good moral effect that it should have; and it does not always develop grace either. Many of you, likely, have ob- served dancing which has been very disgusting to you on account of the attitudes assumed by those dancing. It is not pleasing to see; and you would know that such dancing would not develop good grace, or good feel- ing, or moral feeling in the minds of the young people. I would say that in our stake we have been endeavor- ing to overcome these things. Last year we engaged a teacher from the University of Utah, Miss Delaney, to teach young people who came from the various wards to the stake taber- nacle, once a week, one hour, eight to nine o'clock; and we expected these young people to take home the things that they learned and teach them to the young people in their own wards. She, of course, taught them proper dancing, and gave them new dances. There is so much monotony about our dancing today. This is unnecessary, because there are so many new dances that can be introduced. I think, too, that dancing should encourage socia- bility; but where they engage in round dances all the time, sociability is not developed as it should be, be- cause they do not mingle together as they- should. This teacher taught them many dances where they could mingle together, have a jolly time, and get acquainted with everybody. I think our young people should be encouraged to take their pleasure, at least some of their pleasure and amusements, in their own homes, not. alone with those whom they invite, but with father, mother, brothers, and sisters. It seems to me that some of our young people go so much, and mingle in other society so much that they are strangers to their fathers and mothers, their brothers and sisters. They feel as though they may come there only for duty, and to eat, and sleep, and get wearing apparel, and then go away again for pleasure and amusement. One thing especially, in our stake, which I think will counter- act this to some extent, we use Tues- day evening as Home Evening. That evening, the family gather around the family altar, or fireside, and enjoy the evening together, — that is, if they car- ry out the instructions of the stake authorities. I know it has been very successfully carried out by some fam- ilies. I have heard them express themselves that they would not lose their Home Evening meeting. They not only teach the gospel to one an- other, but they have games together, amusements, and engage in conversa- tion, as Brother Anderson has sug- gested. I think every young person should be encouraged to develop some accomplishment by which he or she can entertain others. Sister Lovesy touched upon this; that the one who sits in the corner is the one who does not have a good time. I believe that every young person has a talent which should be developed, by which she can entertain others; and the person who entertains is the happy person :_but the person who has no accomplishment and can not entertain any one else is the one who is most miserable in com- pany. I remember when I was young, and I know it is so now, especially in our outlying districts, that dancing is the principal amuesment, and that we PRELIMINARY PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS. 1061 indulge mainly in amusements which appeal only to the outward senses. But, it seems to me, that the amuse- ments can appeal to the intellect, to the aesthetic nature, and can develop us in those respects. They certainly do develop whether we want them to or not; they either develop in the way I have just stated, or the oppo- site. We can just as well enjoy our- selves, and at the same time become cultured and developed; therefore, I think we should have story telling contests, and debating, as well as all kinds of amusements; and let us see to it that every young person in the village or town is brought out, and their talents developed; give them a chance to develop that which is in them. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may be with us, and that His blessings may attend us in our amuse- ments,— in the name of Jesus. Amen. BY MRS. RACHEL GRANT TAYLOR. My brethren and sisters, There is but one thought that comes to my mind. We have heard how much our young people need these amusements, and I wanted to dwell on the thought — how much we need the amusements, in order to sympathize and work with the young people as we should in their regular class work. In our associa- tions we have so many different peo- ple to consider. Of course, I am ac- quainted with the Young Ladies' asso- ciation, especially. You have young ladies from fourteen up in your association. There is a dear, old sister, sixty or sev- enty, who hardly ever misses one of our meetings. There are all these different people to be satisfied — not only in lesson work but in amusements. In our lesson work, we are divided into classes, so that we can meet the needs of every one of our different members; and I feel that a step should be taken in the direction of meeting this requirement in our amusements. We have a party, and probably, as Sister Cannon says, it is a dancing party. There is only a certain class of our association that would really have an enjoyable time there. I feel that we as class leaders cannot do our work properly unless we have amusements for our own classes. We cannot get to know our pupils in our class work as we will if we work with them in a social way, and in working with them in this so- cial way, let the ones you should work with do most of the work. In this way you get to know more of their natures and of their needs, and you can help them out better in the class work. I like the term "class leader," and I want, also, that we should be social leaders in our classes — gather the girls around us; take them to our own homes. There is a different feeling, some way, when we take them to our homes and make them feel that welcome there. In some of our cities, I have noticed, there grows up class distinction, and this we must break down. We have things of this nature to battle against, in the city, which you do not have in the country districts. Again, our mem- bership changes, the great majority, year after' year, and as they come to us in some of our big associations in the city, it means that practically half of our enrollment are people we have never seen. We have to get acquaint- ed with them and learn their tastes and their needs. We want to learn the needs of these people, and mingle with them, and bring them into our homes. We must make them feel that they are on an equality; that we are all brothers and sisters. We can do it in this way, as I said, and carry on our class work proper, and meet the needs and aim of our Mutual Im- provement work — to build up a testi- mony of the gospel; we must do that. So, we need this social work more, probably, to our own advancement and to prepare us the way we should be prepared and qualified to carry on this work successfully — I say, we need these amusements, perhaps, more than they do themselves; and I hope that we may have that spirit. I hope that we may keep young, with the young people, for it is only in this way that we can win their hearts and confi- dence. No amount of preaching to them, and giving them their lessons, will accomplish this without that feel- ing that you sympathize with them; that you, can understand the junior class, for example, some night when they get the "giggles." That is what we have to understand. Stern words will not help; we must remember the time when we were junior girls. This social work, and having them help us in our socials will do it as nothing else can. May God help us in this work, I ask, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.