A Typical Ward Service

A5|Typical Ward Service

BY JOSEPH p.. KEELER, PRESIDENT OF THE UTAH STAKE OF ZION

What motive prompted you to go to church last Sunday — if

you went at all ?

Was it to enjoy the invocation by one of the assembly for the

many? was it to hear the song of praise and devotion? was it to

partake of the Lord's Supper with its deep meaning? was it to

listen to the sermon, the exhortation, the testimony? or was it only

a social longing to be in company with friends and neighbors?

It may have been pnly one of these purposes or it may have been

others of a different character which caused you to go to church.

At any rate it is an interesting as well as a valuable exercise to

take stock of oneself occasionally and find out what particular in-

ducement leads one to attend church, for thereby the desire "to

meet oft" on the Lord's day may be increased. An earnest and

intelligent action in this direction on our part may be a help to

others. Example is a great lesson-giver.

It is my aim to describe a typical ward service, such as the

Latter-day Saints participate in on the Sabbath, known as the

sacrament meeting and the monthly fast meeting. These local

gatherings throughout Zion exert a most powerful influence on the

— —

people ^^on their individual lives more than the casual observer

might detect. It is therefore worth while to investigate a little to

find wherein lie the elements of growth and power, as well as to

observe the outward form. It is quite impossible, however, to cite

the reader to any particular ward where might be observed all of

the outward characteristics of a local Sunday service, because in

going from one meeting to another variations are observed, but

notwithstanding differences they do conform to a certain type. It

will suffice therefore to describe a composite type — a pattern made

up from a goodly number of features followed here and there, and

thereby get a somewhat clear idea of this local form of worship.

The simplest form of the general ward meeting consists of five

parts; namely, (1) two hymns or songs, one at the opening of the

service and one following the prayer; (2) the invocational prayer;

(3) the administration of the sacrament; (4) speaking by one or

more of the elders, or testimony-bearing by members and (5) the

;

closing hymn and benediction. Each of these features are often

varied and sometimes others are added. While custom and prece-

dent have much to do in the present methods, yet, really, the

bishop or presiding elder has considerable latitude in the conduct-

ing of a meeting.

THE UTAH STAKE TABERNACLE

Located Provo, and erected between 1883 and 1896.

in It is

built and stone, the super-structure being of brick.

of brick The

building measures outside 128 by 75 feet and 40 feet to the square, and

it has a seating capacity of three thousand. It cost between eighty-

five and ninety thousand dollars. There is one auditorium with a

gallery and vestry; W. H. Folsom, architect. One city block of land

is connected with the building, one acre or more of which is in lawn,

ever-green and shade trees. Elder H. H. Clufif was the superintendent

of construction at the beginning, up to 1889, when he was called by

the First Presidency to colonize the Hawaiian Saints in Skull Valley,

and to preside over them. Elder Reed Smoot was then selected to

take his place, and superintend the completion of the tabernacle. The

mason work was done under contract by Samuel Liddart & com-

pany. The building was so far completed that the general conference

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held in it in

April, 1887.

SONG OF THE RIGHTEOUS, A PRAYER

As far back as history gives account of the worship of the

true God, song has been an accompaniment of the outward ex-

pression of man's devotion to his maker. In our day the Lord has

said (Doc. and Gov. 27:12), "My soul deHghteth in the song of

the heart, yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me."

Here a great principle is announced for what is characteristic of

:

God is fundamental in man, his offspring.

The music, therefore, in the various wards forms a distin-

THE NEBO STAKE TABERNACLE

This building is located in Payson, and was erected in 1906, and

dedicated, November 24, 1907. It is built of brick and wood, with a

foundation of blue limestone, and cost $22,000. It has a seating ca-

pacity of 1,500 in one large assembly room. The outside size of the

building is 135 by 65 feet. Otto Erlandsen, architect. There is one-

fourth of an acre of land connected with it, all in lawn. The build-

ing was erected during eighteen months from the date the plans were

accepted, and was paid for by voluntary donations by members of the

stake, and was completely out of debt when dedicated.

giiishing feature of the worship of the Latter-day Saints. And it

is quite probable that from these local centers a liking for music

and song is first engendered in the youth of Zion and from thence

;

also springs the fame to which our people have attained for their

skill and love of the divine art. Most presiding authorities are

highly appreciative of the value of music to the members and the

wholesome influence it exerts on their lives. Of course, no song

or music is rendered or permitted that is not soulful, dignified, and

uplifting any other kind that merely entertains is unquestionably

;

out of place. Splendid results obtain where the bishop and an

energetic and resourceful choir leader have co-operated to make

the singing and music what it may be made —

an exercise to pro-

mote a devotional spirit, "a song of the heart," a refining force, a

soul-inspirer. And as an element contributing to these ends, prep-

aration is first made by the assembly itself neither officer nor lay-

;

man disturbs nor mars the peaceful and delightful quietude by

moving about, talking or otherwise attracting attention of the

worshipers.

Tn some communities nearly every voung person possessing

—

the least liking for music though the talent as yet may be unde-

—

veloped is a member of the ward choir. And such sweetness and

melody! it causes one to imagine angel voices from Paradise. And

—

JUAB STAKE TABERNACLE

Located at Nephi and erected in, 1860, being built of old blue

adobe, at a cost of $15,000. The original part of the building meas-

ures 45 by 55 feet. It has a seating capacity of 800, and there are five

rooms including vestry and entrance. Zimri Baxter, architect. A

quarter of an acre of ground is connected with the building, which is

set out in shade trees with lawn. The vestry in the rear was built

later, by Alexander Gardner, size 24 by 24 feet with an upper and

a lower room, and cost about $2,000.' The front entrance is con-

structed of brick, E. Burton, architect, and consists of an entrance

and an upstairs, size 45 by 16, by 40 feet high, cost $3,500.

have you not noticed the joyful radiance on the mother's face, the

sparkle in the eye, when, sitting in the congregation, she sees her

son or daughter lending service by which the hour of worship be-

comes a heavenly benediction? Or, have you not seen a father,

who like Longfellow's Village Blacksmith

"He goes on Sunday to the church.

And sits among his boys.

He hears the parson pray and preach.

He hears his daughter's voice

Sin^^ing in the village choir.

And it makes his heart rejoice."

Yes, the singing is truly a powerful factor to draw not only the

parents and neighbors but the stranger also within our gates.

From the standpoint of interest, the solo, the duet, and the

quartette rank highly in the Sunday worship. There is scarcely

ST. GEORGE STAKE TABERNACLE

Located in St. George, Utah, and erected in 1871, dedicated in

1875, and built of cut red sandstone. It is 106 feet long, 56 feet

wide, and 40 feet 4o the square, and the tower 140 feet high. Il

cost $100,000, and has a seating capacity of 1,P00. There are five

rooms. Architect, Truman O. Angell. There are 256 square rods of

land surrounded by mulberry and silver maple trees. The house

and grounds are cared for by the St. George wards. The basement

has a cement floor, with cement walls below the ground. There are

toilets and wash basins in the east end of the basement, in separate

rooms.

THE ROOSEVELT WARD AMUSEMENT HALL, DUCHESNE

STAKE

This building, located in Roosevelt, Utah, is in the former

Uintah Indian reservation, and is used both for amusement hall and

stake and ward purposes. It was erected in 1910, and is not dedicated.

It is built of lumber at a cost of $4,500. The height of the building

is 20 feet, outside measurements 45 by 75 feet, with a seating ca-

pacity of 350. It has only one room and is a typical pioneer combina-

tion house. The architect was Samuel McFee. The land connected

with it is 100 by 150 feet in size. The janitor of the Roosevelt ward

has charge of the building.

a ward where there are not a number of talented young men and

women who charm and edify the congregation in pleasing and

artistic rendition of hymns and other sacred songs especially is

;

this true where the words of the selections are enunciated with

clearness, or else where the hearers are provided with the words

of the song. Doubtless you have been greatly assisted to fully

appreciate a particular number when the chorister has directed

attention in a few brief sentences to salient points of the com-

position. Sometimes, "when the Spirit of God like a fire is burn-

ing," the whole body joins in an appropriate hymn and joyous

refrain, thereby receiving physical and spiritual refreshment.

''prayer is the soul's sincere desire"

There may be bodies religious and bodies secular with whom

the public prayer is more or less a formal institution, but with the

Latter-dav Saints prayer is an holy ordinance, as the following

shows: "I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as

in thy heart ;yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public

as well as in private." "Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy

744 IMPROVEMENT ERA

name, make known his wonderful works among the people." ( D.

and C. 19:28; 65:4.)

The bishop (or counselor) presides over the meeting in the

right of his priesthood and presidency, within his jurisdiction, and

with this duty and calling comes that transcendent and distin-

guished gift and quality of presidency, namely, "It always has been

given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever

shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by

the Holy Spirit." (D. and C. 46:2.) Being so directed, as in all

other things pertaining to the conduct of meetings, he calls or

appoints a person to offer to the Father of all, a fitting prayer, sup-

plication, or petition, in behalf of the whole assembly. When

— —

thoughtful care is taken and it usually is in the selection of an

BURXHAAl WARD MEETING HOUSE, YOUNG STAKE

This building is located in Kirtland, New Mexico, and was erected

in 1906-7, being dedicated in the same year of its completion. The

main hall is 30 by 70 feet, with two rooms, one on each side,

size 16 by 20 feet. The height of the building is 16 feet. It is built

of brick and has a seating capacity of four hundred, cost $6,000. D.

W. Tice architect. There are three acres of land connected with

the building in which there is a playground, with some sixty-five

trees surrounding the building. There are no lawns or flowers. The

house is cared for by a janitor, assisted by the deacons, while the

grounds are cared for by the members of the congregation. This

is the best public building in the Kirtland Valley and is well finished

being somewhat ahead of the growth of the country.

elder to thus minister for the congregation it gives great satis-

faction to the listeners. Under these conditions the prayer is

suited to the occasion and the hearts of the people, as they fol-

;

low the words, are filled with thanksgiving and praise. By means

of prayer laden with the divine Spirit each soul present is made

!

SNOWFLAKE STAKE HOUSE

Located in Snowflake, Arizona, and was erected and dedicated in

1884. It is built of brick with a stone foundation, and has a shingle

roof. The building is 22 feet to the square, and 35 by 65 outside

measurement, and cost $6,000. There are two rooms in the building.

Seating capacity 600, including galleries. Two and a half acres of land

are connected with the building. Four broad walks lead to the

entrance, which are bordered by shade trees. The broad, gravel yard

around the building is bordered by ornamental trees and shrubs,

the remainder of the grounds being improved with trees and lawns.

The house and grounds are cared for by a salaried janitor. Samuel F.

Smith, president of the stake, reports: "The first settlement in this

valley was made in 1878. Four years later, our stake house was

started, which was a tremendous undertaking at that time. Likewise

this accounts for the plainness of the building."

receptive for that which is to follow. The gratification felt at

the close of an earnest, inspiring prayer is usually evidenced by

a most hearty amen

"eat, this is my body; drink, this is my blood"

Highly favored of the Almighty are the Saints in possessing

the knowledge of the meaning, intent, and the manner of partak-

ing of the sacrament. Owing to the fulness of modern scripture

bearing on this holy ordinance, and the ever-present guidance of

the Spirit and the living oracles, they have avoided the many

errors and superstitions which have befallen Christendom since

the ancient apostles till now. Those who go to the house of wor-

746 TMPROVF.MRNT ERA

ship on the Lord's day and partake of the symbolizing emblems

of the body of the risen Redeemer do so with a full realization

that they thereby witness unto the Father that they will re-

member the Lord, Jesus Christ, and do that which he has com-

manded them, that they may always have his spirit to be with

them. (See III Nephi 18 j.

Ifthere is any one single feature of value above another

—

connected with the holy supper aside from the blessing of the

Spirit and the sanctity of the occasion, it is the importance of

ST. Johns academy building, Arizona

Ths which is used for both stake and ward pur-

structure,

poses in St. Johns, Arizona, is located in about the center of the town,

and was erected in 1900, being dedicated in December of that year.

It is built of brick with a rock foundation, and cost $14,000. The

seating capacity of the main room is 300, size of the building, 76 by

58 feet, height 31 feet to the square. There are ten rooms. Samuel

Doxey, Ogden, Utah, architect. One acre of land is connected with

it. One half of the lot is in lawn, enclosed by picket and iron fences.

Poplar and locust trees are planted on two sides of the lot. The

grounds and the house are cared for by ward and school janitors,

under the supervision of the bishop and the president of the academy.

The people in that neighborhood have felt that they were not able

to build houses except for school purposes and these have been used

also for Church purposes.

the service rendered by those who officiate. In this Church any-

one who holds the priesthood, when appointed, may officiate in

some capacity. Elders or priests break the bread and prepare the

wine or water, and, kneeling before the Church, pronounce the

sacramental prayer. Sometimes the whole service is performed

LEAMINGTON WARD AIEETING HOUSE

This house is located at Leamington, Deseret stake, and was

erected in 1910 and dedicated in May, 1911. It is built of brick and

cost $6,788. The height of the building is 14 feet to the square, out-

side measurement 65 by 50 feet. It has four rooms and a seating

capacity in the main hall of 400. There are two acres connected with

it, and the people have just planted lawns and flower beds, trees and

ornamental shrubber3^ on the north and east side of the building.

The south side is parked, there being at present, one hundred trees

of a four-year old growth. This park contains playgrounds, seats, etc.

The building is cared for by a janitor, and the grounds are tended

and kept in order by the various auxiliary organizations of the Church.

The trees were planted by the Primary Association, the flower beds

by the Relief Society, and the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement

Association, while the lawns and trees are being cared for by the

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Assoication, the Sunday school

and the Priesthood. The building to the left is the new school

house.

by priests directed by the bishop at other times the elders, seven-

;

ties or high priests, are appointed, and each quorum is often as-

sisted by deacons. Bishops distribute this honor among the vari-

ous grades of priesthood, thus affording service with its conse-

quent pleasure to many. And since the introduction of the indi-

vidual drinking cup there is nothing disagreeable to detract from

the eating and the drinking, so that all who desire may partake

with unalloyed pleasure.

Another item that mav be mentioned in this connection is

the fact of the intense satisfaction which comes to parents who

see their sons —

often young deacons —performing such holy ser-

vice. Emotions that are awakened in the parental breast cannot

be described they must be felt to be appreciated. In fact, every-

;

thing that connects the words of an ordinance with life and ac-

tion takes a powerful hold on the human mind.

748 IMPROVEMENT ERA

In some wards particular attention is paid to the sacrament

service. For instance, the bread is furnished with great care as to

its appearance and wholcsomeness, Hkewise the water the linen,

;

the utensils and all about them are scrupulously clean and in or-

der those who pass the emblems remain in the rear of the hall

;

until each has finished his section, then all march in file to the

table several times during- the year the bishop appoints a gifted

;

brother to give some enlightening remarks on the sacrament so

that the young, who arc always needing instruction, may be in-

formed on the meaning and efficacy of this ordinance during the

;

first half of this service the organist plays a soulful voluntary, or

the choir sings a verse or two of a sacramental hymn during the

;

latter half, a read from the scriptures and other

selection is —

minor details are occasionally added which lend zest and com-

pleteness to this part of the service.

"how^ shall they hear without a preacher?"

Evidently the object of the speaking in Church is to impart

instructions, to shed light on the doctrines and principles of the

gospel, to receive the word of the Lord through the channels of

authority, to encourage an outpouring of the Spirit, to engender

partiotism for the institutions of the Church, to teach the love of

—

God and man and to discourse on many other things that make

for human progress here and hereafter. It is marvelous how

much benefit the Saints receive through this medium. There is

no small coterie of a specially ordained ministry to do the preach-

ing and thinking. Every man holding the Priesthood is expected

to be fully equipped with the word of God and be able and ready

on notice to divide that word to his fellows.

a moment's

Critics outside contend that only mediocre results follow

this course. Not so, for where there might appear less

of learning, there is more of feeling. After all, it is the heart-

pall that counts in religion. In these local communities where

everybody is acquainted with his neighbor, it has a remarkably

steadying eflfect on a man or woman w^ho admonishes in public

or essays to teach his fellowmen. But here again many ward

presidents avoid much of what would be spiritless talk or dry dis-

course by a little forethought and planning. In every ward there

are scores of men — —

and women, too, who, being given a few

days' notice to prepare on selected subjects assigned them or on

topics of their own selection, when called on to deliver in their

own way and fashion the results of this research do so much to

the enlightenment and satisfaction of their hearers. The Lord has

pointed the wav and given the counsel "Seek ye deligently and

:

teach one another words of wisdom yea, seek ye out of the

;

-best book<: words of wisdom seek ye learning even by study, and

:

A TYPICAL WARD SERVICE 749

also by faith." (D. and C. 88:188). Moreover, in those

wards where the presiding authorities are keeping in mind the

spiritual needs of their respective congregations, and are exer-

cising intelligent forethought and tact in the light of the Spirit,

they are succeeding admirably in balancing varied interests and

satisfying all reasonable demands.

THOU SHALT GO TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

The testimony meeting on fast day service differs in several

essentials from other Sabbath meetings. First to be mentioned is

the privilege extended to each member, as far as time permits, to

bear testimony of the goodness of God and of the verity of his

divine work in our day also to sing, to pray, to exhort, and to ex-

;

ercise within bounds, gifts of the gospel as the Spirit leads. Old

and young participate slike in these exercises; and for the most

part these are "times of refreshing" from the Lord. There are

RANDOLPH WARD

HOUSE, WOOD-

RUFF STAKE,

Located in Randolph,

Rich county, Utah, and

used at times for stake

purposes. It has not

yet been dedicated, but

arrangements are be-

ing made to have it

dedicated in June, 1914.

It is constructed of

brick, at a cost of

$25,000. The house is

twenty-eight feet high,

besides having six feet

below ground for the

basement, and is in size

102 by 50 feet outside

measurement. It has

five rooms, the assem-

bly room measuring 47

by 34 feet. J. C. Gray,

architect. It is expected

that the grounds will be

improved and beautified

before the dedication.

750 IMPROVEMENT ERA

a few things noticeable, however, connected with this service which

contributes largely to its success or to its hindrance. It is a

singular fact that environment which acts directly on the bodily

senses influences materially the spiritual activity. For instance,

a chilly atmosphere in the assembly hall benumbs the mind bad ;

ventilation, or over-heat, causes drowsiness inattention of officials

;

on the stand, by members of the choir, or by anyone, for that mat-

ter, causes a wavering or a breaking of that subtile Essence

which otherwise should flow from heart to heart. To say the

least, such an unfitness of things is always a cause of depression

and is justifiable only under the pressure of necessity. While on

the other hand, neatness, cleanliness, and the orderly arrange-

ment of things in the hall which are there for use or adornment,

the rapid dispatch of necessary business, a comfortable temper-

ature, fresh air, good light —

all these make for successful con-

ditions.

On the fast day, persons recently baptized are confirmed

members of the Church, when it was not convenient to confirm

them at the water's edge. In some wards the bishop takes ad-

vantage of this opportunity and invites young elders to assist in

this ordinance, thus adding to the importance of the occasion, be-

sides giving valuable practice to young men.

Rut not least among the important things belonging to the

exercise of the fast meeting is the blessing of children infants. —

It would be hard to find a more interesting and touching ceremony

than that of the blessing of children by elders of the Church.

Here is life, and the beginning of life; and curiously enough

nearly every person present is attracted. And where the father

of the child, the grandfather, and others, are called upon, as the

occasion suggests, to officiate with the bishopric, the circle of

interest is enlarged.

"sing v^e now at parting"

The words and sentiments of the closing hymn, which might

be mentioned here, frequently have reference to what has gone

before as an expression of appreciation and gratitude for the

nnmediate blessings enjoyed. Sometimes the song is so well

known that the whole assembly joins the choir. When the congre-

gation is not already standing, the practice is now becoming

general for the congregation to remain seated until after the

benediction is pronounced, as anything that creates confusion de-

tracts from the sanctity of the occasion. As a rule a short

prayer containing words of gratitude and blessing is the one most

effective.

PROVO, UTAH