Messages from the Missions

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with Many Friends and Investigators Hobart, Tasmania, in the Australian mission, is the farthest south of any city of us size in the world. ""The city has a very moderate climate is in the center of a fruit-growing section, and boasts of one of the largest electrolytic zinc plants in the world. The people are very hospitable and offer no opposition, but are indiffe.cn: to :h; gospel of Jesus Christ We have Elders of the Hobart Branch Tasmanian conference, Australian mission, left to right: Lyold N. Croxford, Murray, Utah; Harvey O Crook, Smoot, Wyoming; Leon A. Robins, Lay ton, Conference president; Front, Arlie V. Bean, Richfield, Utah, outgoing conference president. in the last six months had the pleasure to baptize twenty new members into the Church. We have also organized a sub-branch at Glen Huon, a fruit-growing district, where we have a Sunday School and hold meetings frequently. The work of the Lord is progressing favorably here and it looks as if we would be able to increase our members some in the near future. We have many friends and investigators. We enjoy reading the Improvement Era and find it a great help in the spreading of the gospel. — Leon .A. Robins, conference president. Prospects in Adelaide Encouraging Adelaide, South Australia, reports a conference held there February 24, 1924, at which President Don C. Rushton attended. A priesthood meeting was held of the local priesthood, and Conference President Parley P. Jensen, who conducted the exercises, reported the condition of the work in that district and explained that two brethren were recommended to be advanced in the Priesthood, Albert N. Peddler, a teacher to a priest, and Thomas

836 IMPROVEMENT ERA Virgin, deacon to a teacher. Timely instructions were given by President Rushton, and Sunday School conference convened at 2:30 in the afternoon of the 24th, Superintendent Donald Crane in charge. There was a splendid attendance. The Articles of Faith, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer, were repeated respectfully by the Advanced Theological class, the Theological class and the Primary. The regular conference session convened at 4:30 and from the reports given at the conference, the prospects are very encouraging. Strong testimonies were given after which the local authorities Missionaries left to right: (standing) Reuben A. Call. Bountiful. Utah: William S. Geddes, Preston. Idaho: George E. Johnson, Collingston, Utah; Sitting, Conference President Parley P. Jensen, Bancroft, Idaho: Mission President Don C. Rushton, Salt Lake City; Claudius Tolman, Honey vilie, Utah, retiring conference president, from Perth, West Australia. were presented for approval and unanimously sustained. An investigators' meeting was held in the evening at 7 o'clock at which the object of baptism was dwelt upon by President Rushton, and 3 3 members and 17 investigators were present. A report meeting was held on Monday evening at which each department reported progress." — Parley P. Jensen, conference president. Denver Conference (See Opposite Page) Front row, left to right, Elmer R. Mathews, Mission "secretary; John Nelson, visitor; Raymond B. Holbrook; Wm. R. Strong, mission bookkeeper; Erwin Nelson. Canadian mission; A. Delbert Smith. Second row: Joseph Anderson, Sec'y to Pres. Grant; Mary A. Van, Pres. of Denver Relief Society; John M. Knight, Mission President; Mrs. Florence R. Knight, president of Relief Societies of the Western States mission; Heber J. Grant, President of the Church; Mrs. Augusta W. Grant; Mrs. Anna Midgley, daughter of Pres. Grant; Heber G. Taylor, president Grant'* Grandson; George S. Daines, conference presidenr. Third row: Professor Chas. R. Johnson; Milton Bodell: Bessie Stcinagel, matron; Virginia Nielsen; Minnie Knight; Vcnola Ohlwiler; Thelma Huish; L i Hie Hunt; Wilmirth Johnson; Veda Bertosch. Tod row: Francis C. Cowley; Jennie Randall, mission stenographer; Vidclla Rushton; Alice Garlick; Grace Jones; F. Orlin May; Golden A. Layton; Edward G. Matheson.

( ' ' ■ i' 4^ ~^T* *>M "**" J^ 1- " * • v^i> r«tJ | > -***tigi. '■' K<fl 9^£ 5^5 1 I

838 IMPROVEMENT ERA From Tahiti From the elders of the Tahitian mission, we learn recently that their work is progressing very nicely, although they are working at a great handi- cap. The elders are all doing good work and backing the President for a bigger and better showing of converts from now on. Elders laboring in the Tahitian mission, left to right: Elder Hayes, mission secretary, Grace, Idaho; Wallace Martin, Murray, lately returned; Elder Peterson, Garland; T. Burbidge, Salt Lake City, just returned; Elder Pierce, Beaver; Elder Fougler, Ogden; President O. B. Peterson and wife and family in front, Salt Lake City. Elders Merrill and Korth Nelson and Walker were out in the islands when the picture was taken. An Ideal Conference Horton C. Miller, conference secretary of the Konigsberg conference, Prussia, Swiss-German mission, reports a conference held on March 1, 2 and 3 at that place. "Presidents David O. McKay and Fred Tadje were in attendance. Five meetings were held. It was the best spirited conference that our Church has ever conducted in East Prussia. On Sunday, March 2, there were present at the three sessions as follows: Sunday School, 670; after- noon meeting, 670; evening meeting, 880; easily 50 per cent of each meeting being investigators. The spirit of peace and love was ever present at each meeting to such an extent that President McKay exclaimed: 'Konigs- berg, elders and Saints recall an ideal conference!' The Sunday School work, which occupies first place in President McKay's heart, and the musical ex- ercises were given special mention in the addresses. The Konigsberg choir, eighty voices strong, we consider beyond doubt the 'Super-one' in the European mission. It was referred to as one of the Church's best. The missionaries' work here in its organization reminds one of our well organized

MESSAGES PROM THE MISSIONS 839 wards in Zion. The Swiss and German mission is a strong advocate of the expression: 'Organization is a means to greater accomplishments'." 9 1 J » Kr Elders left to right, front row: J. Russell Hughes, Provo; Horton C Miller, conference secretary, Farmington; J. Maiben Squires, conference president, Logan; David O. McKay, president European mission; Fred Tadje, president Swiss and German mission; Jean Wunderlich, mission office, Basel; Lluwellyn McKay, Frankfurt conference, Ogden; Jesse Curtis, Salt Lake City. Middle row: Paul Zeuner, Leipzig, Germany; Otto Menssen, Hamburg, Germany; Lorenzo S. Walker, Farmington; Carvel M. James, Salt Lake City; Lewis H. Hunsaker, Brigham; Adolf O. Reichert, Salt Lake City; Duayne L. Anderson, Pleasant Grove; Harold Parkinson, Wellsville. Back row: Harold snow, Salt Lake City; Leslie J. Christensen, Ogden; LeRoy E. Lundquist, Salt Lake City; Glen H. Draper, Pleasant Grove; F. Artell Smith, Rexburg, Idaho; Raymond Lehi Kirkham, Lehi; Fred Bischoff, Salt Lake City. New Church Building Dedicated in Sydney "A new church building has just been completed and dedicated in Sydney, N. S. W. Australia, much to the joy and satisfaction of the elders and Saints of the New South Wales Conference. The corner stone was laid October 20, 1923, by Mission President Don C. Rushton, and the Church was dedicated January 13, 1924, also by President Rushton. We feel it a great pleasure to be able to meet in a building dedicated to the Most High, a building free from the conditions so prevalent in the halls we have met in during times past. In our meetings the Spirit of the Lord has been poured out upon us in rich abundance as an acknowledgment of our efforts that we have put forth in erecting this building. An average of six elders have given freely and willingly of their time, and all the labor and much of the mechani- cal work has been done by them. In connection with the dedication on the 13th of January, we held conference, and at the three sessions we had an average attendance of 115 people which is the largest number ever attended a conference in Sydney. From the reports given every line showed an in- crease since our last conference which was held some ten months ago. The missionaries have averaged 11 hours and 15 minutes per day, and as a result of their faithful labors we have had several baptisms. The future has some

840 IMPROVEMENT ERA very bright prospects for us as we have many friends who are interested in our message. The Saints are striving to live the gospel and they aid us greatly in breaking down the prevailing indifference. There are many good people in this fair land of Australia, and we hope, with the assistance of the Lord to reach the 'honest in heart' and bring them to a knowledge of the truth." — Cecil S. James. Conference President. Liverpool, England Elder Q. David Hansen, Blackburn. England, president of the Liver- pool conference, British mission writes: The missionaries are, back row left to right: John E. Owens. Burnley, president of Burnley branch; Walter Thompson, Blackburn, president of Blackburn branch; Arthur L. Fuller, Eden, Utah. Second row: Edward B. Smith, Lewiston, Utah; Lyle A. Riggs, Mesa, Arizona; John Walsh, Farmington; John C. Rowell, Murray. Front row: Leonard D. Jenson, Ogden, incoming clerk; Ralph A. Bailey, Monticello; Q. David Hansen, Richfield, conference president; Wallace R. Budge, Ogden, Utah, outgoing clerk. Brother Hansen relates the following interesting account taken from a letter which he received a short time ago from a Church of England minister, which, in a measure, expresses their feel- ings as missionaries: "The Era you sent me I have been reading, and I do not know of another journal so full of interest and so useful, at least to such as I, as is this magazine of yours. It says many things I could not say half so well, even if I had the opportunity. I hope it has a good circulation and is well read." Eight Baptized in Texas Elder John Langden, of Ft. Worth, Texas, writes that the work of the North Texas conference is progressing in that district and that many school houses and churches are open for the elders to hold meetings in. "Up to September 15, eight souls have been baptized as the fruits of our labors which impels us to work more diligently to teach the gospel. The elders of this conference desire to be remembered to their friends and co-workers in other fields, through the Era. which we appreciate very much and enjoy reading. It is a power for good in the lives of the missionaries and a source

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 841 of much inspiration." Missionaries left to right, front: Harold N. Pugmire; L. W. Doxey, former conference president; John Langdon, con- ference president; Leslie E. Sheek ; back row: Wm. E. Buck, James E. Petersen, Wm. Ray Nelson. Illustrated Lectures in California Mission The illustrated Lecture has proved successful in the California mission in preaching the gospel. Elder Gustive O. Larson, former superintendent of Sunday Schools and Y. M. M. I. A. h.is prepared and delivered three such lectures throughout the mission while traveling in the interests of these organizations. Assistants have always accompanied him to shift the pic- tures to fit into the lecture. The pictures have appeared to support the thoughts presented, and except where it was necessary to explain a picture, no direct xeference h;.s been made to it. The first lecture presented was, "The History of Mormonism," supported by 140 slides and occupying one hour and a quarter. The second was. "Ancient American Civilization," or, external evidences of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. This is sup- ported by 100 slides, occupying a little more than one hour. The third is, "Temples and Temple Work," occupying about forty minutes. The first slides for these lectures were secured through the Bureau of Information. Salt Lake City. These have been added to occasionally as new items have come to attention. For instance, the Rancho LaBrea Tar pit discoveries, six central American ancient cities, and Ancient Canal beds in Arizona, have been added. A portable Victor machine is used, secured through Mr. Frank J. Pickering, in Chicago. The lectures have been delivered in all parts of the mission, often the same lecture twice in one place. No difficulty has been experienced in secur- ing places to give them. Chapels, lodge halls, high schools, civic auditoriums, and theatres have all freely opened their doors, and in the open air they have been given on the street, beach and auto parks. Twice it was given on river boats, plying between Sacramento and San Francisco. One hundred eleven presentations have been made to date, to audiences varying from 50 to 2000. In Mesa, Arizona and Long Beach, Calif., audiences of 2000 were present made up largely of non-members. It is estimated that over 30,000 people have attended the lectures. Considerable attention has been given to advertising. Missionaries have given it splendid support, in preparation; hand bills have been printed for

842 IMPROVEMENT ERA distribution, window cards have been displayed, public announcements made and newspaper announcements willingly published. At Long Beach a 20- foot banner was hung across the street leading to the auditorium with the announcement of the lecture supported l»y the Los Angeles Choir. The results have been gratifying everywhere. Hundreds of friends have been made who have freely expressed interest in the subjects. Many Books of Mormon and other literature have been disposed of at the lectures. People have been attracted by the pictures, who could not have been attracted other- wise, and the pictures have told their story in their own peculiar way. Favorable comments have come from prominent auditors. Col. McClintock, author of Mormon Colonization in Arizona, and Dr. Omar A. Turney, head of the Arizona archaeological society, expressed themselves pleased with the presentation in Phoenix, Arizona. Unexpected comments are often heard in reference to some past presentations. — Gustive O. Larson. Active Work in Peoria, Illinois Evald Nygren, writing from Peoria, Illinois, reports the elders are enjoying their labors and meeting with great success. They have bap- tized during the past two months fourteen new members, distributed 543 Books of Mormon, and 10.806 other literature. They have had over 5,000 gospel conversations and looking forth for more baptisms in the near future. "We can notice a different spirit toward the Latter-day Saints today than was exhibited eighty years ago in this state. One of our elders had a con- versation with a lady who stated she was a daughter of one of the mob who killed the Prophet and his brother. She acknowledged the injustice done, and felt that they are paying the penalty for the act. She was very tolerant toward our teaching." Missionaries laboring in trie Northern Illinois conference. Northern States Mission, bottom row, left to right: Evald Nygren, conference president, Murray; Royal S. Hunt, Central; Woodruff H. Medley, Holliday, Utah; J. Elmer Knight, Burley; Derold B. Clifford, Antelope, Idaho. Top row: William L. Howell, Garland; J. E. Cameron, Panguitch; C. W. Price, Ogden, Utah; F. A. Brown, Luna, New Mexico; DeWitt J. Paul, Salt Lake City. Died in the Field Wallace Bingham, son of B. H. Bingham of West Ogden, died in New Zealand. He departed for a mission to that country on the first of December, 1923. His body will be returned to Utah for burial. He was born on July 9, 1902, and graduated from the WeW college in 1923.

This picture was taken on the occasion of the second annual celebration of the exploration and naming of Ensign Peak, conducted by members of the Ensign stake, under the direction of John D. Giles, on July 26, 1919. The group shows two of the descendants, of the original party who made the ascent on July 26, 1847, as follows, Asahel H. Woodruff, son of Wilford

844 IMPROVEMENT ERA Woodruff; the child hcing held, Asahel Lincoln Wood, grandson of Wilford Woodruff; the late General Richard W. Young, grandson of Brigham Young. On the occasion referred to, two hundred people made the ascent of the peak and listened to an impressive and appropriate program of speech and song. The late General Richard W. Young, then president of the Ensign stake, spoke, and the benediction was pronounced by Asahel H. Wood- ruff. The transformation scene from the peak, as the evening shadows gathered and the lights of the city beautiful were turned on, was a sight never to be forgotten, the glory of which few of Salt Lake's citizen's realize. On the Brink of Mortality "Thou mysterious Life, what art thou, That I tremble at thy threshold, That I dare not venture onward, Fearful of thy mystic secrets? Time, thy servant, bids me venture — Will not listen to my pleadings To be left outside thy boundary. Life, I fear to do his bidding, Fear to meet thee and to know thee, For I fain would know thy secrets Ere I venture through thy doorway." "Oh, thou fearful, doubting stranger, Why dost thou delay thy footsteps? Come, I bid thee, do not linger, Come forth bravely now to greet me. To the one who cometh gladly, And who courage hath, and wisdom, Shall be given in abundance All my gifts, both great and wondrous Yes, to those who struggle bravely Shall be added strength and courage. To the humble and the righteous Shall be given choicest blessings. True, there are among my pathways Many thorny, stony places Where thy tired feet may stumble. But the way leads on and upward Till it ends upon the threshold Of a glorious, shining mansion, Thine to enter and abide in, Granted to thee by the Father. Wilt thou fear or linger longer, Wilt thou tremble at my doorway, Daring not to cross the threshold Where such glorious things await thee?'