--- 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: 24 number: 9 published: 1921-07 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* 24, no. 9 (July 1921): 844–848." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2409unse 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: improvementera2409unse start_page: 844 end_page: 848 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1921-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2409unse publication_year: 1921 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 1921, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Messages from the Missions 844 IMPROVEMENT ERA reply. What is the small matter of a few hundred lives lost as compared with the admission, that the use of tobacco is a recognized economic menace, involving not only an enormous property loss, but the destruction of many human lives by fire!" "We stand for the non-use and non-sale of tobacco." Y. M. M. I. A. Slogan. Commended by Elder David 0. McKay Referring to the article, by D. M. McAllister, that appeared in the Improvement Era, June, 1921, Elder David 0. McKay, writing from New Zealand, said: "Accept of ray congratulations upon the able manner in which you have handled this most timely and interesting topic, and of my apprecia- tion for the distinct contribution you have made to the Church literature pointing to the relationship of the Polynesians and the American Indians. During our brief visit among these peoples, we have been impressed with scores and hundreds of little things which indicate that close relationship. Already eminent anthropologists are stating authoritatively that these people are related. Let us hope that the time is near when their true origin will be so definiely proved that the world must accept them as direct descend- ants of the Prophet Lehi." Messages from the Missions Sixteen Baptisms in Bangor, Maine An epoch making event of unusual importance occurred in Bangor, Maine, May 15, which constitutes a land-mark in the history of the Maine Conference. The day had been set apart for our semi-annual conference which inlcuded several spirited open air meetings held on the bank of the Penobscot river; a beautiful spot which had been selected because of its desirability as a place for baptism. At nine o'clock over sixty people bad assembled, and an impressive service was held during which timely remarks were given. After the meeting, the candidates, numbering six- teen in all, entered into the waters of baptism, thereby complying with the third fundamental principle of the gospel. To see so many earnest in- vestigators seeking admission into the Church was indeed a sight never to be forgotten by those present. A brief confirmation service followed, at which time the gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred upon those who had been baptized, who thus became fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the household of God. It was indeed a spiritual feast, everyone rejoicing under the rich influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Friends and investigators attending expressed themselves as being greatly im- pressed and well repaid for having come. Mention must also be made of the splendid picnic provided by the Saints and friends, and their ef- forts were appreciated by every one. It was a temporal feast indeed and went hand in hand with the spiritual feast enjoyed during the forenoon. In the evening the day's program was brought to an eventful conclusion. EDITORS' TABLE 845 by a well-attended hall meeting, at which Pres. Geo. W. McCune of the Eastern States Mission delivered an inspiring address on the truths of ''Mormonism." At the close of the meeting the interest shown was so great that a second discourse was given by Pres. McCune. We feel that our miniature Pentecost was a phenomenal success but only a beginning of events to come. David C. Waikins and Carl W Buehner. . Photo by Elder Leland B. Anderson . Baptismal Scene in Maine Assixteen converts of Bangor and Brewer, appeared on the bank of the Penobscot river before baptism. On the extreme left President David C. Watkins, of the Maine Conference, and Elder L. J. Holland. Conference in Tahiti Writing from Orovini, Papeete. Tahiti, Society Islands, Elder Edward A. Hayes, Conference Secretary at Tubuai, sends greetings from that land in the south seas, which he denominated "the land of the blessed, where the people have the necessities of life and live unmolested by the strife and contentions of the outside world." They held a conference there on the 5th to 7th of April. Four meetings a day were held, each day beginning with a priesthood meeting, in which many valuable instructions were given by the elders, and a number of worthy natives were advanced in the Priesthood. The auxiliary organizations also were re-organized and set in working order. The first general session convened under the direction of President L. H. Kennard, Jr. In this meeting the elders bore strong testimonies to the restoration of the gospel, and the afternoon sessions were well attended by people who seemed to be thirsting for spiritual guidance. The speakers enjoyed the Holy Spirit and were thus able to freely express themselves, although speaking in a foreign tongue. Their testi- monies fell upon ears that listened attentively, and we trust that seeds of truth fell upon ground where they may take root and grow. In the 846 IMPROVEMENT ERA last meeting the house was filled to over-flowing. Many gospel verses were recited, interspersed by native singing which added life and enthusiasm to the assembled Saints. The elders feel that the work is progressing with a zeal and earnestness that no other religious organization in the world can have. Elders left to right: Edward A. Hayes, Grace, Idaho; L. G. McCullough, Salt Lake City; Paul A. Streber, Farmington; L. H. Kennard, Jr. Mission President, Riverside; and front, George C. Billings, Vernal, Utah. Mission Changes in England Elder Harold H. Jenson, writes from Birmingham, England, May 13: President James Gunn McKay and wife sailed for home April 20 in company with President Nicholas G. Smith of the South African Mission. Elder J. Arno Kirkham, who labored for nearly a year in the Eastern states prior to coming to England, has succeeded President McKay as president of the London conference. Elder Harold W. Bennett succeeds Sister McKay as clerk. President Charles W. Hatch was succeeded May 12, 1921, by Elder Edgar W. Jeffery, with Elder Harold H. Jenson succeeding Sister Caroline J. Hatch, as conference clerk. The Hatches held the fort alone for over a year. Sister Hatch organized the first Primary Association in Great Britain, and has also aroused great interest in genealogical work. President Virgil B. Stallings was succeeded April 24, 1921, by Elder Harold E. Brough, as president of the Nottingham conference. President Stallings also held the fort alone, except for help from local missionaries and Saints, for a long time. Elder Brough labored in the States for several months prior to assignment to England. Elder Abraham Noble has been apointed clerk of the Nottingham conference. Sister Noble is accompanying Elder Noble on his mission, and visit back to their old home in Nottingham. All three conferences have progressed under the able leadership of the retiring presi- dents and the future looks bright for missionary work in Great Britain with over a hundred missionaries from Zion in the field, with the Improve- EDITORS' TABLE 847 ment Era coming each month to the elders to cheer them up and keep them in touch with news from home; the writer has been asked to express ap- preciation to the general board of the Y. M. M. 1. A. for their kindness in sending this splendid publication, gratis to the missionaries in the field. With best wishes to all my many friends, and praying God to bless you, I am, your sincere brother. Misionaries in Birmingham Conference, May, 1921 Back row, left to right: Marvin L. Nielson, Tyler H. Barton, T. Elden Brown, John Owen Hughes, Farl N. Palfreyman, George R. Follick. Front row: Harold H. jenson, conference clerk; Caroline J. Hatch, Charles W. Hatch, outgoing conference president; Amy G. Taylor, Edgar W. Jeffery, incoming conference president Street Preaching in a Maine City The following is condensed from the Portland, Maine, Sunday Tele- gram, of Sunday, June 5: "Bridge Street Square, "Westbrook, was the scene of considerable excitement last evening when two 'Mormon' elders, Peter McKeller and David "Watkins, both of Utah, despite the protests of the mayor and several clergymen, proceeded to hold their open-air meeting. The mayor of the city had instructed Chief of Police Hebert to request the elders that no meeting be held, so when they made their ap- pearance, the Chief told them of the mayor's request, but stated that he would make no arrest. The elders appeared to wish to make a test case, but the Chief of Police refused to arrest them, having consulted Judge Pride and City Solicitor Bridgham. He told the elders, however, to cut their meetings short and sell no books; and besides, that while they might be acting within the law, the sentiment of the people was against their doctrine." It is learned from a letter received in the Era office from Elder Leland B. Anderson, that later not only were the "Mormons" refused 848 IMPROVEMENT ERA the privilege of holding meetings on the streets, but that likewise all other organizations that had heretofore held street meetings, were refused per- mission, so that now no street meetings are to be held hereafter, whereas, before, only the Latter-day Saints were refused permission to hold meet- ings on the streets. Six Added to the Church Elder H. C. Goates, President of the Southern Indiana conference writes from Indianapolis, Indiana, May 21: "Never in the history of this branch have the prospects been brighter than at present. A splendid spirit of unity prevails among the Saints and missionaries. All meetings are well attended, the street meetings being especially good. Recently we distributed eight books of Mormon after one meeting, besides an abundance of smaller literature. We held baptismal service at Eagle Creek on Sun- day, May 15. Six were added to the Church, and we look for that many more within the month. The work is greatly augmented through the ef- forts of local elders. Besides helping in all meetings, they are doing block teaching among the Saints. We have a splendid corps of missionaries here. Many homes are being opened for cottage meetings. We rejoice in the fruits of our labors and wish success to all engaged in the work of the Master." Missionaries laboring in the Indianapolis branch, left to right, back row; Owen C. Staples, Kanosh, Utah; Oleen A. Lewis, Declo; John P. Chapman, Preston. Idaho; Leo H. Hamilton, Murray. Front row: Leona Jensen, Redmond; H. C. Goates, Lehi, Utah, Conference President; C. H. Parker, Lanark, Idaho, former Conference President; Harriet Ricks, Rex- burg, Idaho.