--- 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: 25 number: 4 published: 1922-02 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Priesthood Quorums’ Table," *Improvement Era* 25, no. 4 (February 1922): 366–369.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2504unse 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: improvementera2504unse start_page: 366 end_page: 369 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1922-02) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2504unse publication_year: 1922 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 1922, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Priesthood Quorums’ Table PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE in lliiilllilliinilllill i ITTTHTP! The Aaronic Priesthood Preparation, Ordination and Training of Young Men (Continued) The Deacon 15. The Candidate — Several months before a boy becomes twelve years of age he should be considered a Candidate for the Aaronic Priesthood. The Bishopric should have an interview with him in the presence of his par- ent preferably in their home. They should appreciate the privilege and blessing in the proposed ordination and should be informed that before being given the office of Deacon certain requirements will be made of the boy. 16. Requirements Before Ordination — The Candidate should be about twelve years of age; there should be full understanding and hearty co- operation on the part of the parents; the boy should be clean in body and thought, observe the Word of Wisdom and be free from profanity. 17. Examination — This should not be too formal nor too technical, but more in the way of a discussion or an interview between the Candidate and the Bishop, perhaps in the presence of the parents. As far as possible he should realize the sacredness and privilege of the ordination, and that in accepting this honor he will be expected to magnify his calling by labor- ing in the service of the Lord under the direction of the quorum presi- dency and the ward Bishopric. 18. Nomination — When the Candidate is worthy, his name should first be presented to the Deacons' quorum and then to the general Priest- hood. When he has been accepted by the Quorum and the general Priest- hood of the ward he should attend, in company with his parents and friends, a sacramental or fast meeting, by special invitation and appoint- ment by the Bishop. The Candidate should sit on the stand. His name should be submitted to the congregation for approval, in harmony with the word of the Lord Doc. and Cov. Sec. 20. The Bishop should address the congregation somewhat as follows: 19 "This brother (or these brethren, mentioning the name or names) has fulfilled the requirements and is considered by the Bishopric to be worthy to receive the Priesthood, and to be ordained a Deacon. He has expressed a willingness to honor and magnify the calling. We are satis- fied that he is worthy, that he observes the Word of Wisdom and is free from profanity. He has been accepted by the general Priesthood of the ward and we now present his name for your consideration and recom- mend that he be ordained a Deacon." While the Bishop is making the nomination the Candidate should stand at his side. 20. Ordination, Assignment, Enrollment and Certificate of Ordination — The ordination should be attended to in the sacramental or fast meeting. A relative, preferably the father, may assist as the Bishop may direct. Immediate assignment should be made to the quorum, the officers in- structed publicly to enroll the Deacon, and he should be invited to at- tend the next quorum meeting, which is his training class. At once, after ordination, the Ward Clerk should issue a certificate of ordination and deliver it to the Deacon with instruction that he carefully preserve it for future use. 21. How Long a Deacon?— The Deacon should serve about three PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 367 years, during which time he should get a thorough understanding and training in his privileges and duties, and a knowledge of the preparatory gospel. 22. His Activities — The Deacon will receive instruction and practice in (1) passing the Sacrament, (2) acting as door tender and usher, (3) col- lecting fast offerings, (4) helping provide fuel for widows, (5) assisting the janitor in and around the meetinghouse. He may assist Candidates in their preparation for the Priesthood, and take up a real missionary labor with neglectful and careless boys, act as aid to the Bishop and render other special service in the ward. 23. Duties — The faithful Deacon will honor the Sabbath Day, ob- serve the Word of Wisdom and Law of Tithing and be present at tithing settlement. He will observe the monthly fast and attend Priesthood and Sacramental meetings, Sunday School and Mutual. He is expected to at- tend to his secret prayers night and morning, to ask the blessing upon the food, and to take part in prayer in the family circle and in his quorum. He will be expected to obey his parents and to respect Church and civil authority. 24. Course of Study for Three Years— The above activities and duties, as well as his course of study to be followed in the quorum class, will be thoroughly covered in outlines prepared especially for Deacons. From these lessons he will learn something of the standard Church works, the history of the Church and the first principles of the gospel. He will get considerable practice in re-telling gospel stories and in praying and sing- ing in his quorum, all looking forward to preparation for the mission field. He should commit to memory many quotations and choice se- lections from the standard Church works. The class study for the Deacon covers three years. The quorum will follow but one year's outline at a time, but it may be the first year for some members, the second for others, and the third for still others. , „ , , „ , . 25. Advancement— When a Deacon has served faithfully for about three years he should be fully prepared and otherwise woithy of promo tion from the office of Deacon to that of Teacher. The Teacher 26. Requirements—Before ordination to the office of Teacher a young man should have served faithfully for about three years in the office of Deacon. The quorum records should show that he performed the duties assigned him, that he took part in all Deacon activities, and that he has satisfactorily completed the course of study. (See paragraphs 22-14.) 27. Candidate-The Bishop will decide when a Deacon is worthy to hold the office of Teacher, and so notify the parents In an "^ry.ew with the Deacon and his parents, the Bishop should tell them lhat before or- dination the young man must pass an examination covering his activities and development since he received the Priesthood. 28. Examination-This interview or discussion between the Bishop and the Candidate might well be held in the Hm%^-*f *Tt he^s Bishop should satisfy himself of the young man's clean living, *at he has magnified his calling as Deacon, and that he is worthy of advancement SeTould appreciate" the privilege and be willing to ^charge the added responsibilities of the higher office in the Pnestaood Th e pwento should feel honored and cooperate, earnestly in their so n s farther Pr°J™«- 29. Ordination-Thh should be conducted in the "jme ™«™ « -• *e ordination to the office of Deacon (See ^^l^^j^U and friends should be present. This promotion is an important the young man's life* 368 IMPROVEMENT ERA 30. Privileges — Additional responsibilities come with the new office. According to the word of the Lord, the Teacher is to watch over the Churchy to mingle with and strengthen the members, and to see that no iniquity exists; that there is no backbiting or evil speaking, and that the members meet together often, and that they do their duty. 31. His Activities — The Teacher may act in any office or calling in which he has acted as Deacon, as the Bishop may direct. The Teacher should now be given opportunity to assist in the teaching of some gospel class, to get experience in public speaking, praying in public services, and in conducting some of the exercises in meetings. He should be assigned districts in the ward where he will accompany and assist the visiting teachers. He will assist the Deacons in their training and class work. While the Priests are officiating at baptism, the Teacher may be present and be of some assistance. He should attend tithing settlement. 32. Course of Study— Outlines covering three years of study will be provided. These lessons will continue the study of the standard Church works, the history of the Church and the teachings of the gospel, with the special aim of preparing him to teach and labor among Church members. 33. Advancement — When a Teacher has served faithfully for about three years he should have completed the course of study and be fully prepared for, and otherwise worthy of, promotion from the office of Teacher to that of Priest. The Priest 34. Preparation and Requirements — The preparation for the office of Priest is the teaching and training received by the young raaR while Deacon and Teacher. Before ordination to the office of Priest a young man should have served faithfully for about three years in the office of Teacher. His attendance at Priesthood meetings, activities in quorum duties, and prog- ress in the course of study, will be checked from the quorum records. The performance of these duties and completion of the outlines will be re- quired. (See Par. 22-24 and 30-32.) 35. The Candidate and His Examination — The Teacher who has ful- filled the requirements will be designated a Candidate for the office of Priest. The Bishop will so notify the parents. The Bishop will visit the Candidate and, in the presence of his parents, should discuss his quorum record since he became a Teacher. The Bishop should satisfy himself of the young man's worthiness and preparation for advancement. The Candidate should express a willingness to magnify the new calling, and all should be happy that he is now to enter the highest office in the Aaronic Priesthood. 36. Ordination and Privileges — The ordination should be conducted in the same manner as the previous ordination. (See paiagraphs 18-20). The young man now comes under the direct supervision of the Bishop, whose duty it is to sit in council with the Priests and direct their training and activities. He now has the authority to administer the sacrament and to baptize. He will also have greater opportunity to teach the gospel, both in public and in private. (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 20) 37. His Activities — The Priest may act in any office or calling of the Deacon or Teacher, as the Bishop may direct. He may be called upon to administer the sacrament, to baptize; to assist in the class work and train- ing of the Deacons and Teachers; to take part in cottage and public indoor and outdoor meetings; special labors should be assigned him by the Bishop, in the care and protection of Church property. He will have opportunity of visiting the Saints and explaining the gospel in prepara- tion for the Melchizedek Priesthood and laboring in the mission field. PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 369 38. Course of Study— The Priest will be provided with a three years' course of study which will be a continuation of the lessons on the stand- ard Church works, the history of the Church, and the principles and doc- trines of the gospel, with the completion of which he should be established in the faith and fully prepared to go into the mission field. As already stated, this outline is to serve as a guide for Bishops in the teaching and training of young men in the Aaronic Priesthood. If modi- fications are necessary to meet local conditions, they should not detract from the spirit of the suggestions. The definite purpose is to instil in the hearts of young men a true love for God and man. The Lord's plan provides for preparation of the young man for ef- ficient service in ;he Melchizedek Priesthood and to fill his place with dignity in the Church. This is so important that the Bishop should call the most capable men in the ward to assist in the work. The outline is submitted with a prayer to our heavenly Father that he may inspire thoee who are responsible for the training of the youth Oi Zion. It the suggestions are followed under the guiding influence of the holy Spirit there should be established within the youth's heart faith in God and a testimony of his great latter-day work. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5. Montpelier Stake Fathers and Sons' Outing held June 28-30, on the Cow Creek, in the mountains east of Mont- pelier near the Wyoming line. One hundred sixty-eight people spent three delightful days together here from the cares and routine of daily life. Games and sports mornings and evening! Fishing daily in the creek and adjacent tributary streams. The morning and evening assembly consisted of short religious ceremonies, raising and lowering of the flag, talks and stories. The party was transported in 32 automobiles and one wagon, all under direc- tion of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association of the stake, and personally in charge of stake superintendent Roy George. From the large attendance and enthusiasm of the excursionists, the Fathers and Sons' movement is gaining popularity, not only in Montpelier stake, but wher- ever it has been observed, and many thousands of fathers and sons, during the past summer, enjoyed themselves in these outings. (See picture, p. 353.) The offer of a Temple site in California was declined by the Council o/ tho Twelve, Dec. 15, because of the present financial circumstances. It was made on the condition that a $500,000 structure be erected on the lot. The proposition included six acres of ground located on Grand View boule- vard in Ocean Park heights. The Church, if accepting it, obligated itself to cooperate with the Culver company in pushing a colonization scheme whereby 160 acres surrounding the proposed temple site should be settled by "Mormons." Although the acreage offered by the Culver company is most advantageously situated it is only one of several locations which have been offered to the Church recently for the erection of a temple.