Nineteenth Annual Conference of the M. I. A.

:

Nineteenth General Annual Conference of

the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A.

June 12, 13, and 14, 1914.

The nineteenth general annual conference of the Young

Men's and Young Ladles' Mutual Improvement Associations con-

vened June 12. The opening joint meeting was held in the As-

sembly Hall. Elder Heber J. Grant presided, and in his address

of welcome greeted the many officers and workers. He thanked

them for their support and assistance during thepastyear, and con-

gratulated them on the success of the M. I. A. work. The con-

gregation sang, "High on the Mountain Top," and the invocation

was given by President Francis M. Lyman. Melvin Read ren-

dered a solo.

The first topic, "The Adjustment of Joint Work," was taken

up by Elder Edward H. Anderson. He called attention to sug-

gestions made by the General Board on the opening and closing

time for the winter class work. All preliminary meetings of the

young ladies should be held in September, and the lesson work

of both associations should begin together in October. Conform-

ing with these suggestions, the lesson work can be carried out

without confusion, and the young men's activities will not inter-

fere with the young ladies meetings, of which complaint has here-

tofore been made. There should be no interference with the reg-

ular manual lessons each month. He touched briefly on the use of

the suggestive joint and open night programs, prepared by the

General Board, and advised the appointment in the various stakes

of joint committees, to prepare specific and detailed programs of

meetings in the wards, thereby obviating conflicts which had here-

tofore been reported. Here is a suggested schedule for meetings

on week nights and on Sunday nights

October —Tuesday. Octot — Sunday.

er

6. No work planned. Joint meeting.

13. Open night — opening joint Lesson.

social. 18. Lesson.

20. Lesson. 25. Optional, or appropriate

27. Lesson. open night program may

be given if so desired.

November —

Tuesday. November — Sunday.

3. Lesson. 1. Joint meeting.

10. Lesson. 8. Lesson.

17. Lesson. 15. Lesson.

24. Open night.                    22.       Lesson.
    

29.    Optional or open night.
    

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 949

December —

Tuesday. December — Sunday.

1. Lesson. 6. Joint meeting.

8. Lesson. 13. Lesson.

15. Lesson. 20. Lesson.

22. Open night.                   27.    Lesson.
    

29. Optional.
    

January — Tuesday. January — Sunday.

5. Lesson. 3. Joint meeting.

12. Lesson. 10. Lesson.

19. Lesson review, you ng men; 17. Lesson.

testimony, young lad ies. 24. Lesson review, young men;

26. Open night.                           testimony, young ladies.
    

31. Optional or open night.

February — Tuesday. February — Sunday.

2. Lesson. 7. Joint meeting.

9. Lesson. 14. Lesson..

16. Lesson review, young men; 21. Lesson.

testimony, young lad ies. 28. Lesson review, young men;

23. Open night. testimony, young ladies.

March —Tuesday. March —-Sunday.

2. Lesson. 7. Joint meeting.

9. Lesson. 14. Lesson.

16. Lesson review, young men; 21. Lesson.

testimony, young lad ies. 28. Lesson review, young men;

23. Lesson. testimony, young ladies.

30. Open night.

Associations meeting on Sunday evenings may do the work

planned for open nights on such week nights as suit their con-

venience, or on optional nights. Where Sunday nights are used

for open night programs, the subjects must, of course, be appro-

priate for the Sabbath. .

Definite preliminary and open night programs, and definite

order of business for joint officers' meetings were discussed by

Sister Edith R. Lovesy, of the Y. L. M. I. A. She emphasized

the need of system and endorsed Elder Anderson's recommenda-

tion that the printed programs be followed. She advised that the

at which

stake officers of both organizations hold regular meetings

programs for all wards for at least two months ahead should be

prepared.

The value of a definite order of business m separate officers

.

the joint

meetings, which the speaker suggested should precede

sessions, was also discussed, and an order of business was outlined

for the use of the officers. Special emphasis was laid on the im-

suggested

portance of system in time and length of sessions. She

meetings should see to it that no dis-

that the officer in charge of

permitted to

cussion foreign to the purpose of the meetings be

should be definite and systematized. Unity

come up- evervthing

is equally important, and back of

every activity of the officers

themselves.

should be the desire to help others as well as to fortify

:

950 IMPROVEMENT ERA

The mixed double quartet, which took first place in District

No. 8, sang- "Heaven Resounds." The singers were all from

Brigham City, Utah, O. A. Whitaker, conductor.

Sister Emily C. Adams led the discussion on "Joint Contest

Work." The majority of the stakes enthusiastically favored con-

test work. She reported that between 6,000 and 7,000 M. I. A.

workers had taken part during the past year in the contests. She

pointed out that a large number of contestants had received only a

public school education, and this work affords some of the educa-

tional possibilities of the high school. The speaker encouraged

all the stakes and wards to take part in the work next year. There

is need of originality in the work and stake officers are encour-

aged to take the initiative. The fear of failure and the conten-

tions that result from contest judgments are so few and insignifi-

cant, that the improvement and satisfaction far outweigh them.

There is no defeat so long as there remains determination to re-

peat the effort.

Oscar A. Kirkham outlined the events for the 1914-15 con-

tests, announcing that the short drama is to be included, this year,

in contest events. This is especially designed for ward, stake and

district contests, but not for finals at the June conference. He

repeated the rules and regulations governing the contests, the

giving of per cents, and points for judgment, as follows

ACTIVITIES TO BE TAKEN UP AT THE GENERAL JUNE

CONFERENCE, 1915.

—

Mote. In order to make clear to the officers what will be done in

contest work at the annual June Conference, and to aid them in the

selection of their own work, the following activities have been out-

lined by the General Boards:

I. Advanced Senior Public Speaking — 10 Min"tt?

Points for judgment:

1.          —
   

The idea 20 per cent.

2.                      —
   

The development 50 per cent.

a. Introduction.

(1) Simple, direct, earnest, suggestive of material

to follow.

b. Body.

(1) Develop theme which should be persuasive

rather than merely mater-of-fact.

c. Summary.

(1) General conclusion taken from the body of ad-

dress.

d. Original.

(1) No long quotations should be given.

(2) Sincerity..

3. Delivery — 30 per cent.
   

Note. — Consult models such as Lincoln, Webster, Woodrow Wil-

son, Sumner, Wendell Phillips, Nicholas Murray Butler.

Annual conference of m. i. A. 951

II. —

Senior Public Speaking 10 Minutes.

Points for judgment same as Advanced Senior.

III. Junior Re-told Story— 10 Minutes.

Points for judgment:

1.        —
   

Selection 25 per cent.

2.       —
   

Delivery 45 per cent.

a. Simple, earnest, direct.

b. Pronunciation, enunciation, and grammar.

c. Give proper value to parts.

3. Get the author's message and tell it in your own words —30

per cent'.

—

IV. Mixed Double Quartet. Open to all members of the Associations.

a. Male Quartet, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought" (Key of C)—

Parks. Published by J. A. Parks & Co., York, Nebraska;

price, 15 cents. To be sung unaccompanied.

b. Ladies' Quartet, "Lullaby" (Key of G)— C. B. Hawley. Pub-

lished by Schirmer, New York; price, 10 cents. To be

sung unaccompanied.

c. Mixed Double Quartet, "Lead, Kindly Light" (Key of E

Flat). By Dudley Buck. Published by Oliver Ditson,

New York; price, 10 cents. To be sung with organ or piano

accompaniment.

The three numbers are to be sung by the members of the same

group. _

Points for judgment:

1. Interpretation as per musical markings and text — 15 per cent.

2.                         —
   

Expression and phrasing 15 per cent.

3.           —
   

Tone quality 15 per cent.

4.                     —
   

Blending and Balance 10 per cent.

5.                                 —
   

Reading (producing proper notes) 10 per cent.

6.     —
   

Tempo 10 per cent.

7.    —
   

Pitch 10 per cent.

—

8. Enunciation and pronunciation 10 per cent.

9.                 —
   

Attack and release 5 per cent.

mixed

Note—The male quartets, the ladies' quartets and allthemembers

but

double quartets will be entitled to contest separately;

of the male and ladies' quartets in

order to be entitled to compete

contesting mixed double

separately must be members of the successful

quartets.

V Junior Girls' Chorus— Six or nine members.

A. C. McKenzie-

"Distant Bells" (Key of G)-three part song by

piano accompaniment. .Published

To be sung with organ or

by Novello, New York; price, 10 cents

Quartet.

Points for judgment same as Mixed Double

VI. Junior Boys' Chorus— Six or nine members.

'^Scou' Boys' Chorus" (Evan Stephens)

Three parts: 1st and

unchanged voices and third part for changed

2nd "parts for

published in August. For sale by all Salt

voices Will be

10 cents per copy, or $1 per dozen.

Lake music dealers;

Quartet.

Points for judgment same as Mixed Double

and Inter-Stake,

VII Short Drama— For Ward, Stake District, Stake

not for June Conference. ,

September Era and

For detailed instructions on this event see

Journal.

952 IMPROVEMENT ERA

CHURCH DISTRICTS.

In order to obviate the over-crowding of time at the general

Church finals in June, the stakes of the Church have been grouped in

seventeen districts for try-outs. See Y. M. M. I. A. Hand Book, page

54, and the Journal, September, 1914.

The stake superintendents and presidents of Y. M. and Y. L. M.

I. A. of the stakes starred will take the initiative in arranging for

stake finals in their districts, following the same general plan given

for the grand finals. In the holding of Church district meets, any

variance from the general plan should be agreed upon by the different

slakes and a copy of same placed in the hands of all the contestants

in that district.

RULES AND REGULATIONS.

Only winners in ward try-outs may enter in stake district and

stake try-outs, and only winners in stake try-outs may enter in Church

district try-outs. Only winners in Church districts will be eligible for

entry for the finals in Salt Lake City, in June, 1915.A contestant must

be an active member of a Mutual Improvement Association.

In literary events, contestants must not exceed the time allotted.

One of the judges in each of the different events may give con-

structive criticism at the close of the exercises.

First and second places should be given in each event in order

that where it is impossible for the winner of first place to go on in

further contests, the one taking second place may take up the work.

Church district try-outs should be held not later than May 20.

All musical numbers must be sung in the key in which they are

written.

In unaccompanied numbers the chord should be struck before and

after the rendition of the number.

Contestants in music should render the numbers as indicated by

the composer's musical markings.

All musical numbers are for sale by music dealers.

A Junior Boy is all active member of the association, who has

passed his twelfth anniversary, but who has not passed his seven-

teenth. Any boy who has passed his sixteenth anniversary and who

has not yet passed his seventeenth when the season starts may be

considered a junior in all contest work.

A Junior Girl is an active member of the association who has

passed her fourteenth anniversary, but who has not yet passed her

seventeenth. Any girl who has passed her sixteenth anniversary and

who has not yet passed her seventeenth when the season starts may

be considered a junior in all contest work.

Advanced Senior. School teachers, ex-school teachers, lawyers,

doctors, and college graduates who are officers or members of the asso-

ciations will compete in the advanced senior class.

Senior Class. Active members of the association who are not

juniors or advanced seniors will compete in the senior class.

The names of all winners in Church district contests should be

forwarded as soon as known to the General Secretaries. Superintend-

ents of the starred stakes are requested to furnish this information.

Gold medals will be awarded to the winners in the advanced senior

and senior events, and silver medals to the juniors in the grand finals

to be held at the June Conference in Salt Lake City, 1915.

Expenses and transportation should be borne by the individuals

themselves who participate; however, the stakes or the organizations

may assist.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 953

The stake and Church districts that desire added activities, other

than those named to be taken up in the June Conference, may engage

in athletics, scout work, debates, declamations, instrumental music,

duets, trios, etc., in their various contests, but latter events named

here will not be used in the General Church finals to be held in Salt

Lake City.

A definite understanding should be had in all contest work. Ward

and stake officers in making out their plans for preliminary programs

and open nights, should plan these events at the beginning of the

year's work. . .

The percentage alloted to the different points of judgment make

a total of 100, which indicates perfection. Contestants will te judged

accordingly.

Rules governing ward, stake, or Church district contests should

not interfere with the foregoing rules and regulations.

All officers, contestants and judges should be furnished with a

copy of all rules and regulations governing contest work.

For further information on this subject see the Y. M. M. I. A.

Hand Book, page 49 and 64, and future numbers of the Era and

Journal.

THE M I. A. NORMAL COURSE AND EDUCATIONAL

CAMPAIGN.

The General Boards of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. have made ar-

a special

rangements with four of the leading Church Schools to give

MIA Normal Course. This will be a great opportunity for M. LA.

officers to prepare themselves for

leadership. The benefits coming

ward organizations will depend largely on the type of of-

home to the

ficers or who attend these courses and their native power to

members

lead.

THE M. I. A. NORMAL COURSE OUTLINE.

The following topics will be handled daily:

Y. M. M. I. A.

I Y M M. I. A. Organization and Management,

'a. "Y. M. M. I. A. Hand Book" as text.

II. Manuals and Reading Course.

a. Contents and methods of teaching manual.

b. Review of Reading Course books.

III. Athletics and Scout Work.

a. First aid.

b. Scoutcraft.

c. Athletics and athletic direction.

d. Outdoor and indoor games.

Y. L. M. I. A.

I. Organization and Management.

a. "Y. L. M. I. A. Instructions to Officers."

II. Senior and Junior Lesson Work.

a. Methods of teaching.

b. Demonstration.

954 IMPROVEMENT ERA

III. Reading Course.

a. Value of reading habit.

b. Duties of ward and stake librarians.

c. Review of reading course books.

IV. Helps for Supplementary Work.

a. Missionary work.

1. Instruction for the protection of our girls.

b. Domtstic art.

c. First aid to the injured.

JOINT WORK.

I. Social Work.

a. Social dancing.

b. Ballroom etiquet and management.

c. Games

d. M. I. A. social hour.

II. Intellectual Activities..

a. Public speaking.

b. Stories.

c. Drama.

d. Music direction.

The cost of the course should not exceed $1 per week.

The officers or members in attendance should be made to under-

stand that the course is given not only for their information but to

prepare them for leadership in the M. I. A. work, which they should

feel obligated to take up in their home wards when the course is fin-

ished.

This course will be given in the Brigham Young University, Provo;

in Brigham Young College, Logan; in the Weber Stake Academy,

the

Ogden; and in the Snow Academy, Ephraim, beginning about the mid-

dle ot November, and closing at the Christmas holidays.

Workers from all parts of the Church are invited to attend any

one of these courses.

SPECTAL EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN BY FIELD SECRE-

TARY AND SCOUT COMMISSIONER OF THE Y. M.

M. A. AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE

I.

Y. L. M. I. A. BOARD.

There will be a three-days' session in the following Church schools

on the dates named, to give general and detailed instruction in M. I. A.

work, designed to prepare leaders. A careful plan covering the three

days will be made, and as much as possible of the subject matter out-

lined for the M. I. A. normal course, will be used.

Both the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. of each ward should have at

these special sessions one or more capable leaders willing to take up

this important work with the young people in their wards. Stake su-

perintendents and presidents are requested to have a stake representa-

tive in attendance.

North Trip.

October 19, 20, 21— Knight Academy, Canada.

Oct. 26, 27, 28— Big Horn Academy, Wyoming.

—

Nov. 2, 3, 4 Ricks, Academy.

—

Nov. 9, 10, 11 Cassia Academy.

—

Nov. 16, 17, 18 Fielding Academy.

Nov. 23, 24, 25— Oneida Academy.

Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2— Weber Academy.

—

Dec. 7, 8, 9 Latter-day Saints' University.

—

Dec. 14, 15, 16 Brigham Young University.

Dec. 21, 22, 23— Brigham Young College.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 955

South Trip.

Sept. 19 to 23— Uintah.

Oct. 19, 20, 21— Emery.

Nov. 2. 3, 4—Millard.

Nov. 23, 24, 25— Snowflake.

Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2— St. Johns.

Dec. 7, 8, 9— Thatcher.

Nov. 9, 10, 11— Murdock.

Nov. 16, 17, 18— St. George.

—

Dec. 14, 15, 16 Maricopa.

—

Dec. 21, 22, 23 Snow.

Have representatives go to Church schools in their respe.tive

Church school districts.

In re-districting the Church, Boise stake is added to District

No. 3, Woodruff stake to District No. 8, and Juab to District No.

10. A new district including Millard, Deseret, and Moapa stakes

has been formed to be known as District No. 17. Brother Kirk-

ham praised the contest work, and told of instances of its remark-

able help to young people. (See Hand Book, p. 54.)

Mrs. Mary Merrill, president of the Pocatello stake Y. L. M.

I. A., reported the results of contest work in that stake. It had

improved attendance, interest, regularity, and general conditions.

Mrs. Laura S.. Tanner reported contest work in both organiza-

tions in Pioneer, stake. The results this year, in that stake, had

impressed the officers that the continuance of the contests is jus-

tified.

The mixed double quartet from Brigham City that won first

place in District No. 8 sang "Lullaby." O. A. Whitaker, con-

ductor.

Elder Thomas Hull of the General Board spoke on "Social

Activities and Summer Work." The word social is used as it

applies to the association of individuals and organizations, and not

in the sense that society places upon it. The spirit of unrest and

change is in the air, and in order to prevent the young peop' from

going wrong, such varying entertainments are needed as will keep

them directed properly. He advised the M. I. A. social commit-

tees to take the initiative in creating entertainments to be given

in the wards each month. The following three kinds of social en-

tertainments were suggested A home gathering each month, to

:

be held at the homes under the control of the heads of families a ;

home musical, to be conducted by the committee in one or more

homes in the ward and a social dance, in which proper dances,

;

proper deportment, introductions, and dress, should be taught.

Elder Hull emphasized the need of chaperones for the young peo-

ple, and the need of escorts for the girls. The new dances may be

enjoyed when porperly taught and danced. Plays at the theater

and motion picture offerings should be investigated and recom-

mended or not, according to their merits.

The congregation sang "Sowing," and Sister Maria Y. Dou-

gall pronounced the benediction,

956 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Y. M. M. I. A. OFFICERS' MEETING

The officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. met in a separate meeting

held in the Assembly Room in the Bishop's Building at 1 o'clock.

Elder Heber J. Grant presided. The congregation sang "Now

Let Us Rejoice in the Day of Salvation," and Elder James G.

McKay of Ogden stake offered the invocation, followed by a violin

solo by Prof. W. C. Clive.

Elder Preston D. Richards was the first speaker, his subject

being "The Right Man." He laid special emphasis on the neces-

sity of securing a man as leader of the association, and as head of

each particular activity, who had native ability, whose heart was

in the particular work assigned to him, who was optimistic, hope-

ful and prayerful, — the right man, —

to lead and direct our organi-

zations, if we would have them successful. Elder Richards related

several incidents showing how the right man had made a success

of what seemed failure.

Supt. George E. Finlinson led in the discussion, stating that

work and perseverance coupled with patience are the greatest ele-

ments of success, and Mutual workers must not only be good but

be good for something.

Supt. James G. McKay offered as a suggestion that we con-

sult bishops of wards and presidents of stakes in relation to select-

ing men as officers, and that we find out what they are best adapted

for and assign that particular work to them.

A general discussion followed as to how to get rid of the

wrong man and how to secure the right man, etc.

"Problems in Athletics and Scout Work" was the subject dis-

cussed by Elder Lyman R. Martineau. He said the summer time

was the best time to take up athletic and scout work. Win the

boy in the summer, get him interested in the work so that when

the class work commences in the fall he will be willing and anxious

to take part in that department also. Teach the boys to be good

sportsmen, to win and to lose well, and to be clean and fair in

their sports. He suggested that the associations try to get the

wayward boys interested in this work, to let them take part in the

sports, but not to represent the association in any meets until they

have complied with the rules.

Some objections had been raised to scout work, on the

grounds that the boys were rowdy and uncontrollable, but he

stated that where scout work was properly taken up, properly or-

ganized and managed, that it had solved these very problems in

associations where the boys had been unruly. He urged that all

the associations get the work organized and where assistance was

needed the M. I. A. Scout Commissioner, Dr. John H. Taylor,

would be pleased to aid them in every way possible.

A discussion followed as to rules for entering athletic meets,

:

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 957

who should be allowed to enter these, and how the meets should

be governed.

Elder B. S. Hinckley spoke on "The Reading Course," point-

ing out the value of reading and the opportunity it offers to those

who have not had the advantage of high school or university train-

ing. He called attention to the fact that this year one book for

the senior and one book for the junior class had been adopted with

the idea that these books were especially to be pushed, and that

officers were to get as many as possible to read them. In addition

they had recommended several other books for both classes, all

of which could be read with profit.

Y. M. M. I. A. READING COURSE, 1914-15

For Seniors:

"Their Yesterdays." Harold Bell Wright, price 50c.

"The Story and Philosophy of Mormonism," Talmage, price 35c.

"The Fair God," General Lew Wallace, price 50c.

For Juniors:

"Chester Lawrence," Nephi Anderson, price 75c.

The other books for the Juniors will be named later.

Elders A. W. Ivins and Joseph F. Smith, Jr., of the Council

of the Twelve, then gave brief talks on The Fair God and Their

Yesterdays, two of the books recommended for the seniors.

Singing, "Lord Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing," and the bene-

diction was pronounced by Elder James E. Hart, of Boise stake.

LITERARY AND MUSICAL TRY-OUTS

In the afternoon at 3 o'clock, the try-outs in oratory, re-told

stories, and music were held, the details of which follow

The following are the senior orations as presented at the try-out

at the Bishop's Building, June 12, 1914:

Roy Purcell, "Perseverance," Utah stake, District No. 10.

Grant Young, "True to the Faith," Taylor stake, District No. 1.

Albert Anderson, "The Evil Story," St. George stake, District

No. 12.

Lois Bennion, "Education," Duchesne stake, District No. 16.

Leone Rich, "Beyond the Alps Lies Our Italy," Star Valley stake,

District No. 9.

R. V. McCullough, "The Master Orator," Liberty stake, District

No. 9.

Henry Jensen, "Brigham Young the Man of the Hour," Ogden

stake. District No. 8.

John E. Russell, "The Value of Opportunity," Fremont stake, Dis-

trict No. 4.

Eva Joy Nielsen, "The Past and Future of Utah," South Sanpete

stake, District No. 11.

Marion Rogers, "The Scattered Nation," Snowflake stake, Dis-

trict No. 15.

Out of these were selected for the final try-outs on Saturday

evening, R. V. McCullough and John E. Russell.

The advanced senior orations were given at the try-outs in the

following order:

958 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Clifford S. Wilson, "My Debt," Teton stake, District No. 4.

Jean Brown, "The Gospel of Human Service," Parowan stake,

District No. 12.

Betilah World, "The Bible," Salt Lake stake, District No. 9.

C. P. Olsen, "Our Birthright as Sons and Daughters of the Pio-

neers," North Sanpete stake, District No. 11.

Angus Maughan, "The Saloon Evil," Oneida stake, District No. 7.

Out of the above Clifford S. Wilson and Beulah World were se-

lected to contest in the finals on Saturday evening. Judges: Judge

Chas. H. Hart, Preston D. Richards, Josephine Chambers.

On Saturday evening in the Assembly Hall in the senior orations

R. V. McCullough of Liberty stake, District No. 9, won, "The Master

Orator" being the title of his oration; in the advanced senior orations

Beulah World of Salt Lake stake, District No. 9, won, the title of her

oration being "The Bible." Judges: Dr. F. S. Harris, State Agricul-

tural College, Logan; Miss Alice Reynolds, Brigham Young Univer-

sity, Provo; John Henry Evans, Latter-day Saints University, Salt

Lake City.

The following entered in the re-told stories:

Lillian Marcus, "The Land of the Blue Flower," Cassia stake,

District No. 5.

Mamie Corbett, "The Story of David," Bannock stake, District

No. 6.

Annie Timmons, "The Land of the Blue Flower," Benson stake,

District No. 7.

Leah Pardoe, "The Happy Prince," Weber stake, District No. 8.

Belle Smith, "The Lost

Chord," Pioneer stake, District

No. 9.

Lucile Harvey, "The Dia-

mond Necklace," Alpine stake,

District No. 10.

Annie Woodbury, "Enoch

Arden," St. George stake, Dis-

trict No. 12.

Vera R. Jennings, "Tom

Redford's Luck," Snowflake

stake, District No. 15.

Grace Brandley, "The Great

Wall City," Taylor stake, Dis-

trict No. 1.

Lawrence Ripplinger,

"Tramp Story," Blackfoot stake,

District No. 4.

Miss Larsen, "Where Love

is God is Also" North Sanpete

stake, District No. 11.

Josie Foutz, "Land of the

Blue Flower," Young stake,

District No. 13.

Fontella Stone, "Courage,"

Uintah stake District No. 16.

Out of these were selected

MISS BELLE SMITH for the final try-outs, Miss Belle

Winner in retold story contest. Smith, and Miss Grace Brand-

ley. Miss Belle Smith of Pio-

neer stake won out in the final ler story being "The Lost Chord.

Judges, Friday: John Henry Evans, Adam Bennion, Angie Hool

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 959

brook. Judges, Saturday: Dr. F. S. Harris, Lewis T. Cannon, Mrs.

E. J. Milne.

In the Junior Boys' chorus the following entered: Pocatello

stake, District No. 4; Cache stake, District No. 7; Malad stake, District

No. 8; Pioneer stake, District No. 9; Juab stake, District No. 10; Sevier

stake, District No. 11; Parowan stake, District No. 12.

Pioneer and Parowan were chosen for the finals, Parowan stake

winning, Saturday evening.

PAROWAN JUNIOR BOYS' WINNING CHORUS.

The names of the members of the winning chorus are: Alfred

Morris Benson, Carlyle Hoyle, Merton Richards, Dewey

Clifford

Bentley, Rex Ward, Albert Marsden, Orton Rasmussen;

Lawrence J.

Adams, conductor.

Bingharn stake,

In the Jnior Girls' chorus the following entered:

District No. 4; Cassia stake, District No. 5; Bear

Lake stake, District

District No 8; Gran-

No. 6; Oneida stake, District No. 7; Ogden stake

ite stake, District No. 9; Juab stake,

District No. 10; Sevier stake, Dis-

trict No. 11; Parowan stake, District No.

the finals, re-

Oneida, Sevier and Ogden stakes were selected for

sulting in Oneida stake winning.

Fremont stake

In Mixed Double quartets the following entered:

District No. 4; Cassia stake, District No. 5;

Bear Lake stake, District

960 IMPROVEMENT ERA

ONEIDA STAKE JUNIOR GIRLS CHORUS

The names of the members of the winning chorus are: Gwenn

Thomas, Ruby Peterburg, Lola Nelson, Edith Hobbs, Clara Gosland,

Lillie Thomas, Agnes Neufrer, Barbara Neeley; W. Engan, conductor.

PIONEER STAKE WINNING MIXED DOUBLE QUARTET

The names of the members of the winning mixed double quartet

are: John H. Askew, James A. Cottrell, Joseph B. Sartori, William

Cook, Martha H. Cottrell, Carrie Christenson, Marilla Wagner, Alice

Marchant; William Cook, conductor; Mabel Holdsworth, accompanist.

:

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 961

No. 6; Oneida stake. District No. 7; Box Elder stake, District No. 8;

Pioneer stake, District No. 9; Utah stake, District No. 10; South San-

pete stake, District No. 11; Parowan stake, District No. 12. Madame

Brodbeck, Prof. Joseph Ballantyne, Prof. David Mann, were judges

for Friday's try-outs.

Pioneer and Utah stakes were chosen for the finals, and Pioneer

stake won Saturday night.

The judges for Saturday evening were: Prof. A. H. Peabody,

Prof. Joseph J. Daynes, Sr., and Mrs. Emma Ramsey Morris.

The winners in thej^oys' choruses, girls' choruses and mixed

double quartets, and the winners in the literary contests were awarded

medals on Sunday morning, at the great Tabernacle, the winners pass-

ing before President Joseph F. Smith and receiving his congratulations

and handshake. Gold medals were awarded to the senior contestants

and silver medals to the juniors.

SEPARATE Y. M. M. I. A. OFFICERS MEETING

On Saturday morning, June 13, the officers of the Y. M. M.

I.A. again met in separate officers' meeting at 10 o'clock. The

Jordan Stake Boys' chorus, under direction of Wm. M. Cox, sang

"The Gushing Rill," and Supt. Ernest P. Horsley of the Box Elder

stake offered prayer.

Dr. F. S. Harris discussed "The Value of the Manual to all

Craftsmen," outlining the topics treated therein and calling atten-

tion to the necessity of having a good, capable class leader. The

importance of choosing a vocation was brought out, together with

the conditions of success. The value of work should be taught to

young people early in life so that they may be prepared to earn

their livelihoods. Discussion followed.

Elder Edward H. Anderson spoke on "The Nature and Aim

of the Junior Manual." The Manual would treat on "Lessons on

Conduct" in the series on the development of character this year.

Officers should keep a record of the work done by the boys so that

at the close of the year they might obtain the class

pins for those

who make a proper showing in the class work the coming season.

Twenty-one stakes had so far had wards make application for pins

which had been given to boys who passed last season. See con-

M. I. A. Hand Book, p. 23.

ditions in the Y. M.

The Jordan Stake Boys' chorus sang "The Morning Breaks

the Shadows Flee," Wm. M. Cox, conductor.

Elder Heber J. Grant read the annnual statistical report which

showed

Synopsis of the statistical report of the Y. M. M. I. A. for the

year ending May 30, 1914:

962 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Increase

over 1913.

Number of associations 694 24

Number of permanent members enrolled 34,404 898

Active members enrolled, Senior 16,986 4,392

Active members enrolled, Junior 10,741

Number attending schools away from home 1,021 *68

Enrolled members on foreign missions 934 *97

Average attendance at meetings 15,872 1,799

Total meetings of officers and members 27,032

Special activities, including lectures, debates, etc... 3,567

Total 30,599 4,290

*Decrease.

Activities:

Lectures 969

Public concerts 257

Debates 198

Dramatic entertainments 407

Public contests 690

Athletic meets participated in 811

Scout contests and demonstrations 235

Total 3,567

Scout patrols *277

Visits of stake officers 2,939

Active membership committees 139

Committees on vocations and industries 157

*An increase of 166.

Class Work:

Number of juniors passed first year's course 1,766

Number who have read one or more books of the reading course 1,736

This report does not include the missions.

Roll was called showing representatives from sixty-three

stakes.

Murray Roberts of Provo, sang "The Lost Chord."

Elder B. H. Roberts spoke on "Progress in Vocational

Work," giving a history of the work to date, and outlining the city

industrial and the half-acre contests which have been undertaken

by this committee. Forty stakes have taken up the work wholly

or in part and the other twenty-five were urged to get in line. He

urged the ward vocational councilors to labor with the parents of

boys, as well as with the boys personally, and get all interested in

this very important issue of choosing a vocation in life. The

officerswere urged to read and study carefully the literature al-

ready sent out, as well as the articles which have been printed in

the Era. The senior manual, this season, 1914-15, which treats

on this topic, will be very helpful to those appointed to direct the

vocational work. Choosing a Vocation, by Parsons, was rec-

ommended as helpful to the stake supervisors, and ward coun-

cilors.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 963

Discussion followed in relation to the industrial contests now

being carried on, after which the Jordan Stake Boys' chorus sang

"Utah, We Love Thee," and the benediction was pronounced by

Bishop Cox of Bunkerville, Nevada.

JOINT OFFICERS' MEETING

Sunday morning, at 10 o'clock, the officers of both associa-

tions met in joint session, President Joseph F. Smith presided.

There were approximately 4,000 people in attendance.

The Pioneer stake combined choirs under direction of Tracy

Y. Cannon, sang "Chorale," and prayer was offered by Elder

Rudger Clawscn, after which the Pioneer stake choirs sang

"Lovely Appear," by Gounod.

Dr. George H. Brimhall spoke on "The Development of Lead-

ers and Leadership," and in a forecful argument impressed the

workers with the necessity of being prepared intellectually, spirit-

ually, and morally, to act as leaders of the M. I. A. work. See full

report in this number of the Era.

Tracy Y. Cannon rendered an organ solo on the great organ.

Ruth May Fox, of the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A.,

and Dr. John A. Widtsoe, of the Y. M. M. I. A., spoke briefly on

the "Mission of Mutual Improvement."

Elder Nicholas G. Morgan enthusiastically advocated a weekly

half-holiday throughout the Church for games and play of the

members, in order that the Sabbath might more perfectly be ob-

served. His subject was

"we stand for a sacred sabbath and a weekly half-hol-

iday."

A thrilling feature of the session was the singing of "O Ye

Mountains High," by Emma Lucy Gates, upon request of Presi-

dent Joseph F. Smith.

The Pioneer stake combined choirs sang "Unfold Ye Portals,"

and the benediction was pronounced by Sister Mae T. Nystrom.

GENERAL JOINT SESSION

The first general session of the conference convened at 2

o'clock p. m., in the Tabernacle. Owing to sickness in his family,

President Smith was unable to be present and Elder Heber J.

Grant presided at the meeting.

The Tabernacle choir, Evan Stephens, conductor, sang "The

Palms," and Elder Rulon S. Wells offered prayer, after which the

choir sang "O My Father." .-.,,, <

Elder James E. Talmage delivered the principal address of

the afternoon, which is printed in full in this

number, his subject

being "Prove' thy Faith by thy Works."

Miss Eleanor R. Jeremy, of the Primary Association, gave a

964 IMPROVEMENT ERA

short talk on "The Purpose and Aim of the Primary," outlining its

growth, development and future plans.

The Tabernacle choir sang, "When the Son of Alan Shall

Come in His Glory."

Elder Junius F. Wells then read the following sentiment in

honor of Flag day. The sentiment was unanimously adopted hy

the great congregation which filled the main floor, and most of the

Sfalleries :

"This is Flag day. It is well that we break out the

folds of the glorious emblem of our liberty today, that it

may wave a greeting of inspiration and freedom to all the

people. Let it be remembered also today that the flag is

raised on foreign soil awaiting the salute of those who have

offended it. That wisdom shall guide and moderation gov-

ern in the settlement of the present difficulty and that

peace and good order shall be established in our sister re-

public as the result of sending Old Glory down to Mexico,

is the hope and desire of all true Americans, especially the

people of Utah, who have many kindred there."

Benediction was pronounced by Sister Louie B. Felt, presi-

dent of the Primary Association.

TOINT EVENING MEETING

Sunday evening, at 7 :30, in the Tabernacle, the last session of

the conference was held. It was well attended.

, i jH h 1 f | i t | : %

t * * . : f i sf j x | * f ; j % f

J ^-#. . ^s-

UTAH STAKE M. I. A. MALE CHORUS

C. R. Johnson, conductor, Earl J. Glade, manager, who Sang at M. I.

A. Conference.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF M. I. A. 965

The- Utah Stake M. I. A. Male chorus, under direction of

Charles R. Johnson, sang "Lead Kindly Light," and prayer was

offered by President Charles W. Penrose. The Utah Stake M.

T. A. chorus sang "Last Night" and "Good Bye."

Elder P>. S. Hinckley spoke on "Ethics in Scout Work."

Preceding his address, a number of scouts, under the direction

of Dr. John H. Taylor, M. I. A. Scout Commissioner, recited the

scout law and promise.

Elder Hinckley stated that the aim of scout work is to make

the boy a worthy man, to give the boy a harmonious, well-balanced

development. The scout movement supplements all other depart-

ments of the M. I. A. It does not pretend to supplant them. It

does not aim to parallel the work of any other department of the

organization. It seeks only to help the Y. M. M. I. A. and all

other organizations in the Church, in the development of the boy.

The combined contesting choruses of the Junior boys, under

the direction of the composer, Evan Stephens, then sang, "The

Morning Breaks the Shadows Flee."

President Martha H. Tingey of the Y. L. M. I. A. spoke on

the subiect, "Safeguarding the Youth." The officers and workers

in the M. I. A. have been appointed shepherds over the youth of

Zion. We call them chaperones. These chaperones should guard

the young against evil and temptation assist the young in their

;

play and merrymaking, and remain near to warn them when they

approach too near the precipices found along the pathway of life.

The combined contesting choruses of the Junior girls, under

the direction of the composer, Joseph J. Daynes, then sang, "My

Soul is Full of Peace and Love."

Miss Ann Nebeker. of the Primary Association, spoke on

"The Value of Play." She gave a discussion on the psychology of

play instinct and activity, its value in life and the wavs through

which it can be directed to good results. Plav is the child's work

and is the most serious activity of child life. Half an hour's intel-

lectual plav is worth two hours' study in the dead languages to

any child.' There is a physical value in play. Play makes the

muscles strong. Flabby muscles and flabby morals are closely

related. Thirty minutes' olay will do more to quell the mischiev-

ous boy than all the punishments that can be given him. Play is

among the most valuable things in the development of character.

President Joseph F. Smith, who was scheduled to deliver an

address in this session, was unable to be present, owing to sickness

in his family.

In a concluding statement President Heber J. Grant declared

the convention had'been the most largely attended, and one of the

best conventions ever held by the associations. He complimented

the workers, thanked them for their help, congratulated the con-

966 IMPROVEMENT ERA

testants in the different lines, and praised the work of .the Asso-

ciations.

The Utah Stake M. I. A. Male chorus sang, "The Calvarv

Cross."

Elder Junius F. Wells again presented the

FLAG DAY SENTIMENT

to the conference after which the congregation and chorus arose

and sang "The Star Spangled Banner." President Emmeline B.

Wells, of the Relief Society, pronounced the benediction, and the

conference adjourned for one year.

Special features of the conference were the M. I. A. Athletic

and Scout demonstrations given in the Deseret Gymnasium Satur-

day afternoon and the M. I. A. social tendered to the visiting offi-

;

cers by General Boards on Friday evening. The social given Fri-

day evening was well attended, the evening being devoted to danc-

ing, exhibition of new dances, and musical selections, Light re-

freshments were served.

A complimentary noon luncheon was given to the stake super-

intendents by the General Board Y. M. M. I. A., on Saturday.

There were 63 stake superintendents present, or represented.

Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Chas. W. Penrose, other mem-

bers of the Board, and several superintendents, spoke.

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^^K^«3?§fiHPSL.

•>•_

THE NEW LATTER-DAY SAINTS CLIURCH, NEARLY COMPLETED, AT

GAFFNEY, S. C., AND CONFERENCE VISITORS