--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Jensen, P. Joseph collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 20 number: 5 published: 1917-03 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "P. Joseph Jensen, \"Priesthood Quorums' Table,\" *Improvement Era* 20, no. 5 (March 1917): 459–463." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2005unse 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: improvementera2005unse start_page: 459 end_page: 463 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1917-03) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2005unse publication_year: 1917 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 1917, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Priesthood Quorums' Table ©PRIESTHOOD QUO-Cp -RUMS' TABLE Helpful Hints on Priesthood Activities By P. Joseph Jensen These items we have found helpful in the Aaronic Priesthood work, in the Forest Dale ward, Granite stake: First. Aims: We have had in mind helping the boys to understand the principles of the gospel, and coupling those principles with action, so that young men should form such habits and live such lives as will magnify the authority they bear. Ward service in this connection has been emphasized. Three thoughts: principle-getting, living those principles, and ward service, have been constantly before our minds. Secondly. Organization: The youths of the ward have been organized as the Doctrine and Covenants directs. Each presidency of the respective quorums presides, and when the official business is seen to, the officer presiding turns the quorum over to the instructor for conducting the lesson. Each quorum meets separately and has its regular instructor. An exception that has proved helpful in connection with the Priest's quorum is as follows: Owing to the many calls on the bishop, the president of the quorum, we have selected from the quorum what is called an "executive committee" consisting of a chairman and two assistants. When the committee the bishop cannot be present promptly, or misses a session, attends to the appointments and necessary business. This arrangement is rightly belongs, not designed to remove the responsibility from where it but to facilitate matters. After the business of the quorum is transacted the lesson work is turned over to a regular instructor. This committee, in connection with a secretary, also serves as a visiting committee from whom attendance. the bishopric get much assistance in keeping up the presidencies. We have found that very much depends on the choice ofinstructors are By careful and wise selection of officials, the bishopric and relieved of a large part of the responsibility. The young men take pride in keeping up their quorum attendance and work. In order to help them, different times, and presidency the presidencies have been called together at president of the stake, and leadership have been discussed by the bishop, the practical experience. This is a rare field for the developand others of occasion required, the ment of leadership. In addition to these meetings, as Lesser Priesthood have met jointly and received general whole body of the talks in the field of Lesser Priesthood work. . promotion and in As an example of the care the bishopric take in setting apart to offices: the bishop called the young men into his office In groups and told them what was required of them. They were also told, in a kindly way, what habits they ought to form. Then each was perThis was a heart-tomined to express himself as to his habits and desires heart talk between the father of the ward and some of the young men, with a view to starting them right. . calling of the instructor. An important item in organization is the qualifications of the successful mIn addition to the usual educational brotherly kindness should be his structor, diligence, love, patience, and instructor is always present, or has a prepared characteristics. The diligent quorum. The members feel a steady, reliable substitute to instruct the 460 IMPROVEMENT ERA support in such men. The qualifications related in sections 4 and 121:4146, of the Doctrine and Covenants are what we have aimed to find in men who teach. We have found from experience much satisfaction in developing the real missionary spirit for the welfare of the Lesser Priesthood. Our aim has been to make a better balance between studying and doing; to take part of the time given to formal studying of the gospel and giving that time to doing something for the welfare of the ward. Thirdly. Activity: We have found that giving the members an opportunity to express what they study, in the gatherings of the ward and slake, has a distinctive influence with them. It presents them before the eyes of the public; and performing in these gatherings has a tendency to create in them a sentiment favorable to the Latter-day Saints, more so than when the principles are only studied. The young men thus learn to lean toward the bishopric's views and to direct themselves accordingly. The following activities have been successful, in addition to ward teaching, (1) taking care of the sacrament; (2) collecting fast donations from families who did not contribute in the fast meeting. The latter activity we consider from this viewpoint: it is a privilege for every member of the ward to contribute fast offerings, and an opportunity for the Aaronic Priesthood to call and kindly remind the family of such privilege; (3) occasionally furnishing the singing in the stake priesthood and other meetings, which gives immediate purpose to their practicing; (4) having ten or fifteen minutes of the ward priesthood meeting occupied by the Lesser Priesthood in which the point of view of the young members is expressed; (5) using active members to visit and encourage delinquent members of their quorums; (6) ushering and door-tending, which has met with fair success. Fourthly. Time of meeting: Meeting on Sunday morning with the Sunday School, but in distinct Priesthood classes, has been very satisfactory. Many of the boys have said that they have here stronger incentive to magnify their callings. 'The motives for observing the Sabbath day are stronger. There is much more satisfactory response on the part of instructors. The session of the Sunday School begins at a time when temptation to stay away because of being tardy is minimized. It insures better attendance at the sacrament meeting. In our Sunday School each department is under a supervisor. So also is the Aaronic Priesthood. With this arrangement we find no point of conflict. New Wards and Bishops The following new wards and changes in bishops are reported for the month of January, 1917, by the Presiding Bishop's office. The new wards organized and the bishops chosen, also changes in bishoprics are given. The Eastern States Mission address has been changed to No. 1140 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, New York. New Wards and Bishops.— Ogden 13th ward, Ogden stake, J. Howard Jenkins, bishop, address: 2343 Van Buren Ave., Ogden, Utah. Richmond, South ward, Benson stake, James Lewis McCarrey, Richmond, Utah. LaFayette Hendricks, ward clerk. — New Bishops. LaPoint ward, Uintah stake, Roy Taylor succeeded James M. Shaffer, address same. Huntsville ward, Ogden stake, Joseph L. Peterson succeeded John Halls, address same. Richmond ward, Benson stake, Parley Nels Nelson succeeded Thomas H. Merrill, address same. PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 461 Clawson ward, Emery stake, J. Orson Barney succeeded William Hitchcock, address same. Granite ward, Jordan stake, Alvin A. Despain succeeded James A. Muir, address same. After the Mission is Over — Then What? By Franklin J. Hewlett Two of our missionaries after receiving an honorable release from their labor of love in a foreign land, had returnednome in peace to their loved ones in our dear mountain home. The first few weeks were strenuous ones, preaching to large and attentive congregations, holding them, as it were, spell-bound, not by the magic eloquence of the orator, not by the magic art of the actor, but by the word of God. They related the rich experiences gained in the mission field, in the simplest form of speech, which came direct from the Spirit of the Giver of all good. These were days of real happiness to the two young elders. Six months later they met in a country village. Old friendships were renewed, and the clasp of the hand was given, but it was not quite as hearty as when they slept under the same blanket, ate ofttimes out of the same bowl, and preached, prayed and mingled their voices in song beneath the roof of the humble cottage, or on the street corner, which many times had touched the heart-strings of humanity and brought many honest souls that were hungry and thirsty for truth to the knowledge that the Redeemer lives. Their love was likened to that of David and Jonathan of the olden time. One was doing nearly all the talking, his eyes grew brighter and brighter as tender memories of the past, the glorious things he had seen and heard while in the mission field, were painted before him in beautiful word pictures. . The other listened with marked attention, but a pained expression was discovered passing over his countenance. "You look sad today, Elder Tracy," remarked the first. Are the things of theworld beginning to worry you?" came in a For a few moments there was no reply. Then the answer although in tender tones at first, but it gradually grew more changed voice, C "Yes I my mission. It was the most pleasant and profitable enjoyed "three years spent in my life. I drew many pictures in my mind of the Church activities which I should take part in after my return home. My certain auxiliary organization, but heart's desire was to be a leader in a mydreams were in vain. I was called to take part in another tha alas! was new to me; and if I have any talents, they are not developed m that best ^"The new ward officials selected, during my absence are not the men and women that might be chosen. gospel , abroad is nn rn an, . "Working in the Church at home and preaching the entirely different proposition." . , . . , noticed the sorrowful look on Elder Tracy stopped for a moment, as he countenance, but he continued on, "I have served my term and Elder James' answer anoAercaU am thankful for it, but my faith is not strong enough «»taken m the returned for service in the mission field. There is no interest missionarv. onlv for a few weeks after the homecoming. cold, calculating words of his forme,-comElde/jame" listened to the panion, while tears glistened in his large, brown eyes, which were hastily brushed aside. 462 IMPROVEMENT ERA Grasping his friend by one hand, while the other was placed on his shoulder, in a voice as tender as a fond mother giving advice to a wayward son, he said, "When my mission president handed me a piece of paper that I prize and hold dearer than money or fame, he said among other things, 'Elder James, I now present you with an honorable release, and may God bless you for the good work that you have accomplished in this part of the world; but remember, a true Latter-day Saint who loves the gospel of Jesus Christ, is always a missionary; be faithful, take and obey counsel from those who are placed over you. Temptations may come, but you will triumph over them, and great will be your reward in heaven.' Elder James paused for a moment to watch the effect of his words on his companion, which were favorable, and then continued. "There is an awakening among the members of the Church in regard to the welfare of our returned missionaries, and I understand many stakes have found the plan worthy of consideration. "In one of the stakes of Zion, two members of the High Council have been set apart to preside over the returned missionary committee which consists of one active elder appointed by the bishop of the ward. A record has been made of each elder when he departs, also his vocation, and on his return it is a part of their duties to aid him in obtaining employment. If i< is his desire to labor along spiritual lines, in a particular organization, just a whisper to the ward committeeman will suffice to convey his wish to the proper authorities, and in nearly every case the desire of the humble returned missionary is gratified. The chairman of each ward, if so you may term him, also, of course, under the direction of the bishopric, has a Sunday night given him as returned missionary night. Every member of the ward who has fulfilled an honorable mission, no matter if it was fifty years ago, has a cordial invitation extended to be present, and to take some part in the exercises. "The entire service is conducted by the elders, the dear old gospel hymns are sung, and the most interesting incidents of faith-promoting stories in their missionary career are related. As the time is limited, the speakers ^re allotted ten minutes. Scores of elders are present, also several of the lady missionaries, and occupy the stand and choir seats. Many, through carelessness, had grown cold, but like the prodigal son were given a hearty welcome. Two members, who a few years ago were active workers, had wandered from the fold, but our elders, like true shepherds, by words of love and gentle persuasion, induced the stray lambs to attend the meeting, and one of them once more bore his testimony of the goodness of God and related some missionary experiences that had happened to him while preaching the gospel in a foreign land. Tears of joy trickled down his cheeks. "We were informed by the stake clerk, the night that the series of meetings were held, that all records for attendance were broken." Elder Tracy was all attention: "This winter a new method will be tried, which has already been sanctioned by the stake presidency, and by unanimous vote of the bishops of the various wards in the stake. Instead of having a series of meetings on (he same night, they will be held in one ward after another, giving the elders an opportunity to visit the neighboring wards and assist in holding rousing meetings that will always remain a red-letter evening in the history of the ward. It is estimated that over one hundred returned missionaries will be present, and each one has promised to bring at least six of his non- 'Mormon' friends. You may judge for yourself the grand work that will be accomplished when the principles of truth are explained to the audience and the good old gospel hymns are sung by over a hundred elders, such as, 'Come all ye sons of God who have received the priesthood,' 'Ye elders of Israel,' 'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning.' Your mind PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 463 will be taken right back to the time when you were attending a large conference in a foreign land." The Jonathan of the mission field drew closer to David, as the latter murmured, while his voice choked with emotion, "Go on!" "Our time is not so precious," said Elder James. "Let us take a seat under the shade of the old cherry tree, and chat over a few tender memories of the past. Two pure-minded youths in our ward will leave home and loved ones to preach the gospel to strangers in a strange land. Tomorrow night will be their 'Farewell,' and though I may have to drive over twenty miles it is a pleasure to swell the throng that gathers to honor our young stalwarts who go out in the world to teach the people the better way, to lead a better life." After partaking of some cherries that tasted delicious, they took a seat on an old rustic bench while Elder James continued: "Thousands of our young men and women have for the time parted from the sacred home ties to proclaim to the people of the world that the gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by Him and His apostles, is once more restored to earth in all its fulness. They proclaim the beauties of the gospel truths on the streets, in the cottages, by the fireside, in their daily walks and talks of life. They state in plain words that God meant what he said, when he called the great conference and said, 'Let us make man in our own image, after our own likeness.' " 'Mormonism' teaches us that 'the glory of God is intelligence,' and by acquiring knowledge, which properly applied is power, we can follow in his footsteps and go on to perfection. The first principles of the gospel are so simple that it seems a child can know and understand what those noble young men are teaching without price or hope of reward in this world. It is to have faith in our heavenly Father and keep his commandments, to truly repent of our sins and be forgiven, as was promised in the days of Noah and other dispensations, to go down in the water and be baptized by immersion as the Savior set the example, under the hand of John the Baptist, to have the imposition of hands by those having authority and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, promised by the Savior to his apostles. "Then, if we are faithful and live up to our covenants, the sublime things of eternity will gradually unfold to our view, and we will exclaim, while our hearts thrill with rapture, 'Why did we not understand these things before?' Missionary work is the grand school of experience that brings forth the blessings of heaven. "It is a joy to know that God lives, and that He not only hears but answers our prayers. We should try and live so that we can in humble life gradually simplicity acknowledge his hand in all things. Missionary unfolds to our view 'the rays of living light.' It makes the darkness of prayerful despair bright, it teaches us to have patience, and aids us in being nrd humble. . "Let us all do our best in the noble work of saving souls, whether at home or abroad, then we can cheerfully, with a clean conscience, leave the result of our labors with the Lord." ,,.,.„,, The elder arose, and, after a hearty clasp of his friend s hand, resumed j said, "Elder, if were fifty miles Jus journey, while he that remained simply it to our lodge, I could walk with you there tonight." ward, Salt Lake Missionary meetings will be held in the Thirty-Third March and in LeGrande ward on March 18, and in other wards City; on 11, on dates to follow.