Priesthood Quorums’ Table

Priesthood Quorums' Table. Important Report of the Priesthood Committee — In a report dated Salt Lake City, Oct. 6, 1911, and which was read at the priesthood meet- ing at the general semi-annual conference, the needs and importance of the quorums are set forth: To the officers, teachers, and members of the Quorums of Priesthood in the Church. Dear Brethren: — In a revelation on Priesthood, given thro gh Joseph the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, 183S, the following admonition is found: Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand. The two principal elements of these summarizing paragraphs are, first: The learning of one's duty; second: The faithful pe formance of duty. These two purposes should ever be kept in mind by priesthood quo- rums. Indeed, men who hold the authority of the priesthood are united in quorums to the end that individuals may learn why the priesthood was given them, what it comprehends, and how the power they hold may be best exercised in establishing truth and righteousness among men. The priesthood meetings, monday nights, are only a means to this end. They are supposed to be favorable opportunities fo receiving increased knowledge of the gospel; of learning one's duty, and of receiving special appointments for labor during the week. Now, upon whom does the responsibility of giving this instruction depend? Plainly, upon the presiding authority of each quorum; for the Lord has specifically stated that the duty of officers is to sit in council with the members of their quorum, and to teach them according to the covenants. In may cases, the presidents of quorums, and stake or ward authorities, have appointed special instructors; indeed, this is a necessity where quorums are divided into several classes, as many of them are. Thus the direct responsibility of teaching devolves upon (1st) the officers of the quorum, and (2nd) upon class instructors. Upon the efficiency of these brethren as leaders and teachers depends the success of quorum work. If these men be careless in their habits, neglectful of their prayers, indolent in their study of the gospel, unheedful of the need of the guid- ing influence of the Holy Spirit, their success in their classes and quorums is impossible. Preparation of Instructors. It is, therefore, urged as the present greatest need in the Priesthood movement that the best judgment be exercised in the appointing of class instructors, and that some provision be made in each stake whereby these teachers may themselves be taught. In several of the leading stakes, such provision is made at the regular monthly priesthood meeting. Here every officer and class instructor, and

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 93 as many members as can possibly attend, are expected to be present. After general opening exercises and instructions from the stake authorities, the officers of each quorum then devoted an hour or so to special consid- eration of its outlines, lessons and duties. In this way the leaders in the various quorums receive renewed encouragement and additional inspira- tion in their work, and by subsequent study and necessary application, they meet their classes full of the true spirit of the lesson; and members of the class are led to drink, not at a stagnant pool, but at a clear, spark- ling fountain of truth. Members as Teachers. This thorough preparation of officers and instructors, by study and also by faith, is emphasized as the first necessary condition leading to the awakening of interest and a desire to study on the part of quorum members. Certain it is that not only officers and instruc- ors are to learn their duty and to act in all diligence in the performance of it, but every man in the quorum as well; and to this end all stake and ward authorities are urged, first, to teach the instructors how to teach; and second, having led quorum members to learn what their duty is, to make intelligent assignments that each member may exercise his priest- hood effectively among the saints whom he may be called to teach. Thus, every man who holds the Priesthood becomes a teacher as the Lord intends he should be. Ward Teachers. In this connection, the duty of the ward teacher should be considered one of the most important callings in the Church. He who labors in this capacity is never free from the responsibility of teacher. His duty is not wholly performed when he visits the homes in his district once a month; but, as the Lord says, in Doc. and Cov. section 20, he is to watch over the Church always, to be with and strengthen them. In this constant care and supervision the ward teacher encourages each individual member of the Church to perform his duties faithfully, whether that duty be preparation of lessons, payment of tithing, observing the Word of Wisdom, keeping holy the Sabbath day, living at peace with his neighbors, or attendance at sacrament meetings. In illustration of this point, the following incident may be cited: In a ward fast meeting held not long ago, a brother in giving his testimony quoted impressively from the Book of Mormon; following him a ward teacher arose and prefaced his remarks by expressing his gratifica- tion at seeing so many of the members of his district present, and then added, "I wish to call your attention again to the quotation given from the Book of Mormon by Brother — I suggest that you read the entire chapter, and we will talk about it when I visit this month." Here was a teacher who made the Saints feel that he was interested in their welfare, whose actions proved to them that he was watching over them always, that he was ever ready to be with and to strengthen them. If every ward teacher would attend sacrament meetings, note those present from his district, as well as those who are absent, and at the first opportu- nity commend the former, and extend a kind invitation to the latter, the attendance at our sacrament meetings would be materially increased.

9.4 IMPROVEMENT ERA In this connection, it is urged that bishops hold, regularly, the ward monthly priesthood meetings, at which teachers may report their labors and receive instructions from the presiding authority in the ward. There is not time for this work at a regular Monday night Priesthood meeting, unless class work be disepnsed with. It is necessary, therefore, to set this monthly meeting at another time, most convenient for all interested. Summer Work. Recent inquiry of stake presidencies made known the fact that reports from 36 stakes showed that 40 % of the wards had continued Priesthood meetings through the summer, some on Monday night, and others at an hour on Sunday that did not interfere with Sunday school, Sacrament meeting or other established meetings. Some of these wards, we know, have had difficulty in doing satisfactory work, but others have been exceptionally successful. On the whole, success in Priesthood work is much more promising than discouraging. The present urgent needs are first, a keener realization of the importance of quorum influence; second, officers filled with the spirit of their calling; third, intelligent, inspirational class instructors; fourth, active membership, fostering the true spirit of the brotherhood of Christ, and fifth, active supervision by the Stake Presidencies, High Councils and Bishoprics. New Outlines. The third series of outlines will be ready for dis- tribution early in December, in time for explanation and assignments to be made at the December monthly Stake Priesthood meeting. It is suggested that orders be sent to the Improvement Era, so that the books may reach the various stakes before the last Priesthood meeting held this year. If this be done, all ward meetings may be prepared to commence the new course of study on the second Mondav in January, 1912. The course of study for each quorum is as follows: High Priests, Principles of the Gospel; Seventies, The Atonement, (until Oct. 1912); Elders, The Articles of Faith Applied; Priests, Church Government; Teachers, The Apostolic Age; Deacons, The Latter-day Prophet. Ever praying for the success of those chosen to carry on the work of redeeming the world, we are, Respectfully your brethren, The Priesthood Committee, By David O. McKay, Chairman. David A. Smith, Secretary. May Bain Murdock, born October 5, 1833, in Dundee, Scotland, died in Beaver, Utah, October 3, 1911. She joined the Church in 1849, crossed the plains in the handcart company of Capt. J. G. Willie, in 1856, leaving Iowa in July and arriving in Salt Lake in November. She married John R. Murdock soon after her arrival, and has lived in Beaver since 1865. In all her hardships she was cheerful and full of hope and trust.