--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Unknown collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 27 number: 7 published: 1924-05 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Unknown, “The Church in Aleppo, Syria,” *Improvement Era 27, no. 7 (May 1924)*: 651–659." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2707unse 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: improvementera2707unse start_page: 651 end_page: 659 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1924-05) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2707unse publication_year: 1924 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 1924, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # The Church in Aleppo, Syria THE CHURCH IN ALEPPO. SYRIA 651 which a report of the progress of this organization, established in October, 1923. was given. Each week this organization holds meetings. They have a library of 100 choice volumes. On the first Sunday evening of each month a joint meeting is held at which special features are presented, such as lectures from ministers, doctors, lM^» ong/uj'O unorrrt- htrth lIK uuntxj££ i ujp (j /£ o I It I* u 652 IMPROVEMENT ERA designed and handworked table cover as a token of love and remem- brance. Following their visit to Aleppo, President and Sister McKay left on the 24th of January for England via Palestine, being accompanied as far as the coast of Tyre and Sidon by President Booth. — A. In an editorial in the Millennial Star of February 28, President David O. McKay has this story to say of President Booth, heading his remarks A Man Who Loves His Fellowmen At 2:30 p. m., November 8, 1921, at the commencement of his eleventh year in the mission field, Elder Joseph Wilford Booth arrived in Aintab. On the same day, the French, who had governed Syria by mandate since the world war, gave official notice by placards of their intention to withdraw from the city and neighborhood. This meant that the Armenians would be compelled to leave also, or run the risk, either of deportation or massacre. Already their Turkish enemies had made the threat that "four hours after the French evacuate the town, not an Armenian will be alive." Of course, that was a wicked threat that possibly could not or would not be carried into effect; but to the Armenians in Aintab, whose members, it was reported, had been reduced from 25,000, to 5000 it carried fear and dreadful forebodings. No wonder, then, that the remnant of the Aintab branch of the Church who assembled in meeting two-and-a-half hours after President Booth's arrival were aglow with gratitude and joy over the privilege of meeting again their beloved missionary. One kind woman, with her countenance reflecting an appreciative soul, expressed the feeling of all when she said: "For seven years we have been in hell, but today we are in heaven!" And that joy Elder Booth seemed to share; though to succor his friends he had left a good position, and parted from home and loved ones. That evening it was decided that the members of the Church and their near associates should leave Aintab at the first opportunity. They would have started that .night, if possible. Upon his return to Aleppo, Elder Booth, who had been sustained and set apart as President of the Armenian mission, took up his abode among the refugees at Aleppo, and began to make preparations for the exodus from Aintab, eighty miles distant. What difficulties he encountered in accomplishing this duty, perhaps no one else can realize. There were carts and horses, and other transportation facilities, to secure. There was permission of a not-too-favorable govern- ment to obtain. There were winter rains and cold weather to endure, and muddy roads to traverse. How he was impressed to seek the aid of General De La Mathe of the French army, who issued an order for passports for fifty-three "Mor- mons" to come out of Aintab; how Lieutenant A. P. Guitton convoyed President Booth from Aleppo to Aintab, furnishing food, bedding and protection free of charge; how the little colony packed household furniture and personal belongings on the mule-drawn vehicles that made up the train that started from Aintab to Aleppo on a wet December day; how much of the poor but treasured household articles were abandoned by the roadside to lighten the mud-bedraggled wagons; how the Saints endured the ex- posure in comparative cheerfulness because they were going to safety; the difficulties of housing them after their arrival in Aleppo; all these experiences though unpleasant and full of anxiety are now cherished memories in the man's mind who alone carried the worry and responsibility of it all! They constitute also a bit of Church history that merits proper recognition, and THE CHURCH IN ALEPPO. SYRIA 653 which reflects the great outstanding fact that the intrepid, unselfish mis- sionary, Joseph Wilford Booth, literally gave himself to relieve, comfort and cheer a people whom he loved. Since November 1921, Elder Booth has labored constantly for the alleviation and betterment of the members of the mission over which he presides. For over a year he labored alone. April, 1923, Elder Snell joined him, and together they worked diligently in securing more commodious quarters for the colony, in teaching and in making more effective for good, the organizations in the Aleppo branch. In the renovating and the re- modelling of the large house rented, these two dauntless missionaries not only directed the efforts of carpenters, masons and plasterers, and cement mixers, but became themselves workers in these trades. It required many days of many hours each to make the head-quarters as comfortable and as presentable as they are today! But the greatest results of the past two years' devoted service are seen, not in material things, but in the development of the members of the branch. To one who saw them in their discouragement and distress in 1921, the change wrought is wonderful. It is true that from a financial standpoint many are still dependent, and are yet longing for the day or opportunity to come when they can earn their own livelihood and become permanently assured of being placed beyond the reach of dire want; but in the joy of association in surroundings of safety, in the assurance of proper care and skill in times of sickness; in opportunity for mutual helpfulness, and for spiritual growth and enlightenment, the change is little short of a trans- formation. President Booth, and Elder Snell also, during his eight months in Syria, lived with the Saints. They endured the same inconveniences, ate practically the same food — sympathized with them in their sorrows, re- joiced with them in their successes and accomplishments. Every spare dollar sent from home to the elders was shared by those in need. Elder Snell had spent fourteen months in the Swiss and German mission before going to the Armenian, and he would have remained in Syria longer, if matters of great importance had not called him home. Two years ago, very few of the Saints could muster courage to speak in meeting — very few could take part on the program. Today every member responds not only willingly, but intelligently. They sing, they pray, they bear testimony, give addresses and participate in all appropriate exercises most enthusiastically. Priesthood meetings, Relief Society, Sunday school, Mutual Improvement Association — all up-to-date, both in attendance and in courses of study! Truly, a mighty work has been accomplished. President Booth is now spending his thirteenth year in the mission field, four of which, his wife who recently joined him, has shared with him. Together, they are showing in daily acts of kindness and devotion that love for their fellowmen which only true followers of Christ can manifest. God bless Brother Booth, his faithful wife, and the people over whom he presides! His life of service says most eloquently, what Abou Ben Adhem said to the angel: "I pray thee, then, Write me as one who loves his fellow-men." David O. McKay. M. I. A. Succeeding in Dresden, Germany To hear from Dresden is to hear from one of the best branches in the Swiss-German mission. We have a modern meeting house, whose owner- ship we claim, and for which we are indeed grateful to the Lord. The fact 654 IMPROVEMENT ERA that we have been able to fill our hall with investigators and members gives us joy in the work of the Lord. Our greatest responsibility is with the younger generation, now totaling fifty per cent of our average attendance. Organization of a Mutual Improvement Association has met with the greatest results. Our membership now numbers over 200. We are holding their interest by teaching science and religion, community singing, dramatics, and oral expression. These subjects are given in connection with the study of ethics, religion, and social habits, all of which are having a decided effect in the bettering of the youth. The greatest interest has been taken in community singing, given in connection with the teaching of English. This brings life and "pep" into our meetings. Each session adds new members, new investigators, new ideas. Left to right: Douglas T. Cornwall, Roy Lundquist Our Sunday School holds an enviable place. The membership is over 250 children. We hold highly the appreciation in our hearts for having such an organization. When we see how these little folks are developing, and the way they perform in recitation and song, we realize more fully the value of the Suiiday Schools. We have a children's choir, an organization of real merit. It numbers over fifty voices. They follow their leader exactly, their eyes sparkling with interest. One would hardly dream that such music could come from the throats of these little tots! We might also mention our large choir of sixty voices composed mostly of friends. A wonderful missionary work has been accomplished in holding the interest of so many investigators and bringing them into our services. We feel the Spirit of the Lord manifest in every meeting, filling our hearts with joy and love for the work. These German people have been through hardships. They have witnessed the bitterness of hunger. They understand the embarrassment of ragged clothing. They have felt the pains of loveless, unvirtuous life. They are broken in nerves and physique, through being victims of the haunting consciousness of their deplorable social and moral conditions. The six years of living from hand to mouth, with the catastrophe of the mark, and the jumping of prices, keeping food almost beyond their reach has weakened their minds and bodies, making many lose faith in their God. But there are still many stalwart souls. When these people are brought together in fast meeting they bear testimony, strongly and undauntedly that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the Lord. I tell you, readers, that we are a proud group of missionaries to have been blessed to work with such people; to study them; to read their souls; to bring them into the Church; to teach them the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and to worship God with them. — Elder Douglas T. Cornwall, Dresden, Ger- many, Feb. 10, 1924. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 655 Sunday School and Preaching Services Well Attended President J. E. Shaw of the West Iowa conference, writing from Des. Moines, Iowa, declares that they enjoy the Improvement Era in the mission* field very much because it assists them materially in spreading the gospel Elders of the West Iowa conference, Sioux City branch, left to right: J. Earl West, Rigby, Idaho; Ivan R. Briggs, Otto, Wyoming; M. P. Randall, Carey, Idaho; J. C. Christensen, Shelley, Idaho; Conference President J. E. Shaw, Liberty, Utah. Elders of the West Iowa conference, Council Bluff, left to right: Verl L. Staker, Teton, Idaho, Robert Mortensen, Duncan, Arizona; J. Kenneth Michie. Tabiona, Utah; Leonard Albrecht, Fremont, Utah. message to many who are given the opportunity to read its contents, and also reports that the work in the Sioux City branch is prospering and that new homes are being opened up, that the elders have always a place to make a visit or hold a meeting with people who are searching for the truth, and the Lord is leading the elders to the doors of the honest in heart. Recently Elder J. C. Christensen and M. P. Randall report success in their work in opening new opportunities for cottage meetings, and their Sunday School and the preaching services are well attended. They look forward with pleasure to the arrival of the Era which they declare assists them very much in theit missionary work in preaching the gospel. 656 IMPROVEMENT ERA The Work in Montana Elder S. A. Hendricks, president of the Montana conference of the Northwestern States mission, reports a conference held in Butte, November .10, President Brigham S. Young of the mission being in attendance. The reports of the missionaries for the past three months showed fair progress. Elders Peterson and Hadley reported considerable success in selling books and gaining friends in the Gallitan valley. Elders Clarke and Sego found joy in their work and were treated kindly by the people in the district from Three Forks to Miles City. They distributed much literature and held many meet- ings. Elder Gilleland and Rasmussen, laboring in the northern part of the state and on the Milk River, reported a colony of "Mormon" people settling there. The influence of these settlers among the people of that sction causfed them to investigate the doctrines and a big field was opened for missionary work. Elders Hendricks and Denham have been laboring at Wolfpoint among the Indians. Elder Hendricks was appointed to succeed Elder Henderson as conference president. Twenty-five people have been baptized in the conference during the past three months. Elders Gilleland and Sego have been released to return to Manassa, Colorado. Elder Newel K. Budge of Paris, Idaho, recently arrived. Elders of the Montana conference, left to right, back row: Orrin E. Peterson, Newel K. Budge. Center row: I. V. Gilleland; Thomas L. Clark; Lawrence Hadley; K- Marvin Rasmussen. Front row: W. P. Den- ham; S. A. Hendricks, conference president; S. R. Sego. A Native School Accompanying is a photograph of the Vavau Saints, at Hallaufuli, dur- ing the Vavau conference, June 27, 1923. Below is a picture of the Kindergarten Sunday school class, conducted by Sister Mary Davies Leavitt, at Haalaufuli, Vavau, her only assistant being a young native girl, Taofi by name. Through her work in this class alone Sister Leavitt has endeared herself to the whole Haalaufuli village, members and non-members alike. She practically mothers all the children in Haalaufuli. — Pres. M. V. Coombs. < as . C u U"S 5 &) *T3 u 5i (3 266 >j <" ti -^ -o « o JS Si .at u a SS» J3 p U y e X H-S ; a^s ^ u J5 CM O - 2 o CO c "■"■ w Q, a> o» •g 0 -g X! h 00 o M * -G .2 o « . 4-» ri to 41 3 «j XI OJ3 w >-i *■■ ^•° C MESSAGES. FROM THE MISSIONS 659 Jonsson is sitting in the second row, next to mission President and Sister Hugo D. E. Peterson, of Salt Lake City, next to him reading from left is con- ference President Anthon Pehrson, of Logan, Utah. Our orchestra is composed of Elder Jonsson and Miss Milderd Peterson, daughter of the mission presi- dent, seventh from left .to right in the front row, violin ; Miss Krantz, sixth from left to right in the third row, pianist; and Miss Karin Weijland, first on the left in the front row, organ. The soloists are Mrs. Ruth Johansson fifth from the left, third row back and Mrs. Inez Perciwall, third from the left in the second row. Several male members of the choir were not present at the time the picture was taken. In the center of the back row are seen Elders Joseph W. Hoagland, Hjalmar Sjodin and Stellan Thedell, all of Salt Lake City. — HUGO D. E. PETERSON. Progress Through Cooperation Elder M. Lynn Bennion, conference president of the Southwest Mis- souri conference, at Webb City, Missouri, reports that large crowds were in attendance on October 28 at the three sessions of their conference. "The mis- sionary reports given in the Priesthood meeting showed marked progress in the work of the Lord. With twelve missionaries in the field, we have been able to open new fields of labor and the elders are to visit many new towns this winter. This work is made possible through the earnest cooperation of the Saints in the various branches. The slogan of the conference, 'Every Saint a Missionary,' is solving the missionary problem. The Mutual Im- provement work has been one of the great means of calling the Saints to preach the gospel. We consider the Improvement Era a big help in our mis- sionary labors and a source of joy in the homes of the Latter-day Saints." Missionaries of the southwest Missouri conference, left to right: (top row) T. M. Adams, Sarah E. Koyle, Rosella Mallory, Lucy Houston. Middle row: Oliva Godfrey, Charity Leavitt, M. Lynn Bennion, conference presi- dent; Helen Burton, Louie Jenkins. Front row: Belinda Mae Heath, Dixon Burton, W. H. Anderson, Emily Thornton.