--- 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: 16 number: 7 published: 1913-05 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Messages from the Missions," *Improvement Era* 16, no. 7 (May 1913): 715–724.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1607unse 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: improvementera1607unse start_page: 715 end_page: 724 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1913-05) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1607unse publication_year: 1913 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 1913, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Messages from the Missions Messages from the Missions [There are at least seventy-five thousand readers of the Improvement Era. Perhaps ten thousand of these are more or less personally interested in the large body of missionaries laboring in the twentyone mission fields throughout the world. The Era has been printing portraits of a large number of these missionaries with extracts from their writings. A few of our readers have complained that we might give better matter than is contained in these "messages." We have found, however that they are very interesting to many of our readers, and have therefore given place to them, — three or four pages monthly. Our desire is to satisfy the majority of our readers, and hence we call attention to the improvement that may be made in this department, as well as to the good things now appearing therein. The "messages" this month are from England, Scotland, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands. They contain a resolution of a returned missionary who says he is determined to continue his work at home; a statement about the four best branches in a certain mission; a portrait of four elders from one town; a description of a city is given, baptisms, meetings and Sunday Schools are recorded; two or three name only the elders and the missions where they labor; the fact that songs which other missionaries have sung bear fruit in the conversion of souls, is named; a Sunday School class is represented; we have an explanation of how the elders work to obtain results, with statistics of their work; there is one account of how the people show kindness to the elders, and how the latter have removed prejudice; a severe persecution in Ipswich is referred to, and a statement made of how the police have protected the elders; the hospitality of the people in one quarter is lauded, and also the value of the excellent choirs which they have, and the good spirit that prevails among the people; one names the number of baptisms, the sale of literature, and a healing by the power of God through his servants. It seems to us that even the general reader would be deeply interested in these incidents, if not in the portraits. On the other hand, much of the matter could be greatly improved by more specific and important information, and the elders are urged to devote a little more care to their writings, and to search out unusual incidents and things of vital importance in their experience to write about. To promote faith, to interest, to give important facts, to place on record the mercies and goodnesses of God, to show that the Lord works through signs following the believer, and that he inspires, upholds and 716 IMPROVEMENT ERA directs the elders with the power of his Spirit, should be among the aims of the writers. Let us improve the "messages" and thus create a living intrest in the minds of the Era's 75,000 readers in the important work of the great body of missionaries ever in the field. If this can be done, the "messages" will be continued, otherwise it is the province of the Era to give that which shall be most interesting and beneficial to all. We would enjoy hearing from our readers on the subject. — The Editors.] Elder John O. Bankhead, Paradise, Utah, February 10: "I returned a month ago from my mission to St. Johns conference, Kansas, Central States mission, and am doing my best to continue the missionary work at home by correspondence and actual services here. The elders in the enclosed photo are, left to right: George Bradshaw, Wellsville Utah; Glenn C. Allen, Hyrum; Charles Cordon, Preston; John O. Bankhead, Paradise, Utah. The first three are still laboring in Kansas; all are from Cache valley." Elder George B. Harding, Hull, England: "We enjoy our missionary labors in this conference very much. The conference is small, but the Saints are earnest in their faith. We have four of the best branches of the British mission. Our meetings are well attended, and investigators are coming out to our meetings searching for the true gospel of Christ, which we are teaching. We were very successful last winter in holding cottage meetings, in our Bible class, and in M. I. A. work. Elders, left to right, back row: C. A. Barlow, Iona, Idaho; D. T. Murdock, Heber; George B. Harding, Provo; Thomas E. Kidd, Vernal; E. A. Lemon, Marion, Utah ; T. Ray Bell, Richmond ; second row : James J. Giles, Salt Lake City, Utah; H. J. Brown, Cardston, Canada; Bernard Parry, Manti ; President John F. Olsen, Hooper, Utah ; Edward Williams, MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 717 Spanish Fork Utah; Joseph F Holyoak, Parowan; front row: John E Bowen, Spanish Fork, Utah; Alvin J. Sharp, Preston, Idaho. Elder H. Eugene Bair, Glasgow, Scotland, sends the enclosed photograph of himself and three friends, all Richmond, Utah, boys, who spent a happy New Year in Scotland, on their holiday vacation. They all enjoy their missionary work and feel that the Lord is blessing their efforts and making them profitable and interesting. The elders are: T. Ray Bell, H. Eugene Bair; front row: J. Eugene Webb, Roscoe Merrill. BBH Elder Lorin C. Caldwell, Jamesville, Wisconsin: "This is a city of about 1,400 inhabitants, located in the south central part of Wisconsin. Tobacco is the chief industry, though there are many factories of various kinds — farm implements, barb wire, furniture, overalls, cloth factories, machine shops, and other industrial institutions. We found great encouragement here the past winter, and have made many friends. Six have applied for baptism, and we have good prospects for several more. We hold Sunday School and meeting each Sunday, well attended. We hope soon to have a thriving branch in this city. Elders, on left: Leo C. Christensen, Richfield; front, Lorin C. Caldwell, Vernal; back, Adam Gedlaman, Cardston, Canada; right, Lee Reese, Benson, Utah." Elder L. M. Coombs sends the accompanying oicture of the elders recently laboring at Edinburgh, Scotland: Charles V. Kimball, Salt Lake Citv: Wilford E. Allen, Coalville; Paul S. Richards, Salt Lake City, Utah; Leo M. Coombs, Alberta, Canada. Elders Warren S. Tew and David H. Cannon, Birmingham, England, Jan. 31: "During the last summer we were subject to much severe persecution and abuse, but it has resulted in a great deal of <©* W* JS m. vi5 ^ J* * AT ■* If * « V ^ i \ 7* vsvv* )> si I 0* ' "■ 1* - ^ ^ y good. Our meetings are now very well attended by strangers, and conditions seem brighter than for some time. Elders, left to right: Harry V. Graham, Teton; George Hamp, Grace, Idaho; David H. Cannon, Salt Lake; D. Murray Davis, Bountiful; W.A. Wells, Eureka: S. D. Wilstead, Castle Gate; Joseph A. Bodily, Fairview; Clyde A.Russell, Eureka; Warren S. Tew, Mapleton; James M.Jones, Peterson.Utah; Luther H. Haderlie, Freedom, Wyo.; William Burrows, Sandy, Utah; Wilson K. Lindsay, La Grande, Oregon. Sitting, Harper W. Noble, Smithfield; Philip C. Reynolds, Salt Lake; Conference Clerk Joseph E. Webb, Richmond; President Rudger Clawson, President Albert T. Smith, Clearfield; Leland F. Pilkington, Smithfield; Joseph H. Davis, Salt Lake; and William H. Woodyatt, Willard, Utah." Elder William F. Rigby, Eldorado Springs, Mo., February 7: "We are meeting with good success in holding meetings, following the path of Elders Walker and Ryder who did missionary work here some six or eight years ago. Much good has come from their labors. The people still remember the songs they sang, and we were requested to sing them again. This shows that the songs of Zion, sung by the elders, are not soon forgotten by the people. We nray for those who helped to advance the cause of truth. The people are realizing that there is something attractive in the revealed gospel." Elders Wm. F. Rigby, Fairview, Utah; Thomas N. Perkins, Bedford, Wyo. Elders of the Georgia Conference, January 18, 1913: Top row, left to right: Earl W. Folkman, Ogden; Thomas O. Huffaker, Manassa, Colo.; Willard C. Stolworthy, Kirtland, New Mexico; Richard A. Ward, Treasureton, Idaho; Wm. C. Potter, Loa, Utah; John D. WestBrook, Sanford, Colo.; Parley Bitton, Blackfoot, Idaho. Middle row: Hans C. Gregersen, Basalt, Idaho; Zoral H. Stephens, Mancos, Colo.; Robert H. Wallis, Rexburg; Louis E. Packer, Riverdale; A. Russell MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 719 Wright, Bennington, Idaho. Front row: Miss Julia A. Brown, Provo; Conference President Benjamin O. Carlston, Ephraim; Mission President Chas. A. Callis; Isaac W. Clark, Lehi; Miss Rosa E. Durrant, American Fork. Elders of the Alabama Conference: Front row, left to right: H. E. Wilson, Cowley, Wyo., John L. Berrett, Ogden; Ephraim Sorensen, Blackfoot, Idaho; Archie Smith, Draper; Frank Sullivan, Leeds; E. L. Richeson, Logan, Utah; John J. Brady, Manassa, Colo.; Guy V. Lamoreaux, Hubbard, Ariz.: Willard R. Smith, Holbrook, Idaho; J. t 9} iHH f \i ▼ 1 m m St v \1 w» <& wi' - V ™ f s iff ^1 %» **** +* «* ~ % # ^ E. Ward Parowan. Back row: Win. J. Mackelprang, Johnson; Heber Meeks, Kanab; Conference President B. Y. Kimball, Kanosh; Chas. A. Callis; Mission President A. M. Hall, Eagar, Ariz.; J. L. Hatch, Hatch, Idaho; H. B. Stevens, Salt Lake City. This picture was taken out in New Zealand, where our missionary work is carried on quite extensively among the Maoris, and some among the Europeans. These are members of the Auckland Sunday School. Although this picture was taken the day after Christmas, some of the Elders standing in the rear can be seen in their shirtsleeves, and the little girls are in their summer attire. All are happy, for every one of the children had been awarded a prize. Quite a con- 720 IMPROVEMENT ERA tented look may be seen on Elder Geo. C. Hill's face, as he stands to the left in the rear. Next to him on the right is Elder Julius H. Campbell, then Elder F. VV. Halls and Elder D. G. Seegmiller. Mission President Romncy is the central figure, with Sister Romncy to the right, and little William Romney to the left, sitting, and from his smiling face you would think he had won two prizes. — O. D. R. Lorin Park, of the South Dakota conference, and his companion, Elder Joseph A. Patterson, write that they have been successful in distributing literature and holding meetings in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which town they are thoroughly tracting. In spite of anti-"Mormon" lecturers who are continually canvassing the state, the truth is coming to light, particularly to those who follow the advice of Paul, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Elder Lester C. Hendrickson, Creswell, North Carolina: "During February we have been laboring among the oeople who live along the Atlantic coast. Persecution here was very strong against the elders some time since, but prejudice is now dying away, and people are investigating our doctrine. A good manv schoolhouses are open to us, and a few churches. We have some good meetings and generally large crowds come out to hear us. Elders, left to right, standing Ray C. Bartholomew, Fayette, Utah Lester C. Hendrickson, Lillian, Idaho sitting, T. O. Porritt, Moore, Idaho; L. K. Jones, Bluff, Utah." Elder Ernest Anderson, writing from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, March 1: "We * J$ ** MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 721 have canvassed the small towns along the railroads for the past two months. During the day we canvassed the towns and at night we went out into the country where we obtained entertainment. We walked from one town to the other, thus saving expense. In reporting to Brother Callis he gave us some valuable instructions and commended us upon our work. We sold 53 Books of Mormon, 150 small books and distributed 8,448 tracts, and visited 2,550 families. We had the privilege of holding many hall meetings, where the elders have never preached before, and these were attended by large crowds of people who seemed pleased with our message, and usually invited us to hold more meetings. Elders, back row, left to right: Calvin Memmott, Scipio, Utah; Charles Ellis, Mancos, Colorado; front row: Ernest Anderson, Thatcher, Idaho; Lewis W. Smith, Riverdale, Idaho." Elder Vaughan A. Cutler, St. Joseph, Mo., March 13: "Our conference is in a very prosperous condition. There are twenty-one elders and four lady missionaries in eastern Missouri at present. In St. Louis we have an organized branch and the Saints are scattered throughout the conference. We have seventy-five members in St. Louis, and have many investigators in the state." Top row-W. C. Rigtrup, E. R. Stoddard, Alma Wells L. L. Bates, J. M. Thomson, H. C. Clegg, W. O. Anderson, B. Layton, B. Mendenhall A W Adkinson J. K. Thomson. Second row-Nettie Mecham, Lila Mitchell Pearl Critchfield , J . H bparks Eva Wrathall, J. B. Thomas, Vilate Bennion Sylvia Bushman, V A Cutler Third row-E. F. Allen, R. S. Dalley, JD. Hess Conference President S.F. Kimball. Jr. Mission President S. O. Bennion, J. Chamberlain, W. C. Garner, J. W. Bates, U A. Thomson. 722 IMPROVEMENT ERA Elder G. A. Thompson, Birchtree, Mo., March 14: "We find the people in and around Westplains very friendly, though most of them in the country are poor. As ministers of the gospel, we are always welcome and they are glad to share their humble homes with us, and we always have a place to stop over night. Some are a little prejudiced, not so much against us as against our religion. One young man told us he did not think a "Mormon" was a Christian. But when we tell them what "Mormonism" means, and explain its beautiful principles, they are generally very good to us. Elders laboring in Oregon and Howell counties, left to right: J. K. Thompson, Salt Lake City. G. A. Thorn >- son, Richmond; Amos Vv. Atkinson, Kamas; William C. Rigtrup, Spanish Fork." Elder Byron Mendenhall, Ipswitch, England, February 28: "We have experienced during the past two months some exciting and interesting times here, owing to scandalous stories circulated from pulpit and press, concerning our teachings. The animosity of the people has been aroused to such an extent that our existence here for a time was threatened. Twice our meetings have been entered and broken up by angry mobs, chairs, glass-globes, etc., being broken, but no personal injury inflicted on anyone present. Determined to hold our meetings, we secured a padlock and key for the front gate leading to the hall, also keys for all doors. Generally five elders stood on guard on the outside, while the sixth conducted the services inside. Our unwise stroll in Christ Church Park, one Sunday afternoon, resulted very unpleasantly for three of us. A crowd gathered from all directions, and chased us through the park and streets to our lodge, pelting us with stones, sods, and walking canes. Large crowds gathered on Sunday in the vicinity of our hall and raised considerable disturbance, but the police have captured several offenders, who will doubtless be punished according to the law. Owing to the hostility of the crowd, we have stayed in our hall the last two Sunday nights until after midnight, when ten police, who are our best friends in this city, and detectives, escorted us to safety. Notwithstanding this bitter feeling, we rejoice in our calling as messengers of truth. The present persecution, we are sure, is brough on by ignorance and prejudice, which by the help of the Lord we will do our best to enlighten. The Elders are united and enjoy good health. The elders, top row: Byron Mendenhall, Mapleton; John S. Nelson, Lorenzo, Idaho; Willard Bennion, Salt Lake City. Front row: James D. Thorne, Pleasant Grove; Alberton Willardson, Mayfield; Amos. L. Cook, conference president, Syracuse, Utah." Elder F. S. Emery, Groningen, Netherlands: "We are having good MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 723 success in this part of the mission. The people in the north Netherands are noted for their hospitality. They are fair-minded and willing to investigate the gospel. We have had the privilege of bearing our testimonies to large numbers of people. Our meetings are well attended, and the spirit of love is everywhere manifest among the Saints. We have a splendid choir, which, under the able management of Elder Fiet, is a source of attraction to strangers and beneficial to the Saints. We have just enough persecution to bring investigators. Elders, left to right: J. V. Parker, Rexburg, Idaho; Frank S. Emery, Sixteenth ward, Salt Lake City; Joseph Fiet, branch president, Roy, Utah; and H. R. Cowburn, conference president, Twenty-eighth ward, Salt Lake City, Utah." Elder C. R. Hart, Durango, Colo, March 15: "'We are enjoying our work very much here. We hold Sunday School and meetings that are well attended, by Saints, friends, and investigators. A number of people are earnest in their search for truth, and we feel that much good can be accomplished here in the future. Elders, back: C. R. Hart, Raymond, Idaho; front, H. P. Murray, Wellsville, Utah." Elders Thomas M. Reese, Coalville, Utah, and Thomas C. Tanner, Blackfoot, Ida., write from Goldsboro, North Carolina, March 8: "We find many friends in the country districts, and have numerous opportunities to hold cottage meetings, and baptized five, and explained the gospel to a. large number of neople who came to witness the baptisms. We sold two Books of Mormon and eight other books. An elderly lady was restored to health by the power of God through the ministration of Elder Tanner, and has expressed a desire soon to be baptized. We made many friends and obtained a number of investigators as a result of our meetings. Invitations were extended to us by prominent men to visit with them whenever we could." Elder J. B. Thomas, Bloomington, 111., March 17: "The elders and sisters of the Bloomington, 111., branch of the Northern States mission have been diligently working in Bloomington for the past few months. Ten believers have been baptized during the past three months. The people are realizing the truthfulness of the message we 724 MPROVEMENT ERA are bearing unto them. We tract i with the neople, most of whom re ciation. We spend the afternoons Ida Bistline, Logan, Utah." Elder R. H. McCune, Peoria months the elders in the Peoria mission have made many friends, and were privileged to baptize ten people, every one of whom are proud of the truth and of the gospel. Elders, top row: Leslie Warburton, Tooele, Utah; Samuel C. Young, Bluewater, N. M.; Ross H. McCune, Ogden. Bottom row: Pearl Anderson, Sugar City, Idaho; Conference President Myron F. Higbee, Cedar City, Utah; Leona Ossman, Rexburg, Ida- ' ho." n the morning, leaving our literature ceive it very kindly and with apprein retracting and revisiting and conversing on the principles of the gospel, and make dates and calls in the evening when all are at home. This we find the most profitable visit. Elders, left to right, top row: W. C. Carver, Ogden; J. B. Thomas, Spanish Fork; Viola Howard, Clearfield, Utah; J. S. Dudley, branch president, Hill Spring, Canada; 111., March 22: "During the past six 111., district of the Northern States Temple Anthems, volume one, is the title of a book of nineteen anthems, recently published by the Deseret News and edited by Prof. Evan Stephens. The anthems are designed for general use, and fill a demand that has long existed among all the choirs of the Church. The aim, as stated by the publishers, has been to secure a list of anthems within the range of the average choir, all of which will be popular and suitable for worship. The book includes compositions by leading home writers, consisting of many old favorites and several new anthems. The desire has been to keep the standard high without making the selections too difficult. A second volume is promised if this volume is accorded the reception which the publishers hope for. No choir leader in the Church will wish to be without an ample supply of this compilation which may be obtained at the Deseret News Book Store, Salt Lake City, Utah; price $4.50 per doz.